Spanish Fiestas

[sillydoll]

When planning your camino you might want to coincide a visit to a particular village or town with a fiesta. For a calendar of fiestas in different regions go to:
http://gospain.about.com/od/spanishfest ... tivals.htm

If you are going to be near Hospital de Orbigo in the beginning of June, try to stay for the JUSTAS on the Bridge of Paso - a medieval re-enactment of a Knight defending the bridge which includes jousting tournaments, Knights and ladies in medieval garb, hundreds of colourful tents, food and reveleries that go on into the night.
The history of the bridge is linked to the memory of Don Suero de Quiñones. This gentleman of royal blood belonging to the House of Don Álvaro de Luna, challenged to fight any man from whatever part of the world who dared cross the bridge, as a sign of his love for a lady. History mixed with legend tells how, in 1434, Don Suero broke 300 spears while he fought against French, Italian, Portuguese, German and Spanish men taking up his challenge. When the Paso had ended, the men set off on a pilgrimage to Compostela.

 

[Mercury]

I happened to reach Hospital de Orbiga at the time of the festival last year, having no idea it was on. It was an amazing colourful chaotic atmosphere. the streets of the village were lined with stalls with a Medieval theme - food, blacksmithing, leather working etc. Everyone was in a really happy, friendly party mood. As well as the main ceremony by the bridge in the evening, there was also a display that was a cross between morris dancing, cheerleading and flag waving by a group of Italians(!) throwing their flags high in the air and weaving in out of each other in intricate patterns.

I stayed in the amazing old Municipal Refugio in the main street, which has a lovely old courtyard as well as a garden out the back. I think it might be a problem finding somewhere to stay during the festival. It may be worth catching a bus or taxi up from Leon or back from Astorga.

When I left the following morning, the party was still going in the next village. There was foliage in all the streets,a sound system and around 30 people in the streets who invited me to join them in a glass of wine.

Mercury