Catarina information

Catarina village

The name of Catarina is most probably due to the female Saint Patron of the village Santa Catalina, in her honour every year two feast-days are celebrated with great religious fervour. The first one is in Saint Catalina's honour, Virgin and Martyr of Alessandria, these feast-days begin the 23rd November and finish the 27th of the same month. During these holy days is served the traditional "Sopa de Toro " (the bull soup).

The second Catarina's saint feast-day takes place in December in Pope St. Sylvester's honour and it starts the 25th December till the 1st January of the following year. During the St. Sylvester holy days, on account of a very old tradition, people still masquerade in order to render ridiculous the evils and ills of the world.

During the two holy days , the 'Maggiordomi' (house-stewards) share food and drinks with a basis of maize (nacatamales, rosquillas, bollos, chicha and the unfailing popular liqueur known as "guaro pelon"). These persons make big garlands by tree trunks and foliage, then they adorn them with flowers and fruit.

During these feast-days it is also possible to see Maggiordomi and common people of Catarina while they pay some promises to the Holy People because of the favours received during difficult periods.