Our country has a long list of cities and towns where curious and impressive festivals take place. One of the most famous is the one held in Soria during the All Saints’ Bridge: the Animas Festival. Declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest, it has its culminating moment on October 31 at night, on the banks of the Duero River, with a spectacular parade in which the line that separates the living from the dead is blurred, turning this city into Castilla y León for a few hours in the most overwhelming destination in Spain.
Skeletons and Templar monks take to the streets
From October 22 to November 3, the streets of the historic center are transformed into a scene where terror and mystery are the protagonists. You will find numerous activities that you can join to experience it firsthand. One of the most special moments comes on the night of October 31, when the skeletons and Templar monks parade in a surprising procession to the sound of hundreds of drums and lamps.
The finishing touch takes place next to the Duero and at the foot of Monte de las Ánimas, with the medieval wall in the background. There, in front of a large bonfire and with the only light of the night and the torchesgives way to the reading of the legend of Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, with which the festival closes.
Places you can’t miss in Soria
If during the Festival of the Souls you have experienced Soria at night and in darkness, then you have to visit it in daylight to see it in all its splendor. You will not only come to Soria to be scared, but also to enjoy art. And just like what happened to Bécquer and Machado, you will be captivated by the magnetism of this city, with its medieval streets and Romanesque architecturewhich is one of the most unknown in Spain.
Walking around you will find one treasure after another. Starting with the small church of San Juan de Rabaneralate Romanesque style (12th century) or the church of Santo Domingo, with an impressive main doorway. After, crossing the Douro river Through the stone bridge of medieval origin, you will reach another of the most beautiful places: the Monastery of San Juan de Duerowhich has a wonderful Romanesque cloister with Arab and Byzantine influences.
And, if you want to enjoy an environment that is just as magical, but in a natural setting, you cannot miss the Hermitage of San Saturio. Located next to the Duero River, emerges from a rock above different cavesin fact your entry is one of them. This construction, which had its origins in 1694, where it was built on top of an already existing hermitage, is today the place of the patron saint of Soria, who celebrates his festival every October 2.