The town of Zahara de los Atunes in Cádiz is preparing to celebrate its patron saint festival dedicated to the Virgen del Carmen, which will take place from July 15 to 19. The activity program aims to maintain tradition and community spirit, offering various events for residents and visitors.
The official inauguration of the festivities will be marked by the opening speech, which this year will be delivered by D. Antonio Jesús Guerrero Capilla, a local resident. The event will take place on Wednesday, July 15, in the evening at the Palacio de las Pilas, and will include performances by the Asociación Cultural Contratiempos, the Ana María Padilla Dance Group, Jualili Heredia and La Sagrada Familia, as well as DJ music.
The highlight of the celebration will be on Thursday, July 16, the feast day itself. The image of the Virgen del Carmen, belonging to the ‘Los Marengos’ Sailors Association, will be embarked and processed by sea. Thousands of people typically gather on the shore to witness this event, a characteristic scene of the coastal celebrations in Cádiz.
On the same Thursday, July 16, after the Rosario de la Aurora and the Solemn Mass at the Iglesia del Carmen, the land procession of the Blessed Virgin will depart accompanied by the La Salud de Barbate Music Band, concluding with a pyrotechnic display. The evening will continue with musical performances at the Palacio de las Pilas.
The weekend will bring more activities. On Friday, July 17, a 3x3 Beach Soccer Tournament will be held at Playa del Carmen. On Saturday, July 18, the same beach will host the Surfea la ELA event and the II HOLA ELA Popular Games. In the evening, retirees will enjoy an appetizer and dinner with performances, while the Palacio de las Pilas will offer more music.
The festivities will conclude on Sunday, July 19, with musical performances at the Palacio de las Pilas.
