December 7 Guided visit to one of the most important days in the annual fiestas of Yecla

The Patron Saint’s Fiestas in Yecla are always held during the second week of December

The patron saint’s fiestas in Yecla, which take place every year starting on 5th December, are the continuation of a tradition which began almost 400 years ago, with the rituals and ceremonies having evolved into their current form over the centuries.

Many of the traditions date back to events which took place nearly four hundred years ago, including the costumes worn by more than 700 “tiraores” and their “cargaores” as they accompany the Virgen del Castillo in the streets while firing arquebuses, the “Mayordomo del Bastón” (based on Captain Zaplana), and other emblematic elements surrounded by the pungent burning of gunpowder.

Although the first day of the Fiestas is December 5, one of the most important events takes place two days later, when the figure of the Patron of Yecla is brought down from her sanctuary on the hill to the town. Events begin early with the “Alborada” in the courtyard of the Basílica and then the soldiers make their way up to the Santuario del Castillo, firing their arquebuses all the way, before bringing the Saint down to her temporary home in the Basílica, again firing their muskets.

This is one of the most important days of the Yecla and is a local holiday (although in 2024 it falls on a Saturday), and part of the enjoyment of the day lies in the consumption of hearty local culinary specialities and of course a glass or two of the wine for which the municipality is famous. With this in mind, the tourist office is offering a special guided tour, including not only the spectacle of the traditional events but also a chance to taste the typical dish of “gazpachos yeclanos” as prepared by Restaurante Aurora, accompanied by wines bearing the DOP Yecla label.

The tour begins in the Plaza Mayor at 11.00 and participation costs 7 euros (including the food and wine).

Please note that all of the guided tours in Yecla are extremely popular and booking well in advance is strongly advised: click here to reserve your place!

For the same reason, if you book but then cannot attend, please inform the tourist office (see contact details below).