Bonfires of San Antón (Across the Province)

Description

More than thirty towns across the province light up on the night of San Antón, celebrating, in their own varied ways, the feast of the saint who protects fire and animals. It is one of the most deeply rooted, ancient celebrations in Jaén, and in every one of them fire is the defining element, a symbol of unity and renewal linked to the New Year.

In the capital, it usually coincides with the 'Noche de San Antón' International Urban Race. At the end of the race, the people of Jaén gather around a bonfire to sing and dance the melenchón, quite possibly the dance most typical of Jaén. The bonfires are linked to the olive-growing cycle and the work of tending the groves, with pruning waste as the main fuel for the 'lumbres' (bonfires). In the past, worn-out esparto baskets, no longer usable after pressing the olives, were also added, making excellent fuel for the bonfires. In earlier times, these bonfires also carried magical connotations, intended to ward off illness and pests. 

In addition to the traditional dances, gastronomy also takes centre stage, with tastings of sweet potato pumpkin or baked winter squash with sugar and cinnamon, morcilla or chorizo from the recent pig slaughter, and more. All of this, of course, washed down with wine or beer.