Humilladero – History and Traditions
Some chroniclers date the founding of Humilladero to before the conquest of Antequera by Christian troops, but the likeliest theory is that it originated in 1618, the date that is inscribed on the Cruz del Humilladero (El Humilladero cross; “Humilladero” means where one kneels or “humbles himself”) at the village entrance and from which it takes its name. There are those who respond to this theory by stating that this date is simply that of the inscription and not of the village’s foundation and that it probably sprang up in the fifteenth century around an estate called El Convento.
According to tradition the name of the village comes from the oath performed by the Crown Prince Don Fernando of Antequera before conquering that city. The story says that Don Fernando met there with Per Afán de Ribera, who came from Seville and brought with him the sword of Fernando III the Saint. The Crown Prince knelt before the sword, kissed it and swore that he would never return it to its sheath until he had conquered Antequera. In commemoration of this act, the Cruz del Humilladero was erected at the entrance of the village.
Fiestas
Although the Día de Andalucía (Andalusia Day, 28 February) is a fiesta that is held throughout the Autonomous Community, there are places where this celebration is especially important, and such is the case in Humilladero. While it is the Town Hall that is in charge of organising the events, the village associations actively work with it, in preparing cycle races, assorted competitions and a well-attended lunch to which everyone is invited.
The carnival is another fiesta that is deeply rooted in the customs of Humilladero. There are parades, masquerade balls and a colourful street party. Another date on the festive calendar of Humilladero is the Labour Day fiesta on 1 May, which is celebrated both as a platform for voicing demands and as an entertainment event. Thus, the evening before, people a go to the country and gather around large bonfires to spend a few fun-filled hours, and the next day they go up onto the nearby Sierrecilla mountain and spend the day in the outdoors.
During the first week in August, the village remembers the many people who had to emigrate years ago in search of a better life by holding the Feria del Emigrante (Emigrant’s Fair). Many emigrants who now live elsewhere return to the village on those days and are treated to theatrical performances, flamenco music and samplings of characteristic local products.
Two brotherhoods participate in the Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions. The turn of the Cristo de los Gitanos y la Virgen de los Dolores (Christ of the Gypsies and the Virgin of Sorrows) is on Holy Wednesday, and that of the brotherhood of Los Dolores is on Good Friday, when it bears the Cristo Crucificado (Crucified Christ, also called the “Christ of the Girls” since it is the women of the village who carry it) and the Virgen de los Dolores. The statues perform a moving spectacle in the centre of the village. |
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