Caceres Province - February 12-15 - "Fiestas del Pero-Palo".Located 162 kms. from Caceres, northwest of La Vera, in a fertile region with rivers, canals and waterfalls. The fiesta begins when a group of "pero-paleros" seek a site where "Pero-Palo" figure is to be made; place kept secret up to moment of preparation. Figure dressed in mended clothes from previous year, then taken around town amidst great excitement. Finally returns to original site, and dancing begins around it to the sound of a drum; "Pero-Palo" is judged, condemned, executed and buried in dramatic atmosphere. Collective banquet ends fiesta.
Salamanca Province - February 12-15 - "Fiestas Tradicionales".Located 88 kms. from Salamanca, on hill overlooking Agueda River; beautiful panorama. Interesting architecture, especially 12th century Cathedral; 16th century Capilla de Cerralbo; Alcazar de Enrique 11 de Trastamara (National Parador); town walls; City Hall; several palaces.
Varied fetes; focal point are local style corridas. Bullfighting festivities begin on Saturday of Carnival, with benefit performance presided over by Queen of Fiestas and her court; popular dancing in the streets at night. On Sunday begins spectacular enclosing of bulls which are to fight in traditional "capeas"; led by horsemen through streets, enthusiasts running before bulls. After bullfights are over - bulls return through streets, while dancing proceeds in squares and streets of their passage. Fiestas continue with music bands in streets, cafes, bars, with public participating; local songs and dances; booths, raffles, religious festivities, etc.
Salamanca Province - August 15-16 - "Loa en honor de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion".Located 70 kms. from Salamanca; village declared "Historic-Artistic Monument"; prehistoric paintings i" valley of La Batuecas; perfectly preserved regional costumes; nearby Sanctuary of Nuestra Senora de la Pena de Francia, Patron Saint of province, at 1,723 m. nit. Fiesta of very ancient origin; similar to religious play, like "auto sacramental". Celebrated in front of church portico. "La Ofrenda" [symbonc offering] to Virgin takes place in Plaza Mayor on 15th - traditional eel e-monial dress from surrounding regions. "La Loa" on 16th - type of religious play.