There is expectation, a brutal expectation in Arroyo de la Luz. Every year, around this time, the symbolic street Slide Becomes a sand mat for horses and carriagesa stage space where the passion of 200 horsemen and Amazons, the popular feeling, the show… The story of a town that lives in its traditions, in the rites that are renewed like the seasons and makes it recover the fullness of its essence. transforming the everyday into magic.
The presence of residents and tourists is very visible on the streets. “They come individually, but also in groups. From all points of Extremadura, Madrid, Basque Country, Galicia… It is very important to preserve the traditions that our ancestors handed down to us,” he explained. Jesus Fuentesa resident of the municipality of Cáceres who turns to the Day of Light festival.
A festival that dates back to King Alfonso IX
The origins of the Day of Light are linked to the legend of ‘The Battle of the Well of Matanzas’. According to it, in April 1229, King Alfonso IX was fighting against the Muslims in a battle in the Dehesa de la Luz. As the Christians lost the contest, one of them entrusted himself to the Virgin of Light. She appeared on top of one top and blinded the adversaries, so that the Christians were able to overcome that challenge. To announce the victory, several horsemen returned to the town at a gallop, following the route that is currently remembered.
Minutes before twelve noonin the Plaza de San Sebastián they have waited with nervousness and illusion those who were about to enter the race. It is the ideal place to capture unique snapshots, as it has also been to contemplate it since any of the points of La Corredera to see in detail the departures and collections. There, tourists have enjoyed a greater closeness with the steeds. «They keep asking us for pictures. For those here it is something normal, although for people who come from abroad it is a novelty», has pointed out Lucia Mirona young Amazon.
«Attention to the exit, please, remain attentive to the departure of the horses, do not turn your back on them at any time and do not cross the street during the race», has highlighted the speaker over and over again for the loudspeaker.
Julio Fondón, a veteran runner who feels a true passion for horses, has inaugurated the La Corredera arena on the Day of Light. Going through the race, he has admitted, is an adrenaline rush. «The journey is very short, but it is very exciting. galloping with Luna I hear people shouting and cheering, but you have to have all your senses in the reins, in the animal… There is no time left for anything else, nor to be attentive to anyone. With this one they are already 25 years the ones I’ve been dating”, he highlighted with a smile.
Without a doubt, they have been unique moments. Alone or in so-called collars, have come down at full speed amid local euphoria. The descent of the horsemen and Amazons, seen from a balcony, has been likened to a human zipper that opens and closes. The public has applauded the horsemen from the street and the balconies while They have tasted delicious food typical of the land. The narrator has announced the arrival of the runners and has indicated the number of horses, as well as the height of which streets they were. Also, there has been a Giant LED screen in the Plaza de la Constitución so that no one would miss a single second of the amazing spectacle.
«There are a lot of nervesespecially when it is time to leave”, he pointed out Carlos Amador, 16 years old, an Arroyano who has come out for the first time at the party. «It has given me a tremendous illusion. It supposes a great responsibility that weighs heavily, when you are there, because you know that any failure does not affect only you ».
And after the adrenaline rush of the horsemen, the parade of the four themed floats has taken over La Corredera, turning the fervor of the runners in a atmosphere of fun and laughter encouraged by the flashy costumes of the carriages, in which some 400 personas.
The day has passed no serious incidents, except for some slight dizziness or a fall from the horse. The Arroyo de la Luz City Council, the Junta de Extremadura and the Government Delegation have coordinated an extensive security device, with the Civil Guard, Local Police, Civil Protection, private security agents, different health posts, ambulances and DYA volunteers…
“That’s all perfectly coordinated so that, like every year, the festival that hosts some 15.000 personas can pass with normal, no incidentsand that, therefore, the horses and the carriages are the authentic protagonists of the most identifying day of Arroyo”, has expressed the mayor, Carlos Dear, pleased and relieved that His town shine with your own light in the sand of La Corredera.
