In Viniegra de Arriba, the patron saint festivities in honour of Santa María Magdalena are a living expression of the cultural heritage of the municipality, where history, music and tradition are maintained thanks to the commitment of its neighbours.

Culture

Patron saint festivities

Tradition, dance and collective memory in the heart of La Rioja.

Held on the weekend closest to 22 July, these festivities stand out for the recovery and preservation of traditional dances, maintained thanks to the efforts of the group of dancers of the municipality.

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These dances, which ceased to be performed at the beginning of the 20th century, have been recovered after a thorough research work started in 1994, based on historical documents, old photographs and musical notes of the time.

Highlighted elements:

The recovery of the bellows bagpipe, the original instrument that accompanied the dances and which was reconstructed from a find in a house in the village.

The recreation of traditional choreographies, such as the danza de los oficios, where the dancers, with sticks, represent old jobs from the rural world.

The continuity of a tradition that connects directly with the historical identity of the municipality.

The festive calendar is completed on 16 August with the celebration of San Roque, patron saint of the municipality, with mass, procession and a popular meal that brings together all the neighbours in a convivial atmosphere.

Traditional apparel:

The costume of the dancers, also recovered in the research, is composed of white shirt and trousers, esparto espadrilles with black ribbon, coloured ribbons crossed over the torso, Manila shawl tied at the waist and beret, forming an ensemble full of symbolism and tradition.

You can discover this tradition at:

Viniegra de Arriba

A celebration that goes beyond the festival, becoming an example of how culture and tradition can be kept alive generation after generation.

Where tradition is not remembered, it is lived.

The patron saint festivities

Festivals and regional costumes of Cultural Interest