Pilar Festival - Zaragoza
The Pilar Festival (Fiestas del Pilar) is celebrated every year on the 12th
of October. During the week leading up to this official date, Zaragoza comes
alive with music, parades, flowers, and theatre in honour of the Virgin of
Pilar. The female patron saint of Spain is honoured with an abundance of flowers
as the history and culture of Spain is remembered and celebrated. Trails of
roses, lillies, orchids, and gladiolus wind their way to the Plaza de Pilar as
an offering to the Virgin.
The reason for this internationally recognized festival has its origins back in
40 AD when St James the Apostle came to this area to spread Christianity to the
mostly Pagan population. On his journey in Aragonese territory, on the eve of
January 2nd, the Virgin Mary is supposed to have appeared to him on a marble
pillar and asked him to build a church on the land upon which he was standing.
Initially a chapel was built around the pilar followed by ever grander churches
over the centuries. Today the magnificent Basilica del Pilar which was designed
in 1681 stands on this spot. Major alterations took place in the 18th century
and the Basilica's towers weren't completed until the 20th century.
The pillar (Pilar) on which the Virgin descended is displayed inside the Holy
Chapel (Capilla Santa) of the Basilica. This attracts hundereds of pilgrims
every day who arrive to kiss a small piece of the pillar which isn't protected.
During this wonderful celebration of culture and history music and dance take to
the streets. The music is not bound by one particular kind and you will hear
reggae, jazz, pop, rock, and folk to name but a few. Spontaneous flamenco
dancing is common but a distinctive form of dancing that you're unlikely to have
come across is the Jota. This dance can be traced back to the 1600s although it
has changed somewhat from its original form. You can join in the street
celebrations and learn to dance the jota with the locals.
Another novelty is the procession of the giants and big heads (gigantes y
cabezudos) in which huge papier mache figures join the carnival on the street
and mingle with the crowds. Bull fighting is another aspect of this celebration,
because as with all Spanish gatherings, the bull must make his appearance. He is
quite a distinguished part of the Spanish history so a celebration without him
wouldn’t be quite the same. Plays and theatre are another big part of this
celebration often attracting famous actors and actresses who can often be
spotted entertaining the crowds. The one act plays are particularly enjoyable.
If you're going to be in Zaragoza for the week leading up to the Pilar festival
then don’t forget to take your party clothes. Although the official date of the
Pilar Festival is October 12th it lasts for around nine days with the evenings
centred on an area of town known as "El Tubo" which is packed with bars and
revellers. You should also pay a nightime visit to the Paseo de los Bearneses
and enjoy its spectacularly lit fountain. Heavenly music compliments the lights
and adjoining neighborhoods join in with their own fireworks.
Not only is October 12th celebrated as the 'Día de Nuestra Señora del Pilar', it
is also the 'Día de la Hispanidad', a national celebration of Columbus's
discovery of the Americas. |
