Our Lady of La Vega Festival in Salamanca
Salamanca's Ferias y Fiestas honour Santa María de la Vega, the city's patron saint. Devotion, Charro folklore and street life come together with concerts, performing arts, sport and family activities in the historic centre and neighbourhoods.
Usual date
The main programme usually runs from 7 to 15 September. 8 September is the feast of Santa María de la Vega and concentrates the Mass, opening address and other institutional events. The municipal working calendar determines separately each year whether the date is a local public holiday.
Where it is held
Plaza Mayor is the principal music and ceremonial stage. Catedral Nueva hosts the patronal Mass; the floral offering leaves the Church of El Arrabal and crosses the Roman Bridge to the cathedral forecourt. Patio Chico, Vaguada de la Palma, La Alamedilla, Parque Elio Antonio de Nebrija, La Aldehuela and many neighbourhoods extend the route.
See also the local festivals in Salamanca.
Origins and devotion
The Santa María de la Vega dedication is associated with the former monastery of that name, whose origins date to the 12th century. The image and its worship became part of Salamanca's religious identity, and the modern celebration retains 8 September as its patronal focus within a much wider civic fair.
Events and traditions
- Floral offering to Santa María de la Vega with traditional groups and dress.
- Mass at Catedral Nueva, address from Plaza Mayor and pealing of bells.
- Día del Tamborilero, Charro folklore parades, brass bands, giants and big-head figures.
- Free concerts in Plaza Mayor and performances by local artists in Parque de Nebrija.
- Street Arts Festival, historical market, fireworks and sports programme.
A city festival
The City Council, traditional associations, cultural and sports bodies, musicians, companies, hospitality businesses and public services take part in a programme for varied audiences. The celebration is distinguished by its use of the city's heritage as a stage and by the continuity of the floral offering, traditional music and exchanges between neighbourhoods.
Sources
Today's international trade fair
You can also find information about international trade fairs and discover today's featured trade fair at FeriasHoy.com.