Near Death Festival - Spain!!!

Hello everyone!!!

Have you heard about the Festival of the Dead? Maybe your answer is yes but what about the festival of the almost-but-not-quite dead?

Spain has lots of quirky festivals, from burning giant sculptures and bull-running to tomato fights, wine battles, and baby jumping. None may be quite so strange, however, as the coffin festival, which is more commonly known as The Festival of Near-Death Experiences or by its local name – the Fiestas de Santa Marta de Ribarteme.

Why do they celebrate this festival?

The Spanish name for the festival is Fiesta de Santa Marata de Ribarteme, named after the Patron Saint of resurrection, Saint Marta de Ribarteme. People in Spain believe that it is important to thank the Saint for saving their lives and that she will keep them safe in the year to come. The festival has roots in both Christianity and paganism, and since many Spanish people are both religious and superstitious they have kept the tradition alive. It’s also a great excuse for a party and to spend time with family and friends.

Festival information

Who

The festival is for anyone who has suffered a near-death experience.

What

The festival is for anyone who has suffered a near-death experience in the previous year is paraded through the streets either being carried by family members or carrying a coffin. The parade of death-cheaters & their families gathered at the cemetery of the Church of Santa Marta de Ribarteme, where prayers to the statue of Santa Marta begin. The pilgrims of church pray to the Saint by saying that, ‘Virgin Santa Marta, star of the North, we bring you those who saw death’, after which they give thanks that their lives were saved and give a gift to the Saint, usually many people offer money, It's completely your choice.

When

The festival is held in the small village of As Nieves in the municipal of Pontevedra in Galicia and is held on July 29th every year.

After the coffin-carrying event of the festivities comes to an end, then the people who experience the almost-dead rise and they start telling people about their extraordinary near-death experiences. The end of the festival is on a good note as most Spanish festivals do, with lots of eating, drinking, dancing, music, and fireworks. Everyone will dances the night away and celebrates life as the closing of the festival.

More information about the festival is available at:

www.spanish-fiestas.com/festivals

Thank you!!!