The town of Pareja in La Alcarria is getting ready to intensely celebrate its patron saint festivities with a program packed with over 50 events. This year, for the first time, it includes a children’s program, as well as new and established events, such as the charitable paella on Peñas Day, benefiting Proyecto Hombre, and a robust bullfighting program with running of the bulls through the streets, a bullfight, and a bullfighting competition.
The mayor of Pareja, Javier del Río, considers these festivities as “the most special and intense moment of the whole year.” Del Río, who will celebrate his 25 years as mayor in 2024, highlights the changes and improvements in the town during his tenure, but emphasizes that the excitement and tradition of the festivities have remained intact. According to his words, the joy for the festivities is passed on “from parents to children, generation after generation.”
The festive program is led by the Councilor for Festivities, María Tierraseca, who has tirelessly worked to prepare a calendar that spans from August to September. The activities kick off this same weekend with children’s sports competitions and will continue with paddle tennis, indoor soccer, and swimming championships, taking advantage of the sports facilities in Pareja. There will also be competitions for adults in disciplines like petanque, dominoes, and cards.
Peñas Day, on August 31, will be a prominent event with a charitable paella for the benefit of Proyecto Hombre Guadalajara and a popular peñas treasure hunt. The day will culminate with the launch of fireworks from the clock tower on September 4, and a chocolate tasting offered by the newly recovered Association of Retirees. The festivities’ opening speech will be given by Rosario Pardo, an actress and comedian known for her roles in TV shows like “Cuéntame cómo pasó” and “Velvet.” It will also be the day when the majas of Pareja 2024 will be presented.
On September 5, the bullfighting program will begin with a children’s run followed by a national bullfighting cutting contest with specialists from Valdetauro. On September 6, there will be a real running of the bulls, and on September 7, a bullfight with the semi-finalists of the contest “Guadalajara busca Torero 2024.” These bullfighting events promise to be one of the highlights of the festivities.
Religious celebrations also play an important role, with the ascent of the patron saint, the Virgin of Remedies, from her hermitage to the parish church on August 24 and remaining there until September 28. Religious festivities will culminate on September 8 with a major mass and a procession accompanied by the La Alegría Alcarreña brass band.
The musical section will feature performances by renowned orchestras from Guadalajara such as Track, Marengo, Radar, and Vórtice, as well as popular dancing for the elderly by the Salados duo and the Encantados trio. The festivities will end on September 9 with fireworks and a variety show.
Javier del Río encourages all residents to actively participate in the festivities, “honoring our Patroness, singing, dancing, laughing, respecting, and celebrating” to keep the spirit of Pareja alive. The detailed program of children’s competitions and festivities ensures days filled with activities and excitement for all residents and visitors of the town of Pareja in La Alcarria.
via: MiMub in Spanish
