This annual fiesta features events like ‘the rounds of the Saint,’ customary in this region, in which the town’s women are mandated to participate.

These festivals have been designated as of National Tourist Interest due to their historical significance, uniqueness, and the variety of events commemorating Santo Domingo and his deeds and miracles. On 10 May, the Branches receive blessings outside the temple. The preceding day, at 11:00, Mass is conducted in the Saint’s hermitage. In the afternoon, the ‘procession of the wheel’ occurs to commemorate one of the miracles attributed to Santo Domingo. The wheel is subsequently suspended from the cathedral’s cross vault.

The process starts on May 1st, when the names of the young women who will be entrusted with carrying the ‘bread of the Saint’ are recorded. The “rounds of the Saint” commence the week after the fiesta and continue all the way up to the big day. To commemorate the saint’s raids in quest of pilgrims, the town crier travels through the old town at night, and the ’rounds’ start in the morning. On these days, believers also visit Santo Domingo’s tomb to offer prayers. The first course of the fiesta is the “Saint’s lunch,” which consists of meat, chickpeas, bread, and wine.

Afterwards, open-air dances, bullfights, and pelota matches take place. On the Sunday after the fiesta, the “Brotherhood of the Saint” makes the journey to Gallinero de Rioja, and the festivities come to a close. “Charity” in the form of bread, Chorizo sausage and wine is distributed to those who show up. At the same time, the dancers showcase their traditional moves by performing the “palo,” “árbol,” and “arcos” dances.

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