Las Paces Festival in Villarta de San Juan

Year after year, thousands of people decide to accompany the villarteros in the Fiesta de las Paces in Villarta de San Juan, a celebration that takes place between 23 and 26 January, in honour of Our Lady of Peace and which has been declared of Regional Tourist Interest since 1994.

A religious tradition whose characteristic elements are fire and gunpowder. Come and be part of this beautiful tradition.

What does the festival of Las Paces in Villarta consist of?

The Festival of Las Paces in Villarta de San Juan lasts 3 days, and begins with the opening speech on 23rd January. That same night the bonfire burning takes place in a pleasant musical atmosphere.

The following day, the religious events begin with the mass and subsequent procession of the Virgin. This is also the moment when the sky becomes the stage that captures the attention of all those present, with the burning of thousands of rockets.

And during the night the well-known Pólvora takes place, an event in which the sky is illuminated in colour with fireworks. Your children will love the night view.

Origin of Las Paces de Villarta, since when has it been celebrated?

The festival of Las Paces in Villarta de San Juan was instituted in the year 1369, to give thanks for the peace that was finally achieved, after years of bloody battles.

According to legend, the origin of this celebration dates back to the end of the war between Enrique de Trastamara and his half-brother, Pedro I, El Cruel. The horseman who made the journey from Montiel to Toledo to announce the end of the war made a stop in Villarta to rest and spread the good news.

The villagers went to the nearby hermitage to give thanks to the Virgin because peace had come. After visiting the Virgin, they gathered firewood and made a bonfire to warm themselves and share some wine and food.

What other things to see in Villarta if you go to the fiesta?

Villarta de San Juan has many special places you should visit, both inside and outside the town.

• Roman Bridge. It is located on the outskirts of Villarta de San Juan. It is a bridge 500 metres long and 5 metres wide, a real spectacle.
• Old Church. It was known as Santa María la Mayor Church, with a late Gothic style from the 15th and 16th centuries.
• Other places of interest are to be found as you walk through the streets of the town, such as the Plaza La Paz, the Town Hall and the New Church.

Gastronomy in Villarta de San Juan

What to eat during your visit to enjoy Las Paces in Villarta de San Juan is a subject that should not worry you, as this town has an exquisite gastronomy.

You can try typical dishes such as migas, which is a very simple dish, made only with bread and red chorizo sausage.

There is also gachas, an exquisite savoury porridge prepared with almond flour and seasoned with pork products, such as chorizo.