Aragon Guide

Ainzon. On the eve of St. Anton, on 16 January, bonfires. The patron saint of the town is St. Sebastian, on 20 January. After the procession of the Saint they eat cakes in the wineries. The second Sunday in March, the day of the quitos, each boy invites a firl to accompany him all day and serves her at the table. For St. Isidro, there is an Aragonese tug-of-war, a country picnic on the banks of the river Huecha with “breadcrumbs” and “stew” contests, the children have chocolate in the main square. Between 14 and 17 September, the main fiestas in honour of the HolyChrist, highlighting the dances of the “Mozo” and Sr. Elena.

Alarba. Procession to the hermitage of the saint on 23 April. On the third Sunday in May, procession to the hermitage of Our lady of Sernon. During the fiesta of St. Roque, apart from other acts, the ass race and chicken run take place.

Aldehuela de Liestos. Procession to the hermitage of the Virgin of Guia de Guerrero, on the second Sunday in June. The Town Council offers each person two eggs, bread and a litre of wine.

La Almunia de Doña Godina. On 17 and 20 January, the feast, days of St. Anton and St. Sebastian, with traditional sports competitions (ball and bar). From 24 to 29 September, patron saint’s festival with farming exhibitions and cattle fair.

Aranda de Moncayo. Catle fair on 30 and 31 October and 1 November.

Artieda. During the procession to the hermitage of St. Pedro, on the day of the Pentecost, the Town Council gives out bread and wine, the people prepare typical dishes which they then share out.

Biel-Fuencalderas. Procession of the Holy Burial on Good Friday at night, auction of the sticks of the procession by bidding. On 25 and 26 July, offer of fruit when the participants wear regional dress.

Borja. Palm Day or Thursday “Lardero” (following ash Wednesday), picnic tea of “chorizo” and “longaniza” (sausages), accompanied by bread called el Palmo. During Easter Week the Burial of Christ on Good Friday stands out. On 23 April, Dia de la Culeca (Day of the Broody Hen) the two hens are eaten next to the hermitage of St. Jorge.

Calatayud. On 14 August, feast day of St. Roque. On 8 September, the patron saint’s feast day of Our lady of the Peña.

Cariñena. The main festivals are centred around the grape harvest. From 13 to 18 September, multiple celebrations with one important figure; wine.

Caspe. Procession of Veracruz. On Good Friday the night procession of the Holy Burial ends with a magnificent float, carrying a largesized fragment, which is said to have belonged to the authentic cross that Jesus died upon. From 31 October to 3 November the Regional Fair of Expo-Caspe is held.

Encinacorba. Procession to the hermitage of Holy Cross on the first Sunday in May. On 4 August, the dance of the Virgin del Mar is danced.

Epila. On 24 January, for St Babil, the women’s festival takes place, when they invite the men to have chocolate. The carnivals are celebrated: Thursday “Lardero” (following Ash Wednesday), and Sunday of “Piñata”, which marks the end of the fiesta. During Easter Week several acts of great tradition can be highlighted: The Descent from the Cross, the Holy Burial, the Washing by the Three Mary’s and the Sealing f the Tomb. Another peculiar custom is the imprisoning of the mayor in his own home on Easter Thursday and Good Friday, carrying a chain with the key of the Tabernacle. On Quasimodo Sunday, the image is carried for 18 kilometres.

Morata de Jalon. On 17 and 24 January they burn bundles of thyme at the doors of the houses and “chorizo” and “longaniza” (sausages) are roasted.

Ores. St. Juan preserves a curious tradition: soaking oneself at midnight and avoiding illnesses.

Pradilla de Ebro. On St. Sebastian day, the dance of the Soldadesca del moro is presented.

Tauste. Dance of Tauste. During the feast days of the Virgin of Sancho Abarca (4 april). The traditional Aragonese dance takes on a special meaning in Tauste with its arches of flowers and human towers of four tiers with a child on the top.

Zaragoza. Easter Week. Very notable due to its artistic quality, the abundance of precessions and its antiquity, which dates back to 1280.