San Pantaleón

The festival of San Pantaleón (Saint Pantaleon) is the main celebration in honour of the village’s patron saint, and takes place on 27 and 28 July. Preparations begin well in advance. Ahead of the festival, local residents paint their houses and decorate the village for the occasion. From 18 to 26 July, a series of religious events (known as novenas) take place in honour of the saint. For the novena of 25 July, a floral offering is made to the saint. The main day of the festival is 27 July. The day begins with a parade, accompanied by live music and the letting off of fireworks throughout the route. At 12:00 there is a special Eucharist in honour of the saint. The church is filled to bursting with worshippers. At 21:00, the bells are rung, fireworks are let off, and the figure of the saint is carried through the village streets by more than 50 costaleros. During the procession, more fireworks are let off, rose petals are thrown, and the residents applaud and shout “Long live San Pantaleón! Long live our patron saint! Long live the blessed San Pantaleón!” as the figure passes by.

When the figure reaches the church, the costaleros and worshippers bid farewell to it until next year. The festivities continue in Plaza Constitución with music from two bands.

When the figure reaches the church, the costaleros and worshippers bid farewell to it until next year. The festivities continue in Plaza Constitución with music from two bands. Like the previous day, the celebrations on 28 July begin with a parade. At midday, Plaza Constitución hosts a communal meal of rice and fried breadcrumbs with sardines. In the afternoon, communal games (such as ribbon-plucking on horseback and bicycle, and cucañas or piñatas) take place in Plaza Padre Emilio. In the evening, the festivities continue in Plaza Constitución with music from two bands. There are two legends linked to San Pantaleón: one involves his blood, while the other involves the theft of the figure during the Spanish Civil War.