Dia de la Vieja (Day of the old lady)

This is a very local fiesta celebrated around Mojacar, Villaricos and Vera. It takes place during lent on a Thursday, 3 weeks before Holy Thursday.

Families head off to the campo in the afternoon for a picnic, Later on there are piñata’s of old ladies placed in the middle of the country and everyone begins to throw rocks at them.  Eventually the old lady is demolished and sweets breaks out from the inside and the children all run to grab them.  And that is Día de la Vieja.  Now aside from those wonderful things, I have no idea how this day became and why it is only celebrated in our area.  Most people have probably never heard of it.

A theory is that it provides light relief for people who are observing lent.

Even if you miss the event you always know when it has occurred just by seeing the rubbish that has been left behind in true Spanish style !!!

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