San Silvestre

Description

• These are the festivities in honour of the patron saint. They begin the night before in the church square, where the so-called “Castillos del Santo”, built from pine wood, are set alight. Around the bonfires, people sing, dance, and some even dare to jump over the flames and embers. 

The age-old tradition of “serving the saint” survives, either in fulfilment of a promise or a penitential vow.

A draw assigns the so-called “positions” of Captain, Flag-bearer and Guinche, whose holders are then obliged to organise a celebration at their respective homes, and to wear the distinctive costumes associated with the role, inspired by 18th-century military dress uniforms. Dressed in this way, they accompany the Saint in the procession to the beat of a drum. Once the religious ceremony is over, the Flag-bearer shows off his skill juggling the flag and invites others to do the same.

It is also traditional to offer San Silvestre enormous “roscos de baño blanco”, a sweet with Moorish echoes, given as gifts by the "cargo" holders and by residents who have made a vow to do so. The following day, they are auctioned off, and the proceeds go towards the parish's needs.

At night, bonfires are lit in the church square, and “cuerva” (a drink made from wine, sugar, water and fruit) is served, offered by the Town Hall to those attending.