Festivities
Semana Santa
Easter celebrations are an ancient tradition of the city and they are a real tourist attraction. It is a week-long celebration around city, combining religious, medieval and pagan elements. Holy week celebrations are really amazing. It is a organized a street procession. Garments, flowers, candles combined with litanies, incense and sacred images create an impressive atmosphere that catch the attention even if you are not particularly interested in religious aspects.
Lunes de Aguas (Monday of the Waters)
On Monday of the Waters (Lunes de Aguas), which is the following Monday after Easter Monday, people usually have a picnic in the fields and eat Hornazo. The tradition dates back to XVI century. At that time, King Felipe II ordered that during Lent period all the prostitutes were sent out from Salamanca to be isolated on the other side of the River Tormes. They were obliged to stay there up to Monday of the Waters. On that day, students used to celebrate their return in the city. For this occasion, students welcomed them on the bank of the river and eating Hornazo was a part of the ancient celebration.
San Juan de Sahagun (June 12)
San Juan de Sahagun’s Day is celebrated with fireworks by the River Tormes.
La Mariseca (August 15)
The Mariseca is bull-shaped weathervane boasting a Spanish flag which is placed on the highest point of Plaza Mayor on August 15. It is a symbolic act announcing the beginning of the Bullfight Festival and the Virgen de La Vega Festivities (Ferias de Salamanca).
Virgen de la Vega (September 8)
Virgen de la Vega Festivities also known as Ferias de Salamanca is one of the most popular events of the city. Salamanca celebrates the Virgen de la Vega, one of the patron saints of the city. Day and night, its squares become the stage for concerts and cultural events. There are lots of stalls around the cities where you can find food and drink at a very low prices. Or you can go by the River Tormes and discover a real medieval atmosphere!
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