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 It is said that Andalucians have more holidays than anyone else in Europe. It is not just the Public Bank Holidays: 9 official National Days (1st Jan, Good Friday, 1st May, 15th Aug, 12th Oct, 1st Nov, 6th Dec, 8th Dec and 25th Dec) 3 Regional ones (6th Jan, 28th Feb, Holy Thursday) and 1 or 2 Local Days (In Zahara de la Sierra, for instances are: Corpus Christi Day and 28th October), but also the different Local Fiestas (from the tinniest hamlet to the great cities) all the year round and the puentes.
What is a Puente? Believe it or not, puentes (literally: bridges) are the most unique invention from the Spanish. Basically it works very easy. Bank holidays are fix in the calendar, therefore cannot be moved on to the next Monday. On the contrary, if a Fiesta Day falls on Tuesday or Thursday and extra day is taken to make a puente (either Monday or Friday, and thereby creating a four days off work)
What does fiesta really mean? Well... a fiesta is always a fiesta, doesn't it? It is often difficult to explain since two many factors have to be taken into account. For instance, take a Spanish dictionary, you will find: "party", "festival", "fair", "holiday", "fun" and "game". Now, consider the particularities of the Spanish history and culture and you will not just be able to spoil the differences whether the fiesta has religious, pagan, secular, political or historic origins. Every city or village has its own traditions and according with that a fiesta takes one way or another. But, one thing it is for sure, whatever you want to call them (and you will find thousands of different ones) a fiesta is always a riot of singing, dancing and drinking in the streets, where it is easy to enjoy flamenco, bullfighting, traditional costumes, fireworks, parades, horses, fino, sevillanas and bulls run, and be part of the extravaganza, celebration, spirit of enjoyment, satire and the improvisation which can appearance any time around the corner.
There are literally thousands of different fiestas. The line between the religious and the secular is blurred in Andalucía, and the same earthy passion is expressed during the most intense religious periods such as Holy Week as at the life-affirming spring celebrations. Celebration is so inherent to life in Andalucía that visitors are likely to find themselves with some form of local feria or festival due in their locality.
There is likely to be a fiesta, feria or big event going on somewhere near by, on any given day of the year! (just in Zahara we have 6 of them!). This is a great opportunity to take more of the culture and something to be considered in choosing your Holiday at Zahara de la Sierra . Your host love fiestas, so you do not have to convince him to take you to any one.
CARNAVALES (Carnivals):
(Centred around 'Shrove Tuesday': 24th February 2004; 8th February 2005; 28th February 2006)
This fiesta is without doubt the most exuberant and pagan of them all, with an opportunity to let off steam and have a good time. Basically the carnival is a last free-for-all before the abstentions and prohibitions of Lent (well..., just another excuse!). The breakdown of social hierarchies is represented by the satirical lampooning of local politicians and dignitaries. Everyone wearing of masks and fancy dress of extravagantly sense of humour, some dressed groups are judged for their originally, cuit, satirical songsters and general outrageousness, as well as for their musical ability. There is a special show on the main square where all the groups show their theatrical skills and plenty full around the bars where it easy to get involve singing and participating the songs.
SEMANA SANTA (Holy Week):
(4-11th April 2004; 20-27th March 2005; 9-16th April 2006)
The figure of Christ on the cross, the virgin Mary and other holy images from the two churches of Zahara are placed on pasos (ornate floats depicting scenes from the Passion) and carried in slowly and solemnly march by cofradías (brotherhoods) through the streets, proceeded by nazarenos (hooded penitents) dress in proper costumes and accompanied by the beat of drums and the blade of brass by the Village Orchesta. Although the best processions are held in big cities (Seville and Málaga are the most popular), Zahara has a charming atmosphere as pasos are taken through narrow and deep streets and the full population follow them in devotional respect.
CORPUS CHRISTI:
(this fiesta falls on Sunday: 13th June 2004; 29th May 2005; 18th June 2006)
This is the Big Fiesta in Zahara, widely known as one of the biggest events in Spain (declared as Fiesta de Interés Turístico nacional in 1980). Corpus Christi, celebrating the presence of the body of Christ in the communion host, has been a religious holiday in Spain since 13th century. The atmosphere that weekend it absolutely stunning. The centre of the village is transformed in green since floor, outside walls and balconies are decked out with sedges, branches, flowers and multicoloured bunting, and numerous small portable altars are positioned all over. On Sunday, a solemn procession carries images of the infant Jesus through streets.
LA ROMERIA DE ARROYOMOLINOS (Arroyomolinos Pilgrimage):
(24th June)
This romería (pilgrimage) get everyone in local costume, riding on horseback and headed by decorated ox carts full of picnic supplies. It starts in the Village and finish 2km away where a saint's figure is waiting in a venerable shrine. Getting there is half the fun as drinking, dancing sevillanas and singing don't stop. Once there, the party carries until late (you never know).
LA FERIA (Fair):
(movable fiesta, four days on the nearest weekend 20th August. 16-19th August 2003)
This is the main annual fair where the whole village shuts down, the main street decorated and closed to traffic, tables and chairs outside makeshift bars line the street and a stage set up in the main square is used for bands and entertainment. This is party time with concerts, parades, fireworks, fairgrounds, dancing and an all-night party atmosphere. And if you feel fit enough you can join, every morning, to the locals by running through the streets in front of vaquillas (young bulls).
EL DIA DE LOS PATRONOS (Saint Patrons' Day):
(28th October)
This is a more cultural and traditions fiesta, with photo and painting exhibitions, conferences and competitions around that day. On the 28th itself you can enjoy the party in the main plaza with music, food and drinks FOR FREE! (That is what they call a party!) | 
