When darkness falls on the streets of Casarabonela in Malaga on the 12th December, everyone will pay homage to the Virgen de la Divina Pastora. This is done with a procession of flaming rags which is to thank the Virgen for the olive harvest.
The town is plunged into darkness other than 200 oil lamps and 24 alfalfa wheels which are lit and rolled down the streets to mark the route for the Virgen who makes her way to the Church of Santiago Apostol.
The rags are lit with a huge bonfire which is lit before departing from the shrine of Veracruz by residents, dressed in old clothes and wearing handkerchiefs around their necks.
These people lead the procession through the streets, lighting the way. The streets become slippery with the spilled oil. The silence of the night is broken by carol singing to announce the arrival of Christmas.
The event finishes when the Virgen arrives at the Church and everyone bursts into song. In the plaza tostones (toasted bread with olive oil) is given free to everyone.
Local Info
Casarabonela is in the north-western part of the Guadalhorce Valley and is 500 metres above sea level. Covering some 114.1 square kilometres, it is 48km from Malaga. |
