La Encamisá de Navalvillar de Pela: "Let the belly dry of whoever does not cry viva"
On 16 January, one of the coldest nights of the year, thousands of residents of Navalvillar de Pela, emigrants and neighbours from nearby villages, have once again celebrated their patron saint to the cry of "viva San Antón" and the answer of "Let the belly dry of whoever does not cry viva". Riders adorned with multicoloured handkerchiefs and their horses with beautiful blankets are the stars of 'La Encamisá'.
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A Festival of Regional Tourist Interest, the Encamisá de Navalvillar de Pela honours San Antón with its riders and infantry filling the Town Council square to listen to the proclamation, which is renewed each year. Three cheers to San Antón and the ringing bells start off the main event of the celebrations: a three hour ride or trot on horseback or donkey among the bonfires lit around the village streets, with the neighbours sampling wine and biñuelos, the typical sweet of this festivity.
Legend says that the locals deceived a Moorish army with their pointed caps and bonfires, to do make them believe they were outnumbered. One thing is true today, on the coldest nights of the year, the candles placed at the crossroads and in squares are much appreciated.
