Los Escobazos

The ancestral festival of Los Escobazos is held in Jarandilla de la Vera (Cáceres) every 7 of December in honour of the Virgin of the Conception.Every year, thousands of visitors are welcomed with lit brooms and treated to the traditional “pitarra” wine made by the locals of Jarandilla.

The festival, rooted in shepherding traditions, commemorates the tale of medieval herders who would come down from the mountains guided only by the glow of lit brooms, torches crafted from shrubs known as “escoberos” that were commonly used in the region. It is said that the shepherds would hit each other with their brooms to put out the fire in a fun and jovial way. The legend became a tale for children and adults alike and is currently remembered every evening on December 7th. Locals and visitors alike wait for dusk to flood the town's streets with light and fire while awaiting the arrival of the procession of the Virgin of the Conception. A steward carries the standard with the image of the Immaculate as shepherds on foot and horseback march with lit brooms illuminating the path. The party lasts all night and culminates with a gathering of families and friends who enjoy the festivities around large bonfires and feasts on wines and typical local products.