Water Festival (EN)

This popular celebration has a history spanning more than eighty years, and although there is no documentary evidence to pinpoint its exact origins, even the oldest residents remember it. It is held on August 17, coinciding with the patron saint festivities in honor of the Virgin of Sorrows and Saint Roch. Since 2018, the festival has been designated a popular event of provincial tourist interest. Its uncertain origin has given rise to two versions: one speaks of a wedding celebration, and that, due to the high summer temperatures, those attending the ceremony began splashing each other with the refreshing waters of the Meruelo River, turning this unique celebration into an annual tradition; and another that speaks of the town’s agricultural and livestock tradition, where, as the patron saint festivities approached, water from the river was released to clean the streets, and once finished, the “water battle” began 

The Water Festival begins early at 8:00 a.m. on August 17, when participants gather in the Plaza del Rollo to enjoy traditional hot chocolate. At 9:00 a.m., the irrigation dam is opened, releasing water down Calle Real, kicking off the water battle among the attendees. Afterward, hot chocolate is distributed throughout the town’s streets. In the afternoon, starting at 5:00 p.m., the children’s version, “The Solidarity Cauldron Festival,” is held.