The Villanueva de los Infantes Regional Folklore Festival brings together the “El Lagar” association from Socuéllamos and the host group “Cruz de Santiago”

On Friday, September 4, Villanueva de los Infantes kicked off a new edition of its Folklore Festival, which is held annually in conjunction with the hugely popular Pepper Fair. As usual, the event began with the Regional Showcase, which this year featured the “El Lagar” Folk Music Association from Socuéllamos as the guest group, in addition to the hosts, “Cruz de Santiago.”

Mercedes Gutiérrez and Ana Isabel Romero served as the evening’s emcees; they also accompanied the recital with short theatrical skits featuring a touch of humor, such as the “conscription lottery,” a common scene in 20th-century society that—as the participating groups attested—remains very much alive in La Mancha folklore. The “Cruz de Santiago” rondalla, in fact, opened the recital with the premiere of the piece ‘Canción de quintos para ir al frente’ (Song of the Conscripts Heading to the Front).

Next, the children’s and youth groups from the local ensemble danced several jotas from Campo de Montiel and the Albacete piece “Malagueña de Pedro Andrés.” They were followed by the visiting group, “El Lagar,” from Socuéllamos, which performed traditional folk compositions from different parts of the region, such as the “Fandango de Consuegra” and the “Jota de Ballesteros.” After presenting a gift to the group from Socuéllamos in appreciation of their participation, the host group, “Cruz de Santiago,” closed the performance with its adult dance troupe, offering a showcase of seguidillas, fandangos, and jotas.