News
The living dead in Spain
31 May 2006
The Fiesta de Santa Marta de Ribarteme in the small town of As Neves celebrates survivors of near death experiences.
The town, situated on the Portuguese border in the north west of Spain, welcomes thousands of visitors on 29 July for the macabre festival.
The focus of the celebrations is the town's church and families of those who have experienced a very close brush with death carry their living loved ones in coffins to the church's shrine.
After the midday mass, which is relayed through a tannoy system to the crowds outside, the coffins are carried to the nearby cemetery where those inside rise.
In the afternoon, those who have lived through a near death experience share their tales and compare stories in the town square and, although this is supposed to be a sullen affair, music sounds loudly.
Large cauldrons of octopus, the local delicacy, are also prepared to help feed those that come along.
© Adfero Ltd
The town, situated on the Portuguese border in the north west of Spain, welcomes thousands of visitors on 29 July for the macabre festival.
The focus of the celebrations is the town's church and families of those who have experienced a very close brush with death carry their living loved ones in coffins to the church's shrine.
After the midday mass, which is relayed through a tannoy system to the crowds outside, the coffins are carried to the nearby cemetery where those inside rise.
In the afternoon, those who have lived through a near death experience share their tales and compare stories in the town square and, although this is supposed to be a sullen affair, music sounds loudly.
Large cauldrons of octopus, the local delicacy, are also prepared to help feed those that come along.
© Adfero Ltd
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