The devotion in Cazorla to Cristo del Consuelo is profound, credited with saving lives during the 1694 flood and the fire caused by Napoleon's troops in 1810. The canvas, which was spared from flames when the French burned the old Santa María church, is now housed in the San Francisco temple.
During the procession, the faithful pin banknotes to the back of the painting, a custom that, along with red ribbons and wax hands, is part of the deep-rooted tradition. The money raised is allocated to the Cofradía del Santísimo Cristo del Consuelo for the preservation of the canvas and to assist families in need.
The Cazorla Fair hosts other curiosities such as the 'puesta del maero' (setting up the first beam), the offering of wheat coinciding with the harvest, the 'San Chelines' in honor of bullfights, and 'garbanzos tostaos' (toasted chickpeas) to ask for health, money, and love. Previously, bonfires were lit on the Peña de los Halcones.
