Ponga

FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS

Undoubtedly, the most representative and officially recognized regional tourist event is the Aguinaldo Festival of San Juan de Beleño. The “aguinalderos”, who are gift bearers, ride on horseback, preceded by children on donkeys. Together, they visit both the villages of Beleño and Cainava, singing and asking for “aguinaldos” (gifts) from the households in the parish, wishing for health and prosperity. A drawing is held to select young men and women, from which couples emerge. It is the duty of the young men to give a gift to the young women, and in return, the young women are expected to provide a snack.

On January 1st at noon, the young men gather, and among them, the “guirria” appears. This mythical character is dressed in blue and red, wearing a mask and a hood, and he embraces women while throwing ashes on men. Subsequently, there are separate dinners for both children and young men, and the festivities conclude with a dance.

Variations of this festival are celebrated in the towns of Sobrefoz and in the Parish of Cazo. In Sobrefoz, it takes place on January 1st, and women and married individuals also participate. In the Parish of Cazo, they seek blessings for the six towns that make it up (Sellaño, Tribierto, Priesca, Cazo, Ambingue, and Los Lladeros). In this case, the horses are adorned with colourful bouquets.

Certain medieval traditions are still preserved, focusing on the use of communal resources and significant festivities. Furthermore, in Sobrefoz, the distribution of communal lands among the residents is a noteworthy tradition, with parcels being individually exploited.

Other types of festive traditions are still maintained, such as the placing of a bouquet on the balcony of the girls during the night of San Juan or the bonfire of San Juan, both in San Juan de Beleño.

In the rest of the villages, traditional celebrations combine religious events, homemade cuisine, children’s games, music, and general merriment. The most prominent of these celebrations are dedicated to the patron or patroness of the village. They typically involve a church service with a procession, accompanied by fireworks and bell ringing. Afterwards, families gather for meals, children’s games, traditional bowling, and dancing. Local Festivities:

– May 15th: San Isidro in Beleño

– June 13th: San Antonio in Abiegos.

– June 24th: San Juan in Beleño.

– June 28th: San Pedro in Sobrefoz.

– First weekend in July: Santu VIboli

– July 16th: Nuestra Señor del Carmen in Beleño

– Last weekend of July: San Ignacio

– August 4th and 5th: Nuestra Señora de las Nieves in Cazo

– August 6th: Nuestra Señora de las Nieves in Sellaño

– August 9th: San Justo in Cainava

– August 10th and 11th: Nuestra Señora in Abiegos

– August 15th and 16th: Nuestra Señora in Viego and Taranes

– And the following Friday: – La Costillada in Beleño (countryside barbecue)

Without a doubt, it’s worth mentioning the countryside festivities, such as “La Santina” in both Arcenorio and Ventaniella, or the “Arándanu” in San Juan de Beleño. These events take place in open fields in the morning (such as the “Arándanu” in Les Bedules), where attendees participate in outdoor religious ceremonies and engage in the auction of the “ramu”, a traditional branch decorated with breads and often adorned with ribbons. Afterwards, a countryside meal is served, accompanied by traditional songs sung to the tunes of bagpipes and drums.

Local Festivities:

– El “Arándanu”: penultimate Saturday in August.

– La Santina de Ventaniella: first Saturday in September.

– The Santina of Arcenorio: 8th September.

The Santina de Arcenorio pilgrimage is considered to be the Asturian pilgrimage held at the highest altitude (around 1,500 metres).

Livestock fairs are held in the summer or autumn to sell the cattle raised throughout the year. Sellers, buyers, and local artisans of typical products such as cheese and honey gather from early in the morning. Among the most significant is that of Sellaño on December 8th.