Date:
3rd May
Organizer:
Asociación Fiesta de los Judas
Website
fiestas.yecla.es
Useful information:
Families, couples, individual/ Ideal to enjoy the sense of humour which characterizes the people in Yecla, its local cuisine and craft work.
Remarkable information:
A typical local food tasting has been held in Yecla for 13 years. 1,000 portions of every typical dish (“gazpachos”, “pelotas”; “queso frito”, “sardinas”, “bacalao con tomate”, “torta secreta” and “libricos”) are cooked. We can say that this one has become a participative activity, the most hoped one which counts on greater affluence of public.
One detail:
The typical “judas” (guys) are the traditional rag dolls which are hung over the streets of the neighbourhood (Carnicería, la Rosa, Quevedo and the adjacent streets) with satirical notices referring to current events (the political and social situation). The rag dolls are made by the people in the neighbourhood and other members of the Association. They are as bigger as a real person and they are often dressed up as any character, holding notices with written texts with rhymes criticising social and political issues. There are also rag dolls for children represented with dolls or with famous children’s characters.
Historical background of the celebration:
The festival honour the discovery of “la Cruz del Salvador” (the Cross of the Saviour). Coinciding with this date, this festival was replaced by “Los Judas” Festival. The streets are decorated with garlands, coloured lights and banderoles, the traditional “judas” (rag dolls) are hung over, holding satirical notices referring to the political, economic, social and cultural situation in both the town and the country, causing popular rejoicing, joy and sarcasm.
The festival has its origins in an event which hasn’t been proved through written record. It is told that one or more French soldiers dishonoured a young woman. A cross was placed where the facts happened, as a symbol of peace and love. Since then, there will be a “judas” (rag doll) hanging next to a cross, dressed in an army uniform.
