Their weight in wheat is what each resident must pour over St.Isidore on his fiesta day, 15th May in the Malaga region of Periana. The tradition is supposed to grant good crops and harvest for the following year.

Around 40,000 kilos of wheat and flowers fall from the sky over the procession as it makes its way through the streets. The saint stays in front of each balcony for around 15 minutes whilst locals spread around 1,000 kilos of wheat over the statue from their balconies. The wheat then falls at the feet of the statue and into a channel where it is then gathered up into sacks.The throne is of a concave shape and when full, holds around 500 kilos of wheat. The custodians of the statue open the doors, remove the wheat and fill sacks. The sacks of wheat are later sold to pay for future holidays and celebrations.

It is also tradition for families who have had children during the past year to show them to the statue and if possible, to touch it. The custodians will pass the baby up to the statue. This is supposed to give them propsperity during their whole lifetime.

The origins of this tradition relate to farmers who wanted tothank Saint Isidore for the good harvest. Beacuse wheat is hardly grown in this area nowadays, it is imported for the festival. Older residents claim that at one time only the rich could offer sacks of wheat. poorer people offered a plate of what or a few plates of chick peas.

Saint Isidore was a farmer and among his beliefs were simplicity and humility. The image of the saint is decorated with wheat ears and white carnations. As he is carried through the town he will stop at every house that displays a manila shawl or linen sheet which indicates they wish to make an offering.

To celebrate this day, 10 to 15 custodians are appointed and they make all the plans for the festival, throughout the year. They also sell the wheat after the procession, usually as cattle feed.

There are many towns that celebrate Saint Isidore and these include pilgrimages, chariot races and night time celebrations.

Local Info

Periana is located in the province of Malaga and is 23km from Velez and 48 from Malaga city. It sits at 550 metres above sea level and covers around 59 square kilometres. It is in the northern region of Axarquia.

Outstanding sights

Church of san Isidro Labrador

Vilo Baths

Panoramic views of the Axarquia

Rise of the Guaro River

Tourist Ino

Plaza de Andalucia, 1

Tel (0034) 952 536 167