Burgos information
Frías: The Festival of the Captain
Date: On the eve of Saint John's day.
In the town of Frías the Festival of the Captain is held on the
closest weekend to the festivities of Saint John. The day is in
memory of the era of the Condestables de Castilla (the Castilian
Counts), who in the 15th century tried to take over the town.
But the people rose up in defiance of the corrupt taxes and fought
for their freedom. A captain was chosen to organise the defence
for the battle. Every year on the eve of Saint John's day in the
parade ground of the castle a captain is chosen for his ability
to fly the flag. At night he will parade through the streets of
the town dressed up in the clothes of the era and bearing the
flag. On his way he is accompanied by everybody from the town.
The festival has been declared of touristic interest in Castilla
y León.