Fiestas of San Antón and the International “Noche de San Antón” Urban Race in Jaén

On the night of 16 January, the eve of the Feast of St Anthony Abbot, the city of Jaén (Andalusia) is lit up by a fiesta known as the Flames of San Antón, officially considered a Festival of National Interest for Tourism. 

Around twenty bonfires are built around the cities to encourage locals and visitors alike to experience a magical night. Figures made of old clothes filled with straw and sawdust are placed on the top of the bonfires, with firecrackers on their heads and feet which explode when the fire reaches them. People dance around the bonfires and sing Jaén folk songs known as “melenchones”. It is traditional to enjoy roasted pumpkin and popcorn next to the fire, as well as sausages such as chorizo and black pudding, and wine.This festival is believed to have begun in the 13th century, and was associated with the cycle of tending the olive groves. The bonfires burned twigs from pruning the olive trees and the old esparto baskets used for pressing the olives, still soaked in oil. The lights also had magical connotations: they were intended to ward off diseases and pests.Since 1984, the festival has also included races for the public, which are usually run the weekend before or after San Anton's Day. There are two routes: One of 4 kilometres, for participants aged 10 to 15; and another of 10 kilometres, for participants aged 16 or older.During the race, runners cross the city still adorned with Christmas lights, lit by torches carried by spectators. After the sporting event, these torches are burned in bonfires that are lit throughout the city, accompanied by the traditional melenchones songs and rosetas (popcorn).