Efe
Updated Sunday, March 31, 2024-14:47
This
Easter Sunday,
the rain has not prevented the celebration of the 'hallelujahs' of Ezcaray, a tradition that dates back to the 16th century and consists of the
distribution of money on the balcony of the church of Santa María la Mayor,
from which 1,100 euros in banknotes and coins have been released.
The mayor of this Rioja town, Diego Bengoa, detailed this Sunday to EFE that the money has been distributed in 5, 10, 20 and 50 euro bills and in 1 and 2 euro coins, but dozens of kilos of candy, worth 300 euros.
Hundreds of residents and visitors have gathered in the square in front of the church of the most touristic town in La Rioja, well equipped with umbrellas and raincoats to protect themselves from the rain.
The
youngest
have placed themselves right under the balcony, where it is easier to access the coveted tickets, although due to the whims of the wind the groups of kids have had to move continuously to get some of them.
Bengoa has been in charge of launching these bills, along with the rest of the members of the Municipal Corporation and the components of the La Soledad, Jesús Nazareno and Santo Sepulcro Brotherhood.
This tradition is several centuries old, since it dates back to the time when the lords of the town would climb to the balcony of the church, where their shields are sculpted, and throw alms to the people every Easter Sunday, he said. .
"It is a festival that
has been passed down from generation to generation,
" he explained, "but now it is the municipal authorities, together with members of the brotherhood and the parish priest, who give this money, which is provided by the City Council."
Despite the rain, not a single bill got wet, as it was quickly intercepted by those gathered below, after several elbows and pushes.
The coins and candies are thrown upwards to avoid damage, he pointed out.
Bengoa has recalled that this tradition was only stopped on Easter Sunday 2020, due to the restrictions of the covid-19 pandemic.