Santo Cristo de la Misericordia

Santo Cristo is the patron saint of the town of Alcútar, and this is the town's main festival. It is celebrated on the second weekend of August. In the days leading up to the festivities, residents decorate their streets and homes for the occasion.

The celebration begins on the Sunday prior to the main festival with the lowering of the Christ figure onto its processional platform, marking the start of a series of religious services (novenas) in his honor. The final novena takes place on Friday, during which local residents present floral offerings to the saint.

Saturday is the most important day, as it features the festival's most moving events. The day begins in the morning with a musical parade through the town, accompanied by the local band and the firing of rockets along the route.

At 12:00 AM, Mass in honor of Santo Cristo de la Misericordia (Holy Christ of Mercy) is held at the Church of Santa María la Mayor in Alcútar. At 9:00 PM, accompanied by the ringing of bells and the firing of rockets, the *costaleros* (bearers) carry the image of Christ through the town streets. During the procession, rockets are launched, applause rings out, and the crowd shouts "Long live Santo Cristo!" and "Long live the patron saint of Alcútar!" as the figure passes by. Upon returning to the church, as the image crosses the threshold, many of the faithful shower the saint with rose petals from the church gallery. Once the religious service concludes, the festivities continue in the "Plaza de la Iglesia" (Church Square) with an open-air dance featuring two musical groups.

Sunday begins with another musical parade through the town, accompanied by the band and the firing of rockets. At midday, a community meal—featuring *papas a lo pobre* (traditional "poor man's potatoes") prepared by local residents—takes place at the sports complex located right behind the church. In the afternoon, there is a time set aside for the youngest ones, with children's games held in the Church Square. At 9:00 PM that same day, another event filled with emotion and nostalgia takes place: the "Ascent of the Christ." This occurs inside the church, where the music band and the faithful gather to bid Him farewell until the following year.

To conclude the day and bring the festivities to a close, an open-air dance featuring two musical groups takes place in the Church Square.