Los
Escobazos
On December 7th at night, the
Village of Jarandilla de la Vera burns as a sign of welcome
and warmth. This is an ancient feast , full of traditions and
history.
Los Escobazos (brushes) feast is based on two beliefs: one of them recalls the moment when shepherds used to exchange brushes when they meet. This exchange was a sign of greet and joy, they had not seem for ages . The other theory is the harvest festival. Whatever the origin, this feast is synonim of warmth and friendship.
The main square of Jarandilla de la Vera is the nerve point where everyone goes with broom brushes. This brushes are lit in order to greet and welcome people.
This
special way of greeting lasts for three hours. Once this time has
passed, the procession with the Virgin begins. A horseman carries the
banner and the people take advantage of their brushes to go with the
procession through the streets of Jarandilla.
After this the feast goes on and people burn bonfires in the whole city. These bonfires are meeting points where people gather and the keep on greeting
with their burning brushes.
Moreover, people have a good time and taste wines and typical sweets.
The last travel of Emperor Carlos V
Guide for Extremadura - Western Spain
