Each year on December 7, the village of Jarandilla de la Vera in Extremadura holds Los Escobazos, an ancestral night-time festival in honor of the Immaculate Conception 1. Thousands of participants parade through the streets carrying "escobones" (bundles of broom shrubs) set aflame, filling the town with bonfires and illuminated torches 2 1. The event features villagers striking the burning brooms against each other in a friendly ritual exchange, symbolizing the shepherd-pastoral origins of the celebration 3 2.
Los Escobazos is a deeply ingrained Extremaduran festival blending religious devotion and rural tradition. It is tied to Marian faith (honoring the Virgin) and community heritage 1 2. Locals invite participants with traditional homemade pitarra wine and buns, emphasizing generosity and folklore in this communal event. As a declared National Tourist Interest festival, it showcases regional identity and a shared calendar of celebrations.
Venues and routes
Plaza de Santa María de la Torre · Jarandilla de la Vera
Plaza de Santa María de la Torre
Main · Gathering point and procession route for the torch-bearing crowds · Jarandilla de la Vera
Plaza Mayor de Jarandilla de la Vera
Main gathering area for residents and visitors during the festival. · Plaza del Rey, 10400 Jarandilla de la Vera · Jarandilla de la Vera
Iglesia Parroquial de la Inmaculada Concepción
Starting point of the procession and location of religious services. · Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 10400 Jarandilla de la Vera · Jarandilla de la Vera
The dates that shape the visit.
Date being verified
Attendees hold lit torches (escobas) and create a dramatic field of fire along the procession route, then gather to chant '¡Viva la Virgen!' as the standard is hoisted.
Reference notes for once this becomes a real plan.
High crowds