ciadoncha; ¡cuántos recuerdos - Webpages at SCU - Santa Clara ...

The last big holiday celebrated in Ciadoncha is the night before the holiday of
Santa Barbara, on the 3rd of December. The bonfire has been done for several years. On
participant who was born in 1920 commented that she always remembers this. In fact,
there were some years that were very windy and the adults would tell the youth to not do
a bonfire because it was dangerous, but no one would listen to them. The interesting
thing about this holiday is that everyone can take advantage of this time to do a good
house cleaning and whatever is of no use anymore can be burned at the bonfire. Also,
trunks and sticks were brought from the fields. (Film provided by Arcadio Varona)
Preparations for the holiday of Santa Barbara. Pig sacrifice done with the whole community.
Photo provided by Arcadio Varona.
Making good use of the cold climate in Ciadoncha, as in other towns, the pig
sacrifice is done during this time. In the holiday of Santa Barbara all of the foods that are
made from pig are eaten. The Cultural Center of Santa Barbara, which I have dedicated
the last chapter of this book to, organized the sacrifice for this holiday.
The holiday of Santa Barbara is so famous that people from other towns come for
it. The bonfire, the music, the wine, and the good food help create an unforgettable vigil.
It is during this holiday that the men as much as the women are more inspired to sing.
But it is not only the singing that surfaces, but also some poems, many jokes and sayings
and commentaries that are to be full of laughter.
Genara Madrid with the Miraculous Virgin. 2003
Photo provided by Federico Varona
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