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The people of Zahara observe a great many holidays and fiestas. They start the year with New Year’s Day, just like the rest of the world does. This is a lavish fiesta in all of Zahara.
In February, the Carnival comes to Zahara. The most important day is “Shrove Tuesday,” the exact date of which varies yearly. Often, this day is set on the 8th, 24th, or 28th day of February. The Carnival usually lasts about 4 to 5 days before inclusive of Shrove Tuesday.
The Lenten Season is an important time in the whole of Spain. This usually takes place starting in late February, culminating with the Semana Santa (“Holy Week”) in April. The Holy Week remembers the events leading up to and including the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. This is a very solemn week, with masses and processions around town. The Passion of Christ is also reenacted in churches.
The biggest event in Spain, and the fiesta in Zahara, is the Corpus Christi. This is the celebration of the presence of Christ in the Eucharistic host. This has been a religious holiday in Spain since the 13th century. Buildings and homes are lavishly decorated with leaves and flowers, creating a very colorful and stunning atmosphere around town. A solemn mass is held and the newly consecrated host is brought around town in a procession.
On the 24th of June, Zahara participates in the La Romeria de Arroyomolinos (“Arroyomolinos Pilgrimage”). On this day, everyone gets into a traditional local costume and travels about 2 kilometers away from the town to a site where a saint’s figure has been set in a shrine. There is usually a big traveling crowd, giving meaning to the phrase party-on-feet. At the shrine, there is a big get-together and much merrymaking.
In August, the most notable holiday is La Feria (“Fair”). On this day, all business establishments close and tables and chairs are set up everywhere in the outdoors. A stage is set up somewhere near the center of town where performances take place on each of the four days of the whole fair. For the entire duration of the fair, there are non-stop partying, parades, concerts, fireworks, and fairgrounds with stalls displaying anything and everything.
On the 28th of October, the locals of Zahara pay tribute to the town’s patron saint. This day is known as El Dia de los Patronos (“Patron Saint’s Day”). This is a more traditional fiesta, with parties, art exhibits, competitions, and non-stop music and free food and drinks for everybody.
November sees the Todos Los Santos (“All Saints’ Day”) on the 1st of November. Finally, the year closes with Christmas Day on the 25th of December.
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