Gabarreros Festival in El Espinar

Share it

It celebrates: From 4th March to 12th March

Place: Espinar, El (Segovia)

Category: Tradition

Popularity: (***) 3/5

Ideal for children

Organize: City Council of El Espinar, in collaboration with the Association of Gabarreros of El Espinar.

Known start date: It is believed that the tradition began in the late eighteenth century or early nineteenth century, when the gabarreros of the area began to pay homage to their patron saint, San Roque, in a small chapel located in the mountain near the village.

Figure of protection: Festivity of Regional Tourist Interest (since 2003)

Tags:

Regional Tourist Interest

Reading time: a minute

What is the Gabarreros Festival?

The Gabarreros de El Espinar Festival is a traditional celebration that takes place in the town of El Espinar, in the province of Segovia. The festival pays tribute to the gabarreros, the workers in charge of transporting wood down the Moros River to Segovia and Madrid.

The festival is held the second weekend of August and features various activities and events that revolve around the culture and tradition of the area. Among the most outstanding activities are the exhibition of traditional boats, the wood chopping competition, the procession of San Roque, patron saint of the gabarreros, and the tasting of typical dishes such as roast suckling pig and Castilian soup.

During the festival, the residents of El Espinar dress in traditional costumes and participate in various activities such as a craft market, traditional music and dance, and an exhibition of forestry machinery. The Gabarreros de El Espinar Festival is a sample of the cultural and traditional richness of Segovia and an opportunity to enjoy the gastronomy and folklore of the area.

Upcoming festivals

The Bujots Massacre

9th April

Ciutadella de Menorca (Baleares)

Discover a unique traditional Menorcan festival, where straw dolls representing well-known figures are shot down with blank-firing shotguns. A one-of-a-kind festival in the world celebrated in Ciutadella on Easter Sunday. Don't miss it!

Spring Festival of Murcia

From 9th April to 16th April

Murcia (Murcia)

Join the celebration of the arrival of spring and immerse yourself in Murcian culture. A week where you will experience the joy of the Bando de la Huerta, the excitement of the Entierro de la Sardina, the devotion of the Romería, and many other activities. Don't miss it!

The Piedaescrita Pilgrimage

10th April

Campanario (Badajoz)

A popular festival in honor of the Virgin of Piedraescrita, featuring a parade of tissue paper floats, music, and dance. It offers a countryside day with tasting of local cuisine, and ends with a party in the city center. Declared of Tourist Interest in Extremadura, it is a crowded and colorful event.

The Painted Eggs of Pola de Siero

11th April

Siero (Asturias)

Discover the painted eggs in La Pola de Siero. Since the 18th century, this colorful Asturian tradition has been filled with color with these hand-decorated eggs. Admire the miniature works of art and be surprised by the variety of motifs you can find.

Medieval Days of Montiel

From 12th April to 14th April

Montiel (Ciudad Real)

Historical days related to the death of Pedro I of Castile, recreating the arrival of the king in Montiel, taking refuge in the Castle of the Star. We will see how life was in the 14th century and witness the famous Battle of Montiel.