Las Coplas and Bear Capture
Attendees witness the vivid culmination of the carnival: a costumed ensemble performing music and dance. The bear’s capture is theatrical and crowd-pleasing, followed by lively singing of satirical verses.
~12:00
Carnival of Silió
La Vijanera
Molledo, Spain
Jan 3, 2027Expected
Each first Sunday of January, the Cantabrian village of Silió stages the wild pagan carnival of La Vijanera. Thousands in elaborate masks, the bell-clad Zarramacos and the Oso bear among them, parade in an open-air theater of folklore, in a celebration rooted in ancient winter-solstice rites to drive out the old year.
Key moments
Where it happens
Escuelas de Silió
Molledo, Spain
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Dress warmly for winter outdoor event
Respect local boundaries
Respect participants’ costumes and roles
Keep the visit respectful
Learn a few Spanish/Cantabrian greetings
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: very high.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaREGIONAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Carnival of Silió
La Vijanera
Molledo, Spain
Each first Sunday of January, the Cantabrian village of Silió stages the wild pagan carnival of La Vijanera. Thousands in elaborate masks, the bell-clad Zarramacos and the Oso bear among them, parade in an open-air theater of folklore, in a celebration rooted in ancient winter-solstice rites to drive out the old year.
Easy first visitEasy first festival
Jan 3, 2027Expected dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Rooted in ancient Cantabrian (prehistoric Celtic/Roman) winter-solstice traditions, La Vijanera marks renewal and community cohesion. Each costumed character symbolizes aspects of nature or society, forming a ritual procession through Silió. The festival preserves local identity through music and verse, echoing a communal narrative of history and satire. It has been declared a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest for its cultu...
Key moments to know
~12:00Expected
Las Coplas and Bear Capture
Attendees witness the vivid culmination of the carnival: a costumed ensemble performing music and dance. The bear’s capture is theatrical and crowd-pleasing, followed by lively singing of satirical verses.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Dress warmly for winter outdoor event
Respect local boundaries
Respect participants’ costumes and roles
Keep the visit respectful
Learn a few Spanish/Cantabrian greetings
Photo with care
Join respectfully, do not approach costumed performers without consent, follow parade directions.
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Jan 3, 2027
Estimated
City / Area
Molledo
Cantabrian
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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