Las Capeas of Segura de Leon

Las Capeas transforms the main square of Segura de León with temporary timber structures and a sequence of cattle entries, enclosures and popular capeas with young cows. The tradition combines devotion to Cristo de la Reja, the opening address, open-air dances and community participation.

Usual date

Las Capeas takes place around 14 September. The council's permanent guide normally places the events between 13 and 18 September, with adjustments so that a full weekend is included. Preparations and preliminary activities begin early in the month.

See the Las Capeas 2026 programme.

The square and route

The main square is the focal venue. It is covered with sand and fitted with tablaos, troneras and the corralá on Calle Castillo. The cattle entry follows Calle La Fuente and Calle Pérez Jiménez; after each capea, the animals return along Pérez Jiménez towards the Embarcadero, also called the Pilarito.

Entry, enclosure and capea

The entry usually takes place around 15:00, without a fixed time. At 18:00, marked by the town hall clock, the cattle are enclosed in the corralá. They then emerge one by one for the capea. Traditional rules prohibit harming the animals and do not allow under-18s in the square.

Events and symbols

  • Tribute to the tranca, a wooden fork that became the symbol of the annual authorisation of Las Capeas.
  • Community construction of the tablaos, troneras and corralá.
  • Quinario and solemn service for Cristo de la Reja, with the principal day on 14 September.
  • Opening address, proclamation of the Vaquera Mayor and Zagalas, women's capeas and educational activities.
  • Open-air dances and the simulated New Year's Eve that closes the final day.

History and recognition

The council's chronology records taurine events in the square from 1739 and the grant of a livestock and cloth fair by Charles IV in 1807. Las Capeas was declared a Festival of Tourist Interest in Extremadura in 2000 and a traditional taurine event in 2013.

Sources