Category: Bollullos Par del Condado

Holy Week in Bollullos Par del Condado is a manifestation of faith, art and tradition deeply rooted in the hearts of its people. During these days, the town is transformed into a scene of contemplation and solemnity, with each day having its own identity and emotions. The brotherhoods and guilds, with centuries of history, parade through the streets with floats laden with symbolism, followed by the faithful and curious who join in this religious and cultural event.

Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday with the procession of the Brotherhood of the Holy Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, popularly known as ‘La Borriquita’, accompanied by children dressed as Nazarenes.

On Holy Monday, the Brotherhood of Our Father Jesus in his Arrest and Holy Mary of Bitterness processes through the upper part of the town.

On Holy Tuesday, it is the turn of the Brotherhood of Our Father Jesus Cautivo and Our Lady of Victory, notable for its contemplation and silence.

On Holy Wednesday, the Brotherhood of the Holy Christ Bound to the Column and Our Lady of Mercy holds its procession.

The Brotherhood of the Holy Christ of Vera Cruz and Our Lady of Hope performs its penitential procession on Holy Thursday.

In the early hours of the morning, the Brotherhood of Our Father Jesus Nazarene and Holy Mary of Pasmo travels through the streets in one of the most emblematic processions.

Holy Week culminates on Easter Sunday with the procession of the Brotherhood of the Holy Burial of Christ, Holy Cross on Mount Calvary and Solitude of Mary Most Holy in her Sorrows and Joys of Our Lady in the Glorious Resurrection of the Lord.

Holy Week in Bollulla is distinguished by the active participation of the community, where residents of all ages are involved in the organisation and development of the processions. The streets are filled with sacred music performed by local bands, and traditions such as the use of Nazarene tunics and the accompaniment of floats with saetas (religious songs) are maintained.

These festivities are held annually from 12 to 16 September. The 12th is the most significant day, as it is dedicated to the patron saint, Our Lady of Mercy. On this day, a solemn religious service is held in the parish church of Santiago Apóstol, followed by a procession carrying the image of the Virgin through the streets of the town.

The fair opens with the traditional parade of Giants and Bigheads, known locally as ‘fantoches’, who walk through the streets announcing the start of the festivities.
The fair is closely linked to the region’s wine culture. During the days of celebration, local wine tastings are held in the marquees at the fairgrounds. In addition, the traditional Regional Fruit Competition is held.

Every year on 20 January, the feast of Saint Sebastian is celebrated, also known as ‘Chorizo Day’. On this day, residents head to San Sebastián Natural Park, a communal pasture that welcomes thousands of people. There, they spend the day with family and friends, enjoying food brought from home. There is no shortage of morcones (sausages), chorizos (spicy sausages), or San Sebastián breads or ‘roscas’ (ring-shaped pastries).

Since the 1920s, a song has been sung on this day that refers to San Sebastián Day in Bollullos. It is a Carnival song written by José Acosta ‘Acostita’, a famous and renowned comparsista (Carnival singer) of the time, who was also mayor of the municipality. The lyrics are as follows:

‘On San Sebastián Day, we went to the countryside to eat the chorizos of all the years. I know a girl, you see, you see, who went home crying her eyes out. And she said to her mother, “Mum, I want a chorizo of a quarter and a half.” And her mother said, “I have it here, but you don’t have any money, and that’s for me.”’

The San Sebastián Natural Park is a communal pasture on the outskirts of the municipality, characterised by a huge cork oak forest that is protected by environmental regulations.

It is a bucolic setting where various activities take place, including the famous “Day of the Sausages” or “Day of San Sebastián”, a day of celebration coinciding with the feast day of the saint who gives the park its name.

According to the latest research by several local historians and researchers, this festival may have religious origins, but during the 20th century it became secularised and took on its current form: a day of family and neighbourhood gatherings in which typical products from the pig slaughter are tasted (the main one being the ‘chorizo de guita’, which has become the slogan of the festival), the latest wines from the harvest and the famous ‘naranjas del país’ (local oranges).

With regard to its history, it is worth noting that during the 20th century, the mayor of Bollullos until 1945, D. Manuel Pérez García, initiated a socio-popular struggle to transfer the pastureland, previously owned by the Isern Coto family, to public ownership. The campaign arose as a reaction to the continuous loss of cork oaks due to the planting of eucalyptus, an invasive species. In 1980, the cause was taken up by the San Sebastián Natural Park Association, which succeeded in acquiring 18 hectares in 1983 and another two in 1984 for the construction of the current children’s playground. Finally, in 1989, the land was transferred to the municipality and became public property.