San Vicente, San Gonzalo and Virgen de la Puerta Patronal Festival in Longares
Longares holds its patronal festival from 1 to 8 September. San Vicente and San Gonzalo are honoured on the 2nd, while the 8th belongs to Virgen de la Puerta. Worship, music, local clubs, bull events and the distinctive Dance del Paloteo all form part of the occasion.
Usual dates
The customary programme fills the first week of September, with the principal days on 2 and 8 September. Details vary from year to year, but Mass, a procession and the Dance del Paloteo remain central to both patronal dates.
Where it takes place
Events are spread across the centre of Longares in Zaragoza province. Religious services take place at the church, while the square, sports hall, bullring, sports courts and local club premises accommodate much of the community programme.
The Dance del Paloteo
The council traces the dance to 1668, when the relics of San Vicente and San Gonzalo arrived from Rome. Residents went out to meet them and several began dancing on the way to the church. Music, costume and a wider body of performers have since joined the rite without breaking its continuity.
The Paloteo accompanies the processions on 2 and 8 September. Its age, continuity and variety led to its designation as a Festival of Tourist Interest of Aragon in 2005.
Events and traditions
- Mass, procession and the Dance del Paloteo for San Vicente and San Gonzalo.
- Mass, procession and dance on the feast of Virgen de la Puerta.
- Early-morning music, rosaries, giants' heads, brass bands, jota and Aragonese folklore.
- Street bull runs, heifers, evening bulls and other bull events.
- Dances, concerts, competitions and activities arranged by local clubs.
- Children's events, tributes to older residents and shared meals.
Organisation and participation
The council, religious bodies, local clubs, associations, musicians and traditional groups sustain a programme for several generations. Solemn observances sit alongside a lively club culture and celebrations in the streets, squares and municipal venues.
Sources
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