Saint George Night

On April the 22th night, Cáceres retruns to its muslim period when the city was reconquered by the Christian army. The Moors and Christians battle and the dragon burning in the Plaza Mayor (main squarere) are the most attractive aspects of this magical night.

Legend has it that in the 12th century ,when Cáceres was named Alqazires, it was governed by an important and powerful muslim gentleman. Christians were trying to reconquer the city for their Castillian sovereign. Those were hard times and to carry out such task was dangerous.

The landlord has a really beautiful daughter, she was known in the whole muslim territory. Her father had tried to wed her with handsome and rich suitors, but she always explained that because of her strong religious beliefs she did not want to get married. The true reason was she was deeply in love with a Christian captain, however their beliefs forced them to live their passion secretly.

Time passed and the battle was turning more savage and fierce and the lovers had to wait much time to meet. The beautiful city of Alqazires turned out sad and ugly and its inhabitantants were surrounded by war feelings. One day the young girl was arranged to meet her lover, scared she accepted. Meeting him meant to betray her father, her city and her people.

When Christians entered in Cáceres the whole city was devastated. At that instant the lord discovered his own daughter's betrayal. She confesed her fault and her father was so shocked that he promised her the cruelest punishment.

How the girl was punished is today a mystery. Rumuours has that the muslim lord knew withcraft formulae, he used them to turn her into a hen. Others has that she was tied to cistern's columns to died drowned.

The celebration of the San Jorge, patron siant of Cáceres, has progressed until today. April the 22th night in the Plaza Mayor (main square) are held the fight of Moors and Christians and the dragon burning, which simbolizes the devastating fire. Besides, to remeber the young lady who was changed into a hen, two gold eggs are hidden in the old part of the town, those who find them are prizewinning.

The feast ends with a civic procession on 23rd morning. Saint George's banner is one of the oldest and best preserved militar banners. The procession leaves the City Council and reaches Santa María Con-Cathedral.

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