Most districs in Spain celebrate the Noche de las Candelas (Night of the bonfires) in September, to celebrate the birth of the Virgin and the holiday of Nuestra Senora de la Victoria, the Patron Saint of Malaga. Many bonfires will be lit and chestnuts and chick peas will be cooked on them.
In the Malaga province, the bonfires light up the hills of Axarquia in a celebration which is rooted in the grape harvesting season. With this festivity, they ask the Holy Mother that the raisins don't get wet and that it doesn't rain. After the bonfires it is a time for clearing up and cleansing.
Even the children join in with the gathering of material for the fires, with old furniture, logs and branches. Some put pita leaves in the fires which vibrate when burned, making a great noise and scaring anyone who gets too close.
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