At the heart of Navarreamong the landscape of Way of Saint Jameslies the picturesque town of Puente la Reine. Every September, this medieval town is not only a meeting point for pilgrims, but also for those who wish to enjoy one of the most unique festivities in the region: the Traditional fairs in Puente la Reina.
This event, which brings together bulls, music, dances and craft markets, has an undisputed protagonist: the Layas Racea unique event in the world which, since the 1980s, has attracted the attention of locals and visitors. It should be noted that A similar race also takes place every year in the Navarrese town of Artajona, on the occasion of the San Saturnino fiestas..
THE lays They are agricultural tools used for centuries in the garden of Navarre. With their long wooden handle and their two iron points, they were used to stir the earth and prepare the crops. However, in Queen’s Bridgethese tools have become a centerpiece of a particular competition which, year after year, continues to gain popularity.
THE Layas Race in Puente la Reinawhich is celebrated on Sunday during Traditional fairstransforms runners into acrobats. Participants must balance on these tools and navigate the city’s cobblestone streets, defying gravity and their skills to avoid falling. The spectacle is guaranteed since, between laughter and falls, the young men launch into the race in a fight for victory which tests their balance and their skill.
A tradition that brings the community together
What started as a curious test in the 80s ended up becoming one of the most anticipated moments of the Traditional fairs of Puente la Reina.
In each edition, the Laya World Race arouses the interest of locals and tourists who gather in the Main street and the Mena Square to attend the event.
The race, which in this year’s edition will take place on Sunday September 29is not only a reflection of the city’s festive spirit, but also of its ability to preserve its customs.
Participants, young and old, demonstrate their skills mounted on the layswhile entertainment in the streets is provided by bagpipes, brass bands and accompanying music throughout the day.
Beyond the race: the Traditional Fairs of Puente la Reina
Although the Layas Race This is the highlight of the fairs, the Traditional fairs of Puente la Reina They offer much more. Throughout the weekend, visitors will be able to enjoy a full program of activities. He Friday September 27 will begin with a concert by the group DĂ©mode Quartet and continue with a Popular dinner and a night patrol that will roam the city streets.
He Saturday 28the little ones will be able to enjoy the txiki bull run and the traditional Giants and big heads which will travel the streets of Puente la Reina. There will also be a competition for friesan event where local teams compete to prepare the best versions of this typical dish of Navarrese gastronomy. The day will end with a lively cow race and a dance session in the Mena Square.
The big day, Sunday September 29he will not only be marked by the Layas Racebut also for the Traditional crafts fair. Located on the main streets, this market allows visitors to discover local artisan products, ranging from ceramics and wood to leather and costume jewelry.
Piquillo peppers: the flavor of the Navarre garden
During the month of September, many visitors come Queen’s Bridge not only for its fairs and activities, but also to acquire one of the flagship products of the Navarrese garden: THE roasted piquillo peppers. These delicious peppers, roasted over a wood fire, are a typical delicacy of the region and can be purchased in the markets set up next to the silo, which remain open until November.
THE Traditional fairs in Puente la Reina They offer a perfect excuse for those who wish to purchase these peppers, taking advantage of a visit to the artisan market. Nothing better than accompanying a day of tradition and pleasure with a basket filled with the best local products, including the famous piquillo peppers.
An event that enhances the tradition of Puente la Reina
THE Traditional fairs in Puente la Reina They not only celebrate the cultural heritage of the town, but also highlight the agricultural customs which have marked the history of the region. From the Layas Race until craft markets and the friesthis event is a reflection of the cultural richness of Navarre.
The festive atmosphere, activities for the whole family and the possibility of discovering the most authentic flavors of the Navarrese garden make this event an unmissable event for those looking to immerse themselves in tradition. Queen’s Bridge becomes, during this weekend, the setting for a unique show where past and present meet.
PROGRAM OF TRADITIONAL FAIRS OF PUENTE LA REINA
Below you can consult the complete program of the Traditional Fairs of Puente la Reina:
- FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27
- 7:00 p.m.: Afternoon organized by Juventud Gares.
- 9:00 p.m.: KULTUR: Concert by the Demode Quartet group in Plaza Mena.
- 10:30 p.m.: Dance of the time and Jota de Puente by Garesko Zubiondo Gaiteroak. Then, torico (gentle) fire.
- 10:30 p.m.: Popular dinner at the Zamarain pediment.
- 00:30: Night tour with Txaranga Berriak, from FrontĂłn Zamarain and until 2:30 am.
- SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 28
- 09:00: Garesko Gaiteroak targets.
- 11:00 a.m.: Txiki bull race in the streets of San Pedro and Mayor.
- 11:30 a.m.: Giants and big heads accompanied by Garesko Gaiteroak. Departure from FundaciĂłn Mena.
- 1:00 p.m.: Dantza-jauziak and popular dances with the Tierra Estella Popular Dance Workshop in Plaza Mena.
- 2:30 p.m.: Decision of the frying competition and award ceremony. Then, food for the crews in Plaza Mena.
- 6:00 p.m.-7:45 p.m.: Cow race at the Javier Tabe ranch hosted by Gaiteroai Txaranga.
- 8:00 p.m.: Dance session with the Digital Orchestra in Plaza Mena.
- 10:00 p.m.: Dance of the time and Jota de Puente by Garesko Zubiondo Gaiteroak. Then, the torics of fire (soft and strong).
- 00:30-04:00: Dance session with the Digital Orchestra in Plaza Mena.
- SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 29
- 09:00: Garesko Zubiondo Gaiteroak targets.
- 10:30 a.m.: Opening of the Traditional Crafts Fair, on Calle Mayor and Plaza Mena.
- 11:30 a.m.: Giants and big heads accompanied by Garesko Zubiondo Gaiteroak. Departure from FundaciĂłn Mena.
- 1:00 p.m.: Delivery of the X Laya de Oro, by Nafarroa Lairaiak, in Calle Mayor (next to the Plaza).
- 1:30 p.m.: Layaris txikis exhibition and race in Plaza Mena.
- 2:00 p.m.: XLI Carrera de Layas, on Calle Mayor.
- 6:00 p.m.-7:45 p.m.: Cow race at the Bretos Fernández ranch hosted by Beti Berandu Txaranga.
- 7:45 p.m.: Representation of Beti Berandu Txaranga in Plaza Mena.
- 8:30 p.m.: Dance of the time and Jota de Puente by Garesko Zubiondo Gaiteroak. Then, the torics of fire (soft and strong).
