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The mayor of Yecla, Maria Remedios Lajara, has officially received the diploma declaring the town’s Fiestas de la Virgen in honour of the Immaculate Conception as a Festival of International Tourist Interest. The presentation took place at the Teatro Real in Madrid, where representatives of ten Spanish festivals came together to mark this prestigious recognition.

 

Spain is renowned for its many local fiestas, some of which appear quite unusual to visitors from elsewhere in Europe, and the Fiestas de la Virgen in Yecla are certainly among them. Held every December, they are remarkable for their volume, to the point that the most important advice given to newcomers is simply: do not forget to take earplugs.

 

Many of the traditions in these fiestas date back to around 400 years ago, and for this reason the noisy weapon of choice which is fired (not in anger) in the streets is the arquebus. Over 700 "tiraores" (shooters) and “cargaores” (loaders) accompany the figure of the Virgen in procession through the streets and the proceedings are absolutely dominated by the pungent smell of gunpowder, the flare of fire and the overwhelming crack of gunshots.

 

This year, four festivals have been recognised internationally. Alongside the Fiestas de la Virgen of Yecla, the Moors and Christians of Murcia and the Holy Week celebrations in both Baena and Badajoz were also awarded international status. In addition, six other festivals from across Spain have been named as Festivals of National Tourist Interest.

 

At the ceremony in Madrid, the mayor of Yecla spoke on behalf of the four festivals newly distinguished as being of international interest.

 

She said: "Our festivals are a reflection of a Spain that we should all preserve, because one of the greatest characteristics of this country is its diversity. And in that diversity lies respect and admiration not only for our own, which is assumed to be the case for everyone, but also respect and admiration for the roots and unique characteristics of others."

 

She also stressed that the Fiestas de la Virgen are much more than a historical relic, a ritual, a religious act or a recreational festivity. In her words, Yecla in December offers a glimpse into the inner life and soul of the people of Yecla, both today and yesterday.

 

If visiting Yecla make sure one of your first ports of call is the tourist office (Plaza Mayor, 1, email turismo@yecla.es, telephone 968 754104).

 

For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Yecla Today