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By Dee McMath
Like most of rural Andalusian, traditional fiestas
and religious festivals are very much a part of village life.
April is a particularly festive month, with the
"Fiestas de San León" taking place on the
11 th April. This saint died on this date in Rome in the year 461,
after having been Pope for 21 years. Specially baked cakes are blessed
and shared amongst all who attend the celebrations, in memory of
the saint whose aim was to unite the spiritual with the material
world.
The last week in April sees a very popular and
fun "Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos" (Festival of
the Moors and Christians). The celebrations take the form of live
street theatre, involving the people of the village, as well as
actors from all over Andalucia. In Benamaurel it is timed to honour
the patron saint, Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza.
The celebrations include the traditional floral offering, local
pilgrimage and processions through the village with the image of
the Virgin Patron Saint. The finale to the festivities is a union
of cultures between the Moors and Christians.
Another important religious festival is during "Semana
Santa" (Easter Holy Week) when there are a series of religious
processions, with preparations going on all through the year and
many villagers taking part as members of the Church Brotherhood.
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