In autumn the Rioja Alavesa It transforms and becomes quite a spectacle. It is at that time when it becomes the preferred destination in Spain to enjoy everything that surrounds it. the vintagethat is, the activity in the countryside, the wineries and the rhythm of the towns. Likewise, you can see unique landscapes, since the vineyards begin to turn colorful more reddish, orange and golden. However, although the autumn sunsets are magical, visiting a town in this area at Christmas is also a success.
Labastida It is the perfect place for a Christmas getaway. This municipality of just over 1,500 inhabitants is one of the dream trips for wine lovers. Its wineries attract hundreds of tourists, although its architectural beauty is not far behind. Maybe it’s your historic center one of the most interesting points in the area. Such is its impact that it has been declared as Monumental Complex. It is precisely there where each year they celebrate a curious festival on December 24 and 25: the Adoration of the Shepherds.
The Adoration of the Shepherds of Labastida
This celebration, which is declared of National Tourist Interest Since 1966, it has been housed in the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and in the Peace Squareboth buildings are Historical-Artistic Monuments. The festivity begins in the plaza, that place where the Portal of Bethlehem is set up every year. It is a child, dressed as an angel, who announces the birth of the Baby Jesus. At that time, the shepherds sing Christmas carols, dance and invite members of the City Council to worship the newborn.
After this, a shepherd known as cachimorro He guides the rest of the shepherds dancing to the church. Inside the temple and during the mass, the shepherds sing different Christmas carols and dance. The most significant act is when worship occurs. In pairs, the shepherds go up to the presbytery and They kneel to kiss the Baby Jesuswho receives a live lamb as an offering.
When the mass ends, everyone returns to the square and the shepherds make a bonfire. In the heat of the fire, they make garlic soup who feed the Baby Jesus. Carols and dances are also not lacking around this bonfire.
What to see in Labastida
The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption It is one of the greatest points of interest in Labastida. It is a Renaissance building dating from the 16th century with a single nave with five sections. It has a tower that exceeds 54 meters and it has a polygonal plan. Inside we find its main altarpiece, dedicated to the Assumption in the Churrigueresque Gothic style from the end of the 17th century. It also has unique carvings and paintings that decorate the temple. Although the most striking thing is the baroque choir stallscarved from walnut wood and an organ that is considered one of the most valuable in the Basque Country.
Located in one of the highest points of the town we find the hermitage of Santo Cristo. Its origins date back to the 12th century and it is one of the most relevant Romanesque constructions in the region. It stands out for a cover of this style with a flared semicircular arch. Inside, realism stands out, but also the beauty of the Gothic Christ from the main altar altarpiece. It is made of polychrome wood and has an almost natural size.
The Town Hall It is another of the most striking buildings in Labastida. It is about an ashlar stone building which was built in the 17th century. It is located in front of the church and stands out for the great beauty of its façade. At the bottom there is a triple archway of semicircular arches through which you access a portico that occupies the entire building. Has a rectangular plan and on the upper floor you can see three lintel balconies.
When visiting Labastida you cannot forget the Palace of the Salazar Quintano. Currently, it houses the House of Culture and Tourist Office. It is made of ashlar stone and has been restored recently. In fact, it is discovered as it was built at the end of the 18th century.