Candelaria Festival
When?
Weekend closest to February 2nd
Where?
Several bonfires distributed throughout the municipality
Organized by
Villaharta City Council
Every second day of February, Villaharta is enveloped in the magic and warmth of the Candelaria Festival. It is a truly special night where the scent of thyme permeates every corner as it waits to be consumed by the flames.
One of the most peculiar traditions is the making of a doll. Traditionally, the young women of the village are exclusively in charge of creating this figure, which is exhibited to the public on a balcony before its final destination.
In the middle of the afternoon of the big day, the bundles of thyme are placed with great delicacy in the middle of the streets, setting the stage for the ritual.
The Purifying Fire
With the arrival of darkness, the night comes alive: the bonfires are lit and the doll is burned, rocking it over the fire with a rope. This act symbolizes purification and the burning of the negative, uniting the whole town in a large circle around the bonfire.
Among traditional games, singing, and dancing, the neighbors tour the different bonfires distributed throughout the town, creating an unparalleled atmosphere of coexistence.
Today, we celebrate this festival on the weekend closest to February 2nd. The Villaharta City Council proudly promotes this tradition to ensure that the Candelaria continues to illuminate future generations.
Come and experience the magic
Discover this and other traditions that make Villaharta an unforgettable corner.
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