San Antolín Festivities in Palencia
San Antolín is Palencia's foremost patronal festival. The religious observance on 2 September forms the heart of a multi-day city fair shaped by peñas, music, street arts, folklore, sport, markets and the fairground.
Usual date
The patron's day is 2 September. The Feria de San Antolín normally spans the closing days of August and the opening days of September, with exact dates set for each edition.
San Antolín's day
The civic and religious observance begins at the Town Hall. Authorities, giants and big-head figures, dulzaina players, peñas and the municipal band cross the centre towards Palencia Cathedral. After Mass, local people descend into the crypt of San Antolín and drink water from its well, a custom traditionally associated with seeking the saint's favour.
The fair and its settings
Events reach Plaza Mayor, Paseo del Salón, Huertas del Obispo, Plaza de la Inmaculada, San Pablo, San Miguel, Isla Dos Aguas, Huerta de Guadián and neighbourhood venues. The fairground, craft fair, book fair and historical market broaden the festivities beyond the music stages.
Documented history
The municipal account traces the Feria de San Antolín to at least the thirteenth century. A privilege issued by Ferdinand IV in Valladolid on 30 June 1296 refers to an existing fair during the first fifteen days of September and exempts those attending to trade from the portazgo toll.
Peñas, music and popular culture
Peñas bring parades, brass bands, shared meals and street animation. Giants and big heads, bands, dulzaina music, concerts, the A Concejo folklore festival and the street-artists showcase sit alongside sport and children's events.
Organisation and practical advice
Palencia City Council coordinates the programme with clubs, associations, peñas and cultural organisations. Some activities require a ticket or registration and timings may change, so the current official programme should be checked before attending.
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.