Colors of Zaragoza - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The city of Zaragoza annually holds the Pilar Festival being an ethnic holiday devoted to the patron saint of the city – the Virgin Mary of the Pillar. The bright ethnic festival is held in October. The folk celebration lasts about 7 days and attracts even more foreign guests year after year. On the first day of the festival celebration local folks gather on a square located in front of the City Hall where a grand festive opening of the festival takes place. Known politician announces a speech honoring the historical achievements and culture of the city.

According to historical data the first celebration of the festival of Pilar took place in 1723. Initially apart from religious events the festival comprised little buzzing folk entertainments. As a rule a bullfighting event was held on the festive day meanwhile the main squares of the city witnessed buffoonery events being small comic performances.

The festival experienced its first significant changes in 1807. Since that date the Festival of Pilar has been considered an official religious fest. The Virgin Mary of the Pillar was formally recognized as a patron saint of Aragon. Many festive religious ceremonies and folk festivals were started to honor the saint. Since 1873 the cavalcade has become an essential attribute of the festival. The cavalcade has been commonly headed by civil guards. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In 1894 the festival got a new tradition. Since that time the celebration has added a new event being a stunning dance competition which engages all talented dancers and amateurs. In the middle of the 20th century the bright ethnic holiday got several updates and was added with new events being the Offering of Flowers and the Offering of Fruits. These solemn ceremonies are considered to be the most breathtaking and beautiful events of the festival. Anybody can join these ceremonies and enjoy the solemn action.

The main condition of participation for all the guests of the festival is having a traditional costume on. Having put on a folk costume and having chosen a basket of fruits one can start a way to the statue of the Virgin. One of the most favorite entertaining events among guests of the festival is still the Gigantes y Cabezudos parade which name can literally be translated as a “parade of puppets with big heads”. The tradition of holding the puppet march dates back to the Middle Ages when local folks constructed four huge puppet sculptures symbolizing four parts of the world for the festive ceremony. At the same time when the Pilar Festival is held, the city of Zaragoza holds the Beer Festival in a city park. Commonly the city attracts many tourists from all over the world in October.

Our Lady of the Pilar’s celebration is not the only interesting event that takes place in Aragon’s capital. At the Encuentro Internacional de Folklore event held at the beginning of September, guests of the city will be introduced to the culture of locals as well as that of other nationalities. All major events such as dance performances, music concerts, theater shows, as well as craft fairs and art exhibitions, take place on the busiest square of the city called Plaza Pilar. Of course, all of them are representing national spirit, as teams from all over the world become participants of the festival.

The early November jazz event is popular among music enthusiasts. We are talking about the International Jazz Festival, whose venues include lots of stages – both indoors and outdoors (art cafes, theatres, concert halls, bars, and clubs). During the event, guests of the city are entertained by musicians from around the globe, many of whom are renowned even by tourists who are not keen on jazz and blues. At the beginning of March, locals recollect the events of 1838 with the Festival of Cincomarzada. It marks the time (March 5th) when their ancestors fought heroically for their city, not giving it to the Carlists (apostles). The main events take place in the picturesque Parque del Tio Jorge (named after one of the battle’s heroes). The event features music concerts, picnics, interactive games, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Semana de la tapa festival will be interesting for gourmet. The event is held in mid-November. It lasts for about a week, during which chefs from high-profile restaurants, bars, and cafes prepare special tapas and offer them to their customers for assessment. You can try three different kinds of tapas here: the Mediterranean, Aragonese and original. The festival is of a competitive nature and, a specially selected jury alongside the audiences participates in the voting process. You can taste Spain’s national dish at the restaurant El Cachirulo. You can locate the restaurant following the fragrant scent during the festival. The gastronomic festival is famous for its family-friendly atmosphere, which allows you to get closer acquainted with the locals and make new friends.

Christmas in Zaragoza is another bright event which excites its guests with a piquant cocktail of colorful parades which create a festive atmosphere. Musicians, dancers, theatrical troupes from all over the world take part in processions along the city’s central streets to surprise Zaragoza’s residents and visitors with bright shows. In addition to parades, there are also craft and food fairs during the Christmas celebrations. Other religious festivals that are widely celebrated in the city include Epiphany or Reyes Magos (January 5th-6th), Easter or Semana Santa (usually in mid-April), as well as the celebration of John the Baptist or San Juan (June 23rd). In addition to the celebration of the Virgin Pilar, the locals also celebrate other saints such as St. Valerius (29th January) and St. George or San Jorge (23rd April).