The patron saint’s fiestas in Yecla, which take place every year starting on 5th December, are the continuation of a tradition which began almost 400 years ago, with the rituals and ceremonies having evolved into their current form over the centuries.
Many of the traditions around which the fiestas revolve date back to events which took place nearly four hundred years ago: the costumes worn by more than 700 “tiraores” and their “cargaores” as they accompany the Virgen del Castillo in the streets while firing arquebuses, the “Mayordomo del Bastón” (based on Captain Zaplana), and other emblematic elements surrounded by the pungent burning of gunpowder, the flare of fire and the overwhelming crack of gunshot as the Virgen makes her way up and down from her sanctuary.
Of all the elements of these fiestas, the two dates which are of most interest to visiting tourists are the 7th and the 18th, when the Virgen del Castillo is carried down from, and then back up to, her sanctuary. Thousands of people accompany her on the journey, the air wet and smoky with gunpowder as one shot after another is let off by the accompanying foot soldiers firing their arquebuses, an early form of musket. It's a really unique experience, and earplugs are essential!
This tour takes place on the 7th December when the Patron of Yecla is brought down to the town, and the tour takes place after the Virgen has arrived at the basilica. Visitors are welcome to go along early and take part in the bajada of the virgen.
Events begin early with the “Alborada” in the courtyard of the Basílica. At 07:50 the soldiers are gathered from their headquarters, and standards collected, with the troops assembling to make their way up to the castle at 08:40 to make their way up to the Santuario del Castillo, firing their arquebuses all the way, following a route via calles Totana, Padre Lasalde, San Isidro, Rambla, San José, San Francisco, Martínez Corbalán, Plaza Mayor, Plaza Concejal Sebastián Pérez, to the Santuario del Castillo.
On leaving the Santuario high up by the castle, the “Mayordomo” waves the Virgin’s flag in a ceremony known as the “Paso de la Bandera”, a spectacle which is repeated when the procession arrives at the Basílica, following a stop-off outside the town hall.
The tour takes place afterwards and visitors have the option to try a local dish called gazpacho after the tour. This is not a cold soup, but a rich mixture of meats in a flavoursome sauce served on a flat bread. The cost of this dish will be paid separately by participants as the guided tour is free of charge.
Meeting point and time: 11:00 alongside the Basilica de la Purísima
Click to see more information about Yecla
Contact and bookings: Tourist office Yecla (Click Tourist Office Yecla).
Pre-booking is essential.
968 754 104
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