There are fiestas taking place in every village around Galera at various times of the year. Here we describe some of the specific ones for Galera, but there are many more.
Rosario de San Aquilino - 4th January
It recalls an event that occurred on the 4th January between 1840 and 1850. The high part of the town, the Barrio del Remandado, an enormous block of stones and earth fell and landed in the town´s central square, although in its descent it had to pass several dwellings, there were no injuries or damage done. According to tradition, only a donkey was killed. The Town Hall, considering this to have been a miracle, made an eternal vow that every year they would celebrate on this day, at dusk, with a rosary by way of thanks for having been saved. The rosary was celebrated by the brothers of the Virgen del Rosario. The procession passes the boundaries of Galera, with chants and songs from the rosario del Gozo, interspersed with coplas from la Aurora and la Salve, on occasions the brotherhood´s street band perform as well
It recalls an event that occurred on the 4th January between 1840 and 1850. The high part of the town, the Barrio del Remandado, an enormous block of stones and earth fell and landed in the town´s central square, although in its descent it had to pass several dwellings, there were no injuries or damage done. According to tradition, only a donkey was killed. The Town Hall, considering this to have been a miracle, made an eternal vow that every year they would celebrate on this day, at dusk, with a rosary by way of thanks for having been saved. The rosary was celebrated by the brothers of the Virgen del Rosario. The procession passes the boundaries of Galera, with chants and songs from the rosario del Gozo, interspersed with coplas from la Aurora and la Salve, on occasions the brotherhood´s street band perform as well
Epiphany - 6th January:
When the 3 Kings arrive bearing gifts, is the time when gifts are given to loved ones here in Spain, rather than on Christmas Day. This takes place in the village square, all the children in the village wait in anticipation for the 3 kings to arrive. Sweets are thrown into the crowds. The 3 Kings will then dismount at the town hall and announce the names of the people who have gifts, one by one. These people will go up to receive their presents. Wine and cakes, courtsey of the town council, are then distributed through the crowds.
San Antón - 15 - 18th January:
| This tradional fiesta dates back to the middle of the 17th century. It commences with the "entrada del cajero" on the 15th. Various songs and dances are performed by the stewards of the brotherhood with drums and cornets giving the festivities a military atmosphere. In the processions that tour round part of the town, it is customary to let off bangers. |
During the fiesta the brothers meet in a house where festivities are held in honour of their patron saint, next to an open wood fire, accompanied by local wine and other specialities. If you are staying in the village you won´t get much sleep. On the 17th and 18th before the pilgrimage of San Antón, a special dance is enacted called the "juego de la bandera".
On the 17th and 18th before the pilgrimage of San Antón, a special dance is enacted called the "juego de la bandera". Jueves Lardero - held on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday.
| Held only in Galera and Orce consists of eating out in the countryside. Known commonly as the day of the tortilla. For children the HORNAZO is made (a type of bun, with a hole in the middle where an egg is place and cooked at the same time as the dough. So that the egg does not break it is held in place with a cross made of the same dough.) |
Santa Semana - Maudy Thursday and Good Friday:
| Processions take place from Thursday evening, Friday morning and evening and main procession on Easter Sunday. This is a very sombre occasion, with many of the participants dressed in outfits that are reminscent of the ku klux klan, however the connotations are very different. |
Fiestas Patronales del Santo Cristo de la Expiración. 1st Weekend in August:
| This is the main fiesta in Galera and lasts for 5 days. With live bands and market stalls, the town comes alive from midnight until the early hours of the morning. The main highlight of the fiesta is the procession through the town on Sunday evening. |
Fiesta de la Virgen del Rosario -12th October
This fiesta dates back to 1701. On Sunday at 5am a group of musicians play and sing the "coplas de la Aurora" around the streets of the town, and when daybreak comes the rosary begins, while Mass takes place at Twelve. Following Mass there is a meal for all the brotherhood. At dusk a procession with singing and dancing to more "coplas de la Aurora". The procession stops at the doors of those neighbours who want to hear a particular song, if they pay a small price for it. The money collected goes towards the upkeep of the brotherhood. The procession lasts approximately 2 hours.
Migas fiesta - 26th December
| This is held in the Square. The town council provide firewood and wine and there is a competition between families as to who makes the best migas. (Migas is made by frying flour and olive oil until it resembles breadcrumbs) This is then eaten with chorizos etc. The whole square is alight with fires and the atmosphere is very warm and friendly. |
This dance is held at dusk, the brotherhood of Animas meet to play their traditional string music and perform the traditional "baile por pújas".
There are many other one off events throughout the year such as wine tasting which also takes place. All of which adds to a lovely village atmosphere where everyone takes part.
