Los Negritos of San Blas

Los Negritos of San Blas
It celebrates: From 2nd February to 3rd February
Place: Montehermoso (Cáceres)
Category: Folklore
Popularity: (**) 2/5
Ideal for children
Organize: Montehermoso City Council
Figure of protection: Festival of Regional Tourist Interest (2006)
Tags:
Regional DancesRegional Tourist InterestPilgrimages
Reading time: 2 minutes

Los Negritos of San Blas is a festival of Regional Tourist Interest that is celebrated in a small town in Extremadura, in Cáceres, Spain to celebrate San Blas on February 2 and 3.

What is the festival about?

This original festival begins on February 2 with the traditional procession where the colorful characters known as the "Negritos", the "Palotero" and the Drummer participate, who wear colorful costumes and dance, accompanied by the crowd that goes to the hermitage where the image of Saint Saint Blas rests.

On February 3, the tribute to the figure of the saint continues, for this, the main actors smudge their faces in black with burnt cork, to later attend mass. Finally, San Blas is carried in a procession through all the streets, where Negritos begin their dances, one of them, the popular dance of the Cordón.

Short documentary

Origin of this festivity

According to legend, the origin of this festival dates back several centuries when, on the eve of the celebration of the San Blas festivities, a very humble family appeared in the town of Montehermoso asking for alms and in gratitude, they performed some dances that enjoyed the approval of the attendees.

After a few years, their dances no longer enjoyed so much popularity, for this reason, they had the idea of blackening their faces to avoid being recognized by the villagers. But the locals realized the trick and, contrary to expectations, they invited them to come back every year around the same dates, and since then, this has been part of the tradition, which until now continues to be part of the celebration.

What to do and what places to visit in Montehermoso?

Montehermoso is a picturesque town in Cáceres where you can enjoy ancient settlements and fascinating views. Here the Roman ruin called "El Ronco" and the famous "Piedra" are located, which despite the years, are preserved in excellent condition.

Gran dolmen de la Dehesa Boyal de Montehermoso
Great dolmen of the Dehesa Boyal de Montehermoso. Ángel M. Felicísimo

Known as the "Cuna del Tipismo Extremeño", this town is characterized by following its traditions, where its crafts and the typical floklore of this region stand out.

There are also some neighboring towns such as "Pozuelo de Zarzón" where you can see a large number of majestic olive trees. Aceituna and its surroundings will also enchant you with its beautiful rural houses.

Within the gastronomy of this town, its great variety of meats stands out. A typical dish that is in great demand is Migas, made with breadcrumbs and pork. Another popular dish is Zorongollo, it is an exquisite salad or the famous Cochifrito, which is made with small pieces of suckling pig.

Nor can you fail to try its wide variety of sweets such as the rich Extremadura Flowers, the Sapillos or the exquisite puff pastry dessert known as Técula Mécula, filled with almonds and covered in chocolate.

Upcoming festivals

The Fallas of Alzira

From 15th March to 19th March
Alzira (Valencia)
The Fallas of Alzira are a unique cultural festival that attracts thousands of visitors every year. They are known for their artistic monuments, music, and pyrotechnic shows. Local cuisine and craftsmanship are also attractive tourist features. An unforgettable experience that you can't miss.

Spring and Cherry Blossom in the Jerte Valley

From 17th March to 30th April
Jerte (Cáceres)
Spring and Cherry Blossom in the Jerte Valley
Dare to discover the secrets of the Valley of Spring, and don't miss the greatest natural spectacle, where more than one and a half million cherry trees dress in white in the Jerte Valley. Come and enjoy it!

The Fallas of Denia

From 17th March to 19th March
Dénia (Alicante)
Come and enjoy the Fallas of Denia! Discover its impressive cardboard and papier-mâché figures, its parades of marching bands and the spectacular burning of the fallas in a huge bonfire, a party not to be missed!

The Night of the Pepitas

From 18th March to 18th March
Ferrol (Coruña)
Experience a unique and beloved tradition in Ferrol's Fiesta de las Pepitas! Join the men in capes and hats as they roam the streets, singing and playing music with traditional instruments, and offer pepitas to women in exchange for food and drink. A must-see event attracting thousands of visitors each year!

The Passion of Esparreguera

From 19th March to 1st April
Esparreguera (Barcelona)
The Passion of Esparreguera
A unique and emotional representation of the Passion of Christ, which takes place outdoors on an impressive natural stage. With more than 500 actors, live music, and special effects, it is an unforgettable experience that attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Festivals this weekend

The weirdest and strangest popular festivals

Festivals categories

Themes

Most searched

Older festivals

The San Fermines

From 6th July to 14th July
Pamplona/Iruña (Navarra)
Since XII century

Most recent festivals