The Mayor of Vícar, Antonio Bonilla, presented the event's details, highlighting how the town becomes a 'magical place' attracting thousands of visitors. 'Paseando entre Velas' has established itself as a key event in Andalusian astrotourism, combining stargazing with enriching cultural experiences.
The day will begin at 6:30 PM with creative proposals and workshops for all ages, immersing participants in Eastern culture. Activities will include workshops on Tote bags, masks, fans, Chinese dragons and chopsticks, as well as Origami and lanterns. At 8:30 PM, an astronomy workshop will be held at the Placeta de los Pipos. Other highlights include a sunset pilates session (7:30 PM) and an artisan market from 6:00 PM in the Cerrillo.
Music will be a central feature with performances by chelo ‘Tres Flores’ (8:00 PM) and the quartet ‘Entre Velas y Sombras’ (10:30 PM) at Fuente El Barranco. Also performing will be D.T.Trumpet (9:00 PM and 10:15 PM) at the Lavadero, a Japanese harpist with Koto (9:30 PM) and violinist Nadia (10:30 PM) at the Polideportivo. Concerts by Mar Tiago (9:30 PM), José Luis Jaén (11:00 PM), and Dj Miriam Amat (12:30 AM) will take place at the Iglesia Fortaleza.
The official lighting of the Velón (large candle) in the Barrio Alto at 9:00 PM will mark the beginning of the night, as the light of the stars and thousands of candles illuminate the Villa de Vícar. Facades and streets will be adorned with artworks by artists such as Moxaico, Rodrígo Leseduarte, Jesús Eloi, and Sara Moncada, who also designed the event's poster.
The Mayor praised the efforts of the residents and the Asociación San Benito in decorating the streets. A special security operation involving the Local Police and Civil Protection has been activated. Shuttle buses will be available from 6:00 PM from Puebla de Vícar (opposite Mercadona) to facilitate access.
In the preceding days, the City Council has organized 'Chispeando', with activities aligned with the Eastern theme and the solar eclipse. On Monday the 10th, the film ‘Spirited Away’ will be screened (9:00 PM) at the Plaza del Barranquillo. Geishas from Kyoto will parade through the streets on Monday the 10th and Tuesday the 11th. On Tuesday, a giant slide will be installed in the Plaza del Barranquillo, and on Wednesday, the thousands of candles will be set up.
