Guido de Santa Bárbara Prepares for the Viriato Festival
Next weekend, the town of Guijo de Santa Barbara, in the Vera, will be immersed in the celebration of the figure of Viriato, the courageous Lusitano leader who challenged the Roman Empire during the Punic Wars.
On Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th of May, Guijo will be completely transformed to relive the spirit of the 2nd century BC, with the realization of the veton market, parades and live music, archery demonstrations, exhibitions and concerts, among other activities.
Festive Program and Highlights
The festive program ‘Viriato’ is an initiative promoted by the City of Guijo in collaboration with various associations and institutions, which invites attendees to dress as Romans or Celtics and join the celebration.
One of the highlights will be the historic route ‘En tiempo de Viriato’, guided by Silvestre de la Calle, official chronicler of Guijo, followed by a meal of coexistence in the Plaza de los Corredores.
During the festival, the Viriato 2024 Prize will be awarded to Alonso de la Calle Hidalgo, in recognition of his research on the traditional culture of Guijo and La Vera, as well as his commitment to the Dehesa Sierra Jaranda.
Alonso de la Calle Hidalgo, native and resident of Guijo, will receive the award during the festival announcement on Friday, May 3, before the concert of the group Los Odiosos.
Guijo de Santa Barbara: Cot of Viriato
According to oral tradition, Guijo de Santa Barbara is considered one of the possible places of birth of the Lusitano leader, whose date and place of birth are still a mystery.
The Vera was the scene of the series ‘Hispania’ by Antena 3, which recreated the life of Viriato, who led the resistance to Roman expansion in the western part of the Iberian Peninsula in the second century BC.
