The citizen initiative, thanks to the support of the Unidos por Santiago Association and the neighborhood’s neighborhood movement, has enabled the revival of the traditional Velá de Santiago de Jerez. This is an example of citizen commitment and participation in favor of culture, fully aligned with the purpose of the #Jerez2031 European Capital of Culture bid. Thus, the Mayor of Jerez, Mª José García-Pelayo, together with the promoters of this festive and cultural program, has presented the program for an event that will be held from July 18 to 25 in one of the city’s most emblematic and historic neighborhoods, reviving a deeply rooted popular celebration.
The event, hosted by journalist Paco Lobatón, communications manager for the Unidos por Santiago Association, also included the participation of the organization’s president, Mercedes Narbona; Anabel Carrillo, representative of the board of directors; Arancha Escalada, director of the Reale Foundation; and Carlos Redondo, parish priest of the Church of Santiago. The presentation took place at the Jindama restaurant.
Among the objectives of this first edition of the Velá de Santiago is, in addition to strengthening community life, its gradual consolidation within the summer calendar, with cultural, gastronomic, and heritage activities that activate the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the area.
During her speech, the mayor emphasized the importance of reviving this tradition, an initiative that represents a clear example of how neighborhood and cultural participation drive the revitalization of urban environments with soul and history, such as the Santiago neighborhood. She emphasized that “this cultural initiative will mark a turning point, because it emerges to create a neighborhood, from within the neighborhood.” She recognized the work of all the collaborating organizations that support the neighborhood initiative and extended an invitation to all Jerez residents to join and participate in the activities.
The program will kick off on Friday, July 18th, in Plaza de la Merced with a tour led by the San Juan Musical Group through the neighborhood’s streets, followed by the official opening with a visit to the stalls selling products and organizations. At 9:30 p.m., the 1st Cigüeña de Santiago Award will be presented to maestro Manuel Morao, a key figure in flamenco. The evening will continue with the flamenco groups “Savia Joven” at 10 p.m. and “Santiago Hoy” at 11 p.m., with free admission.
On Saturday the 19th, the spotlight will be on cuisine and music. At noon, at 12:30 p.m., the Jindama restaurant will host the event “ConBERZAcción: Gypsy Cuisine,” with chefs Manuel Valencia and Manuel Loreto, guest chef Juanlu Fernández, and food journalist Paz Ivisón (admission required). In the evening, Plaza de la Merced will host the group Juncal and DJ Josepe de Pueblo, with free admission.
On Monday the 21st, at 8:30 p.m., there will be a children’s puppet and magic show by “Pequeños Duendes” at Bodegas Santiago y Santa Ana, in Plaza del Cubo. and at 9:30 p.m., the educational and educational activity “Night Walk through the Santiago Neighborhood” will take place, departing from Angostillo Street.
On Tuesday the 22nd, it will be the turn for literature and oral storytelling, with the presentation of the book “Y se repetido la historia” (And History Repeats Itself), by Bastián Blanco, about life in the neighborhood during the 1950s and 1980s, at the Andalusian Flamenco Documentation Center in Plaza de San Juan. Also, at 9:00 p.m., the Bodegas Santiago and Santa Ana will host a storytelling activity.
On Wednesday the 23rd, at 8:30 p.m., luthier David Peña will offer a master class on guitar making, entitled “La guitarra desde las entrañas” (The Guitar from the Inside Out), at the Andalusian Flamenco Documentation Center in Plaza de San Juan.
On Thursday, July 24th, the day before the patron saint’s day, the Procession of Santiago the Apostle will take place through the streets of the heart of the neighborhood. And on Friday the 25th, the big day, the Plaza de Santiago will host a flamenco mass, with a charity benefit for Cáritas de Santiago, followed by the Closing Ceremony, by the flamenco group Luis de Perikín, with free admission until capacity is reached.