BTN News: Tarazona, a picturesque town in the province of Zaragoza, eagerly awaits the arrival of its beloved festivities in honor of San Atilano, the city’s patron saint. From August 27th to September 1st, this historic locality transforms into a vibrant hub of tradition and celebration, attracting both locals and visitors alike. The highlight of these celebrations is the legendary Cipotegato, a unique and colorful event that has been declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest. Every year on August 27th at precisely 12:00 PM, the character of the Cipotegato, dressed as a harlequin, bursts forth from the Plaza de España to the ringing of bells, marking the beginning of a week filled with joy, music, and cultural activities. As he weaves through the streets, dodging the tomatoes hurled at him by the crowd, the Cipotegato’s journey becomes a spectacle of excitement and anticipation, culminating back in the Plaza de España where the jubilant town officially kicks off its festivities.
The Cipotegato is more than just a tomato-throwing event; it is a deep-rooted tradition that encapsulates the spirit of Tarazona. The sight of the harlequin being hoisted onto the monument erected in his honor, as the crowd chants “¡Cipote, cipote!”, is a moment of pure communal celebration. The act of placing a handkerchief on the monument symbolizes the commencement of the fiesta, a time when the streets of Tarazona come alive with a plethora of activities designed to entertain all ages. From parades featuring the iconic Giants and Bigheads to foam parties, concerts, and traditional Aragonese music, the first day of the festival sets the tone for what is to come.
On the following days, the town is awash with events that cater to a wide range of interests. On August 28th, the festivities continue with a solemn mass in honor of San Atilano at the Cathedral of Santa María de la Huerta, followed by the Procession of the Holy Relic. This is a day where tradition takes center stage, with a homage to the Cipotegato of 2024, children’s workshops in San Francisco Park, and a bullfighting session at the Plaza de Toros. The day concludes with a concert by Los Rebujitos and a lively party at Pradiel Park, ensuring that the festive spirit carries on late into the night.
As the festival progresses, each day offers a mix of cultural, religious, and entertainment activities. On August 29th, the town gathers for the traditional offering of flowers and fruits to the Virgen del Río in the Plaza de España. The day is filled with music, from the morning’s performances by the Gaiteros de Tarazona to a tribute concert dedicated to El Canto del Loco. The younger crowd enjoys a session of DJs at Pradiel Park, while the evening culminates in a grand verbena, with performances that keep the energy high until the early hours.
By August 30th, the celebration shows no signs of slowing down. The day begins with the peñas, local social clubs, leading dianas (traditional morning marches) through the neighborhoods, setting the festive tone early. Activities for children continue with workshops and inflatable games, while the Plaza de Toros hosts another round of bullfighting. The evening is highlighted by a concert from Nancys Rubias and a DJ Remember party at Pradiel Park, followed by a vibrant verbena that ensures the party atmosphere is maintained.
As the festival nears its end, August 31st sees a continuation of the traditions and entertainment that define this week in Tarazona. The day includes a semifinal in the recortes competition at the Plaza de Toros, performances by local entertainers such as Marianico El Corto and Ana María Sancho, and a national emboladores competition, a bull-related event that draws significant interest. The day is capped off with a macro urban fiesta and a concert by La Regadera, ensuring the festival’s penultimate night is one to remember.
The final day, September 1st, wraps up the festivities with a blend of family-friendly events and a grand finale. The morning features a children’s theater and circus show in San Francisco Park, followed by a communal meal at Pradiel Park that brings together people from all walks of life. As the evening sets in, the town gears up for the final celebration with a procession of the peñas, leading to the symbolic burning of the frog at the Cunchillos Road Roundabout. This event is followed by a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the night sky, bidding farewell to another year of unforgettable festivities. The night concludes with a final verbena, where the orquesta Magia Negra plays, ensuring that the spirit of San Atilano’s festival lingers in the hearts of all who attended.
Tarazona’s fiesta in honor of San Atilano is a true reflection of the town’s cultural heritage and communal spirit. It is a time when tradition and modernity blend seamlessly, offering something for everyone—from the thrill of the Cipotegato to the solemnity of religious processions, from the joy of children’s activities to the excitement of live music and dance. For those fortunate enough to experience this festival, it is a week that leaves an indelible mark, a celebration of life, culture, and the enduring spirit of Tarazona.
