Throughout Spain the fiesta is an important part of the culture.  Extramadura is no exception and there are a number of fiestas throughout the year. Los Escobzos takes place on the 7th of December in the town of Jarandilla de la Vera in Cáceres.  Bonfires illuminate the town and people carry around torches made from brooms.  Encamisa in Navilvillar de Pela Badajoz is on the 16th January and also features bonfires and horse riding.  Carantoñas  is on the 20th January and takes place in the town of Acehuche Cáceres. This fiesta is to celebrate St Sebastian and involves people dressed in the skins of animals wearing masks representing the wild animals which were supposed to have inhabited the area.  The Pero Palo carnival takes place between February and March in the town of Villanueva Cáceres. This fiesta dates back hundreds of years  and involves an ancient rite where a wooden figure representing the devil is paraded through the streets before being burned. The local women dressed in traditional costume hand out cakes whilst serenading the passers by.

WOMEN  HANDING OUT CAKES AT THE PERO PALO CARNIVAL

 These are a few of the many fiestas which take place throughout the year in the towns and villages of Extremadura.