San Marcos

To this day, the festival is celebrated exactly as Gerald Brenan described it in his book *South from Granada*. It takes place the weekend before or after the celebration in El Ejido, making it easier for locals who have emigrated there to attend.

The festivities begin with a musical parade through the town streets, followed by a Mass honoring Saint Mark the Evangelist and Saint Isidore the Farmer. Immediately afterward, a procession carries both saints from the Church of San Juan Bautista in Bérchules to the Church of Santa María la Mayor in Alcútar and back again. They are accompanied by local residents and visitors—many dressed in flamenco attire—as well as the town band, floats decorated by locals, horses and mules decked out in their finest tack, and livestock (cows, sheep, etc.).

On the return journey from the Alcútar church—roughly halfway through the procession—Saint Mark the Evangelist blesses the fields and the animals (the *costaleros* or bearers rotate the statue 360 ​​degrees) to ensure their safety and protect the crops from harm. Upon reaching the "Fuente de las Carmelas" (Carmelas' Fountain), the festival organizers (*mayordomos*) stationed along the roadside distribute what is popularly known as "*la caridad*" (charity): bread rings previously blessed by the priest. These are handed out to everyone attending the procession, including the animals. Once the celebration concludes at "Plaza Padre Emilio," the organizers present awards for the best float, the best mount, and the best... ...livestock.

Once this event concludes, traditional games take place in the same square in the afternoon (ribbon races on horseback and by bicycle, and greasy pole contests). Later that night, an open-air dance featuring a live band is held in the municipality's multi-purpose hall.
The festivities continue the following day with a community meal in Plaza Constitución, a short traditional music concert by the string ensemble "Los Vergeles," a flamenco performance by local children, and a theater production performed by local residents.