Cuenca Province - February 1 - Fiesta de "La Endiab" lada".Small agricultural locality, about 115 kms. from Madrid; ruins of Segboriga 9 kms. away.
Fiesta in honour of San Blas. "Devils' dress" con" Gists of floral pattered pyjama-type suits; devils headed by "diablo mayor" sounding cowbells through village. On 3rd day - "din de San Blas" - main day of fiesta - "devils" run round town until impressive procession with figure of San Blas takes place; fast cartwheel turning in front of image; dancers in typical dress. Most interesting fiesta of popular tradition.
Segovia Province - February 6 - "Fiesta de Santa Agueda".Located 3 kms. from Segovia; Church of Vera Cruz, originally belonged to Templars' Order.
Election of two mayoresses for coming year, who will supervise next fiesta. Mayoresses in typical peasant dress, dating from 12th century, ladies-in-waiting in typical workers' costume. Procession of the saint around main streets of town, after which bread, sausage and wine are distributed from one of the mayoresses' house, while no male may enter, except the priest. Finally, election itself; dancing of typical "jota" and "Baile de la rueda".
March 26- April 2 - "Semana de Musica Religiosa".Located 165 kms. from Madrid, amidst beautiful scenery, with old quarter; particularly impressive are "hanging houses" and "Enchanted City" (Ciudad En-cantada] - a labyrinth of rock formations (1,380 m. Nit.]
Week's program includes chosen works by eminent composers; religious works composed especially for occasion by well known composer. Takes place in Church of San Miguel, Church of San Pablo and Romanesque Church of Areas.
Toledo Province - April 30 - "Fiesta del Olivo".Located 31 kms. from Toledo; notable Casa Consisto-rial, Church of Virgen de Altagracia.
Celebration of olive harvest; election of "Queen"; exhibition of cattle, agricultural machinery, olives, olive-oil, soap, etc. Also carpets, classical Spanish-style furniture, etc. Mass, offering of fruit; decorated floats, carts, and donkeys; folklore groups; prizes.
Cuenca Province - May 15 - "Romeria en honor de San Isidro Labrador".Located 99 kms. from Cuenca, declared Locality of Touristic Interest; castle-fortress, National Monuments.
Pilgrimage in honour of San Isidro.
Guadalajara Province - May 21 - "Fiesta de La Caballada".
Located 84 kms. from Guadalajara; ancient village declared an Historical-Artistic Monument; ruins of im. posing castle on hill; churches of great artistic value; excursions to Jadraque, etc. - the Cid's territory ["tierras del Cid"].
Every Pentecost, annual re-enactment of day in 1162 when Alfonso Vlll was saved from falling into hands of uncle Fernando 11 of Leon. Commemoration rather than fiesta; Mass and common meal; procession of "La Caballada" through streets.
May 28-June 4 - "Fiesta del Corpus Christi".Located 70 kms. from Madrid; one of Spain's most beautiful towns, and major tourist attraction.
Solemn procession with Government ministers and-Archbishop of Toledo, leaves via Puerta Llana of Cathedral into streets and back again. Cathedral walls draped with 20 tapestries of 12th century; famous 16th century cross leads procession, various religious orders in dif" ferent colors; streets decorated with ancient cloths belonging to former weavers' and silkworkers' guilds; floor covered with wild herbs. Afternoon of Corpus Christi Day - traditional bullfight; during whole week - popular theatre, music, dance.
Toledo Province - June 1 - "Fiestas del Corpus Christi".Located 79 kms. from Toledo.
Impressive dances; in style of religious play "auto sacramental" - only mime. Spectacular typical costumes.
Avila Province - September 10-12 - "Romeria de Nuestra Senora de Chilla".Located 100 kms. from Avila; beaches of San Pedro 20 kms. away; picturesque village situated at foot of Sierra de Gredos; cloister and prehistoric necropolis nearby; fine climate.
Procession in honour of Virgin, who appeared in 1300 to goatherd, requesting building of hermitage on spot, 7 kms. from village; celebrated in open air, with typical dress and dances, shepherds accompanied by guitars and other instruments.
Festivals take place in Madrid on Jan. 17; March 26; Apr. 2; May 10--26; June 13; June 29; July 16; Aug. 15; Nov. 9.
Festival dates for Toledo are March 26 - Apr. 2; May 1; May 28- June 4; Aug. 14-20; Sept. 27 & 28.