PATRONAL FEASTS IN HONOR OF THE HOLY CROSS (EN)

The celebration of the festival in honor of the Holy Cross dates back to 1399, when it was held in special esteem and served to establish the fair—which had been so difficult to secure—to take place 10 days before and 10 days after September 14. Even so, it took nearly two centuries, until January 17, 1580, for the leading religious and civil authorities, representing all the people of Rubielos, to agree to celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in perpetuity. In 1608, September 15 was established as the feast day of the Virgin of the Rosary, and in 1949, San Roque de Montpellier was added to the festivities, bringing the celebrations to a close on September 16.

In mid-September, the patron saint festivities of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14), San Roque, and the Virgin of the Rosary are celebrated, featuring religious ceremonies, rope bullfighting and fire-balled bullfighting displays, picnics, and popular street parties. The week prior, competitions are held for traditional games such as birlos, or card games like guiñote, brisca, or porra. The judiada in the area around La Glorieta, the chupinazo from the town hall balcony, and sangria mark the start of the festivities—days filled with a festive atmosphere where you can gather with loved ones accompanied by popular music.