The people of Zahara observe a great many holidays and fiestas. They start the year with New Year’s Day, just like the rest of the world does. This is a very euphoric time in all of Zahara.
In February, Zahara celebrates the Carnival which is one of the most important fiestas in the year. The most important day is “Shrove Tuesday,” the exact date varies yearly. Often, this day is set on the 8th, 24th, or 28th day of February. The Carnival usually lasts 4 to 5 days before incluing Shrove Tuesday.
The Lenten Season is an important time in the whole of Spain. This usually takes place starting in late February. The even is culminating with the Semana Santa (“Holy Week”) in April. The Holy Week remembers the events leading up to and including the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. This is a very solemn week, with masses and processions around town.
The biggest fiesta in Spain, and also the fiesta in Zahara, is the Corpus Christi. This is the celebration of the presence of Christ in the Eucharistic host. This has been a religious holiday in Spain since the 13th century. Buildings and houses are decorated with leaves and flowers, creating a very colorful and pleasant atmosphere around the town. A solemn mass is held and the newly consecrated host is brought around town in a procession.
On the 24th of June, Zahara celebrates the “La Romeria de Arroyomolinos“ (“Arroyomolinos Pilgrimage”). On this day, everyone gets into a traditional local costume and walk about 2 kilometers out from the town to a site where a saint’s figure has been set in a shrine. There is usually a big traveling crowd, giving meaning to the phrase party-on-feet.
In August, the most important holiday is La Feria (“Fair”). On this day, all shops close and tables and chairs are set up everywhere in the streets. A stage is set up somewhere near the center of town where performances take place on each of the four days of the whole fair. For the entire duration of the fair, there are non-stop partying, parades, concerts, fireworks, and fairgrounds with stalls displaying anything and everything.
On the 28th of October, the locals of Zahara pay tribute to the town’s patron saint. This day is known as El Dia de los Patronos (“Patron Saint’s Day”). This is a more traditional fiesta, with parties, art exhibits, competitions, and non-stop music and free food and drinks for everybody.
In the 1st November the town celebrates Todos Los Santos (“All Saints’ Day”). Finally, the year closes with Christmas Day on the 25th of December.
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