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Manilva is rich in local customs and traditions. Visitors to Manilva have many opportunities to witness the locals in their observance of traditional celebrations and best, to join in the festivities themselves!
The year starts with a bang on New Year’s Day, on January 1. Just like New Year’s celebrations across the globe, the inhabitants of Manilva hold lavish parties and local entertainment. On the 6th of January, Manilva celebrates the Tres Reyes (“Three Kings”). This is a commemoration of the biblical journey of the three kings from the east as they made their way on a pilgrimage to the new born baby Jesus. On this day, three men dressed up as the kings go around town, handing out sweets and candy to children.
On February 28, Manilva observes Andalucia Day. This is a tribute to the entire Andalucia region of Spain. It is a possibility that the Carnaval may also start on this day. The actual date of the Carnaval varies yearly, but always occurs before the end of March. The Carnaval is a full 3 to 5 days of entertainment, musical performances and dances, plus food and wild partying.
In April, to culminate the Lenten Season, Spain observes the Semana Santa or Holy Week. This is a very solemn time in the whole of Spain for the Holy Week remembers the last days of Christ leading up to his death by crucifixion. The Holy Week itself ends on Easter Sunday. There are solemn masses held during this week.
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Interestingly, Manilva has an International Festival usually held from May 9 to 15. This festival celebrates the rich mix of cultures and nationalities present in Manilva and is an opportunity for all of them to get together , socialize and have fun!
The 23rd of June is the Noche de San Juan or “Night of St. John”. This day is nothing but pure party: outdoor barbecues in the daytime and bonfires and fireworks at night. For good luck, people ritually dip their feet in the sea just after midnight.
On the 16th of July, Manilva celebrates Dia de la Virgen del Carmen (“Feast Day of the Virgin of Carmen”). The Virgin of Carmen is the patron saint of all fisher folk. After a solemn mass, the statue of the Virgin is carried around town in a procession that makes its way to the beach, where the statue is loaded onto a brightly decorated boat. The procession continues right on the sea, with the attendees boarded on other similarly decorated boats. Then, on the 26th, the locals honor Manilva’s own patron saint, Santa Ana (“St. Anne”).
On August 10 to 14, the entire Manilva municipality celebrates a huge summer fair. Traditionally, each of the three villages of Manilva (Manilva, Castillo, and Sabinillas) would have their own separate fairs. Today, there is just one fair, but it surely is a big one! This is definitely the highlight of the summer season.
Come November 1, the locals observe Todos Los Santos or All Saints’ Day. Finally, what better way to conclude a very prosperous year than by observing Christmas Day on December 25. Christmas Eve is particularly special as families gather together in their homes for Christmas Eve dinners.
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