SPAIN loves its fiesta. There are certain weeks of the year when most of La Alpujarra appears to be celebrating a particular saint, or saints – sometimes with interesting and unusual themes.
One of those weeks occurs around San Antón, in mid-January, when the area sees fire festivals and celebrations of animals – the latter of which he is patron saint.
Another notable occasion is the first and second weeks or August, with some of the area’s most diverse and best-loved fiestas taking place. For the would-be reveller, it can be difficult to choose which fiesta(s) to attend – particularly in the energy-draining humid heat of this month.
Some of the highlights occured last weekend…. but, don’t worry – there are more to come!
Saturday 3 August saw the famous ‘Nochevieja en Agosto’ in Berchules. Around 8,000 people attended the lively festive spectacle, which started in 1994 after a power cut postponed the celebration (rather amusingly) back to August. The fiesta features a ‘burro’ decorated in tinsel that traverses the town, a parade of the Three Kings, grapes at midnight, a nativity scene and DJs. However, the loo queue was reported to be excessive and “snaking right round the corner from the toilet” – this is unfortunate if you’ve downed several beers! The town of 700 inhabitants possibly needs some portaloos!
On 4 August, Portugos celebrated its traditional ‘Fiesta de la Parva’, which is a throwback to past agricultural methods and involved horses ‘ploughing’ a pile of straw, communal food, an exhibition of antiques, and music. (Anyone wanting to view agricultural antiques all year round can head to Cortijo Cuatro Vientas near Murtas).
During the early hours of Monday 5 August, Trevélez held its renowned ‘Virgin de los Nieves’ romeria – one of Spain’s highest events, literally. This takes place annually at 3.482m on the peak of Mulhacen to celebrate the virgin of snow – clearly important to the whole Sierra Nevada region. Although 2,000 people attended, it’s uncertain whether the humid temperatures deterred a few of the customary horsemen who make their pilgrimage to the peak, stopping at the Siete Lagunas overnight.
This week also sees the famous witching festival (‘Feria del Embrujo’) in Soportújar, with the main event – the witch parade – tonight, Thursday 8 August. The village will be rammed with revellers wearing spooky disguises. Friday and Saturday are also worth visiting for the vibe in the village plaza, and not quite so many spectators.
The fiesta of Cabeza is celebrated in Capileira this weekend, from 9-12 August, with flamenco, flowers, and a traditional event named ‘entierro de la zorra’, which features a lot of fireworks. Don’t take your dog!
On 11 August, the spa town of Lanjarón launches its Traditional Music of the Alpujarra festival, which has been TV advertised and is sure to attract many visitors. It takes place in the sports pavillion from 10am to 10pm.
Enjoy!
