Six days before the celebration of its big day, during which the traditional pilgrimage and mass take place in the Basilica of the Virgen del Camino, León relaunched this SundaySome of the most precious traditions linked to the San Froilán festivities, such as the parade of banners, the competition of decorated cars or its eternal Forum debate or Offer at the Ceremony of the Cantaderas in the cloister of the beautiful cathedral.
The latter commemorates the end of the infamous tribute of the hundred young girls that the monarchs of León had to offer to the Muslim caliphs in exchange for not suffering their attacks and the courageous gesture of the women who rebelled against this extortion. Their spirit was represented this Sunday by the young women who accompanied the representatives of the municipal corporation from the Plaza de San Marcelo to the cathedral, to the rhythm of the “sotadera”, the Muslim woman who was to instruct them in their new customs . Once inside the cloister, the dialectical debate with which they defend their respective positions every year is recreated, and which always ends without agreement.
Banner parade
Legend has it that the young girls who were going to be given to King Ramiro I preferred to cut their hands before being given, which is why it was decided to refuse the tribute forever, which led to a battle against the troops by Abd al. -Rahman II who was defeated thanks to the help of Saint Jacques, appeared with his white horse to collaborate in the defeat of the Moorish troops. In gratitude for this victory, the inhabitants of León made an offering to the Chapter of the Cathedral, accompanied by Las Cantaderas, once released from the sending of tribute.
Among the authorities present, the president of the Cortes de Castilla y León, Carlos Pollán, and the Minister of Environment, Housing and Territorial Planning, Juan Carlos Suárez-Quiñones.
Around the cathedral we could also see a total of 370 banners belonging to 234 municipalities in the province. They traveled through different streets in one of the most anticipated events of these celebrations, which fill the city with colors and traditions, and which also organizes a competition in which the best presentation and handling of the banner is recognized.
One of the animals that participated in the parade of decorated cars
Another well-established tradition closed this morning of celebrations: the parade and competition of decorated cars. This year the number of participants, who also participate in an exhibition that recalls the ancient tradition of attending a pilgrimage to the Virgin of the Way, has been reduced to twenty, of cattle, horses and donkeys.
