Cascamorras

November 6, Thursday

Andalusia

Cascamorras
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Cascamorras is a vibrant traditional celebration that is held annually in two Spanish cities of Andalusia: Guadix and Baza (Granada province). Its origins date back to the 15th century and are connected to a legend about a dispute between the two cities over the statue of the Virgin of Mercy (Virgen de la Piedad). According to the story, a worker from Guadix discovered the statue on land belonging to Baza. The people of Baza believed the statue should stay with them, and a long dispute began, which later turned into a festive ritual.

Essence of the celebration
Every year at the beginning of September, a person called Cascamorras travels from Guadix to Baza. His goal is to symbolically “return” the statue of the Virgin Mary to Guadix. However, for this to happen, he must arrive in Baza clean, without traces of paint or dirt. The inhabitants of Baza prepare in advance to prevent this.

How the celebration takes place
When Cascamorras approaches Baza, he is met by crowds of people who smear each other and him with black paint, oil, or charcoal. This becomes a large-scale street game where no one remains clean.
A few days later, Cascamorras returns to Guadix, where he is greeted again, but this time not with paint, but with cheerful parades and dances.

Main elements of the celebration
The celebration includes traditional activities:

* Arrival of Cascamorras to the city
* Smearing participants with paint or charcoal
* Street parades and folk dancing
* Closing of the celebration with a religious procession

Cultural significance
Cascamorras is not just a joyful mass event, but also an important symbol of unity and reconciliation between the two cities. Despite the historical conflict, the celebration shows the ability of people to turn a dispute into bright cultural heritage.
It also emphasizes the role of collective memory and traditions that continue to be passed down through generations.

Modern features
Today Cascamorras attracts many tourists. Participants often prepare clothes in advance that they do not mind getting dirty, and also use special skin-safe paints. The celebration is accompanied by concerts, dances, and performances by local groups, making it one of the most spectacular events in the region.

Cascamorras

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Cascamorras in other years

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