Elche de la Sierra Sawdust Carpets
The Alfombras de Serrín transform the streets of Elche de la Sierra, Albacete, into a collective work of ephemeral art for one night. Local groups and residents create designs from dyed sawdust and wood shavings so that the Corpus Christi procession can pass over them the following morning.
Celebration date
Work usually begins at midnight on the night before the Corpus Christi procession and continues into the early morning. The date changes each year because it follows the liturgical calendar, so visitors should use the official programme for the relevant edition.
See the 2026 Sawdust Carpets programme.
Where they are held
The compositions cover the urban procession route in Elche de la Sierra. It runs through streets and squares in the centre and around Santa Quiteria parish church; the precise route is published for each edition.
Origins and history
The tradition began in the early hours of 28 May 1964. Francisco Carcelén, inspired by flower carpets he had seen in Catalonia and by the wood shavings available locally, led nine other young men in decorating the route for the first time. More carpet-makers joined in subsequent years, and the designs evolved from continuous surfaces into increasingly intricate compositions for the town squares.
How the carpets are made
The groups prepare drawings, stencils and coloured sawdust in advance. Once the route closes, they transfer the design to the ground and fill each area by hand, working on their knees throughout the night. The result is intentionally ephemeral: the procession crossing it completes the work's religious and communal purpose.
Recognition
The Sawdust Carpets became a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest in 1994 and a Festival of National Tourist Interest in 2014. In the same year, Elche de la Sierra's Corpus Christi celebration was protected as intangible cultural heritage under Spain's Bien de Interés Cultural designation.
Organisation and participation
The Asociación de Amigos de las Alfombras del Corpus, the carpet-making groups, the parish, the council and many residents sustain the celebration. Visitors may observe the overnight work respectfully from authorised areas; the main morning visit takes place before and during the Eucharist and procession.
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.