San Marcos

Today, the festival of San Marcos (Saint Mark), is still celebrated in the same way as Gerald Brenan described it in his book South from Granada. It takes place on the weekend before or after the festival in El Ejido, so that those from outside the municipality can also attend. The festivities begin on Saturday with a parade, accompanied by live music and fireworks. At 12:00 there is a special Eucharist in honour of San Marcos and San Isidro (Saint Isidore). After the Eucharist, the figures of both saints are carried in a procession from Bérchules to Alcútar. The saints are accompanied by worshippers (many dressed as flamenco artists), live music, floats, horses and mules wearing their finest saddles, and even farm animals such as cows and sheep. In the locale of Cuatro Vientos, the figure of San Marcos blesses the fields and animals in order to protect them from disease and bad weather. At Fuente de las Carmelas, members of the confraternity line the road and hand out specially blessed pastries (a gesture popularly known as la caridad) to all those attending the procession – including the animals! In Plaza Padre Emilio, prizes are awarded for the best floats, saddles and animals. In the afternoon, the same plaza hosts communal games such as ribbon-plucking on horseback and bicycle, and cucañas or piñatas. In the evening, the festivities continue at the village hall in Plaza Constitución, with music from a live band. At midday on Sunday, Plaza Constitución is the venue for a communal meal of rice, and in the afternoon the village hall hosts a range of activities – including flamenco dancing, traditional music concerts, and theatrical performances – organised by the local residents.