Sierra de Yeguas. History and Traditions
Sierra de Yeguas is located in the northern part of the Antequera region on the border between the provinces of Málaga and Seville. The first human settlements date from the Neolithic Period, as is show by some polished rock artefacts that have been found at various sites in the area. The Roman archaeological sites are larger and better preserved, and ceramics, columns and a few coins, as well as ruins of villas and of some bathhouse have been found in them.
By 1549, the village fell under the jurisdiction of Estepa, and the coats of arms of the Marquises of Estepa are displayed on the parish church.. Sierra de Yeguas was part of the province of Seville until the nineteenth century.
Fiestas
The carnival is held around the third week in February and is deeply rooted in tradition. The Feria del Espárrago (Asparagus Fair) is held between March and April, and it has grown to be one of the biggest celebrations in the region. Thousands of people come to sample Sierra de Yeguas’ exquisite asparagus, which is served in omelets, scrambled or grilled. Dozens of stands also offer the public the most diverse assortment of products, from cheese to kitchen furnishings, all of which are made in the district and bear the distinctive local touch.
Sierra de Yeguas organises its own San Isidro (Saint Isidore the Farmer) pilgrimage on 15 May, in which carts and riders in traditional Andalusian customs participate. The village celebrates its main fiestas from 24 -26 August in honour of San Bartolomé.
The first mentions of the Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions in Sierra de Yeguas date from the seventeenth century. Beginning in that century the village began to greatly enrich its cofradía (brotherhood) heritage, although it would not be until the first years of the twentieth century that the brotherhoods began to take legal form. There are six brotherhoods, but the days that arouse the most interest are Holy Thursday and Good Friday. On the night of the latter day, the Santo Entierro (Holy Burial) and María Santísima de la Soledad (Holy Mary of Solitude) march, and their gathering at the church marks a yearly milestone. On Easter Sunday, the children carry little thrones in their own street procession.
Food
Porra campera and gazpacho (cold soups) are the most characteristic and traditional dishes in Sierra de Yeguas, where ensalada de pimientos asados (fried pepper salad) and migas (a dish made from fried bread crumbs) are also very popular. Perdiz (partridge) and conejo (rabbit) are important main courses. As for desserts the area is famous for brazo de gitano (a pastry with filling), magdalenas (pastries baked in a small mold) and suspiros (a sweet made of sugar, flour and egg). |
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