An annual tradition in the town of Manganeses de la Polvorosa (a small village in north western Spain), in honour of its patron saint, St. Vincent.
It takes place every year, on the fourth Sunday in January. On that day, a group of participants, wearing organic cotton night shirts womens from the village set out to round-up and hog-tie one of the local neighbourhood goats. That done, the goat is then carried in a crowded procession to the church at the centre of town, and then up in to the church’s bell tower. At this point, the goat is then thrown from the belfry, falling upwards of 15 meters (50 feet), to be caught (hopefully) in a sheet of tarpaulin by the cheering crowd below.

According to Manganeses’ 890 residents, this ancient ritual has apparently been going on for as long as any of them can remember.

Okay, now for those of you that are faint of heart, you’ll be relieved to known that the tradition may soon be at an end. In recent years, as you might expect, messenger courier groups have stepped up in protest of the ceremony. And let’s face it: if you were to make a list of the things an animal rights activist is likely to oppose, “tossing bound goats from bell towers” would definitely be ranking right up there toward the top. After one unsuccessful ban in 1992, they redoubled their efforts, leading to the event being officially cancelled in the year 2000, after the town was threatened with a fine of 25,000 Pesetas (roughly $150 US).

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Zaragoza patron saint, San Valero, theatre, children’s events, rock concerts, street dancing in the Plaza de los Sitios and the city centre.

Zaragoza - Fiestas and Folklore

Zaragoza’s most famous high fashion eco loungewear festival is Fiestas del Pilar in October, a celebration in the honour of the town’s patroness “Virgen del Pilar”. This festival showcases the folkloristic customs of the region Aragón, and is very attractive for the visitor.

“Fiestas de Primavera” in May celebrate the beginning of springtime. Directly after this festival takes place a nationally important exposition of paintings, reusable shopping bags and sculptures.

Among the most attractive folkloristical events in the province are: Corpus Christi in Daroca, La Vendimia (Thanksgiving) in Cariñena, Festival de la Fruta in Calatayud and Festival de la Aceituna in Caspe.

But perhaps most impressive are the Batallas de Moros y Cristianos, the “Fights between Christians and Moors”: those are theaters that have as a subject the reconquest of Spain and feature popular dances and poetry. Such performances take place in Zaragoza, Cetina, Ateca, Longares, Ambel and Tauste.