LAS CARRERAS (THE RACES). ARROYO DE LA LUZ

DETAILS

Denomination: Las Carreras.

Place: Arroyo de la Luz, Cáceres.

Date:Easter Monday.

Most interesting moments:

Procession to the Hermitage.

Meeting of riders in Saint Sebastian Square.

Individual or pair races or larger ones throughout the morning.

How to get there: it lies a few kilometres from Cáceres taking the N-521 road, then turning off along the road that leads to Alcántara.

THE HISTORY

The festival of Las Carreras in Arroyo de la Luz is related to the celebration of the festivity of the patron saint, the Virgin of the Light, and also commemorates the victory over the Moslem troops in 1229 by King Alfonso IX of León.

The local custom of accompanying the patron saint to the Hermitage with carts, carriages or on horseback brought, in time, the first races between riders when returning from the religious services, as well as the chance to see the brightness of the harnessed horses which went along the main street in Arroyo de la Luz, known as La Corredera.

THE FESTIVAL

Since 1229, the people of El Arroyo have celebrated the festivity of their patron saint, the Virgin of the Light. This was the year when, according to the legend, the Virgin intervened to help the troops of King Alfonso IX in their fight with the Moslem army, in the place known as Pozo de las Matanzas.

On Easter Monday, at nine o’clock in the morning, a crowded festive and religious procession leaves the Parish Church of the Assumption, with flags, banners, placards and insignia, passing along La Corredera Street until it reaches Saint Sebastian Square.

In the square, the civil and religious authorities and the people accompanying them are joined by vehicles, carriages and horses in order to continue, next to the image of the patron saint, to her Hermitage, where the religious acts of the day are held.

On their return, from twelve o’clock onwards, the famous races begin between Saint Sebastian Square and La Corredera Street amid the bustle of the multitude, which observes and encourages the riders as, alone or in pairs, they launch into fast races along the central street.

Time and time again, horses and riders perform these attractive demonstrations which end in the main square amid the thousands of spectators who are given local wine, as is the custom.

At two o'clock in the afternoon the homeward procession from Saint Sebastian Square to the Parish Church of the Assumption begins, with the participation of the riders and horses which ran in the races. Later on, they are awarded their prizes together with the participating carriages.

Three days later, the image of the Virgin of the Light is once again brought to the town to celebrate Lent, at the end of which, in the holm oak pastureland, an attractive pilgrimage is held.