Fiesta de San Felices en Viana [St. Felices Festivity in Viana]

Abstract

The most original festivity that takes place every year in Viana the 1st of February, is dedicated to St. Felices. That very day in 1219, the foundation stone was laid in what became a famous town on the border with Castille, founded by Sancho the Strong of Navarre. The place where such event happened was St. Felices Gate, in the West of the fortified precinct. That was considered an honourable site, since trials were conducted in there according to the Fuero Law. In St. Felices’ Day children and the poor used to be called together by a drum and given a coin by the authorities after religious service, so they would remember the festivity. This is thought to be an...