There are few precedents in religious festivals of recent decades where the celebration itself was chosen first—the day, the excuse for a good pilgrimage—and then, after consulting the liturgical calendar, the saint whose feast day corresponds to that specific date was selected. Furthermore, a field was purchased for this purpose, back in 1913, a chapel was later erected, and the sacred image was created with the same festive intention. The result: an event brimming with cider, singing, and fervent devotion to the saint and the newly established festival.
Every August 22nd, the town of Luarca celebrates its San Timoteo festivities. The town is a hive of activity as people gather in the Campo de San Timoteo to sing "Happy Birthday" to the saint and enjoy a picnic with family and friends.
The San Timoteo festivities begin on the night of August 21st with a fireworks display and a street party. At dawn on the 22nd, firecrackers are set off, and the parade of peñas (local social clubs) begins through the town's streets . Brass bands from across Asturias accompany the Giants and Big-Heads , who don't hesitate to crack their handcrafted whips. The Telma and Pinón puppets, adorned with traditional San Timoteo hats, are part of the parade's appeal. They travel through the main streets between the pier promenade and Galicia Avenue, delighting children and adults alike, before making their way to the hermitage.
The hermitage is in the so-called Campo de San Timoteo, full of tents waiting for the pilgrims, who arrive with groups of pipers and brass bands.
The timoteínos are dressed with chambron, The usual is blue and white squares, although today the designs are very varied, not only in colors, but with pirate ships, with floral prints ... wooden staff and the T of bread around the neck.
Once the procession reaches the hermitage, Mass is celebrated and the saint's image is carried out to an outdoor chapel. The traditional song " San Timoteo, eo, eo, eo" is sung, accompanied by the waving of numerous walking sticks , a typical feature of the pilgrimage. After the simple ceremony, the traditional pilgrim's lunch begins in the fields surrounding the hermitage.
At the end of the afternoon, the public present in the meadow would begin the march to the Alfonso X el Sabio square , where the night festival awaited them.
San Timoteo is a Festival of Tourist Interest of the Principality of Asturias.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
