The councillor for Festivals and Traditions, Carmen Seguín, presented this morning the program of activities organized by the City Council of Salamanca to celebrate San Juan de Sahagún, as well as the promotional poster created by the Salamancan artist Belén Cobaleda.
In the foreground, the emblematic Tentenecio street appears, a symbol of our history and the scene of one of the best-known miracles attributed to San Juan de Sahagún.
In the background, the majestic Cathedral of Salamanca watches over the scene, reminding us of the spiritual legacy of San Juan de Sahagún. The representation invites us to enjoy our festivals, valuing and connecting with our past, so that joy and tradition shine in every corner of Salamanca.
As Belén Cobaleda explains, «the yellow color of the poster is not random. It evokes the golden stone of Villamayor, characteristic of our architecture, and the charro fields at their peak. It represents the identity and vibrant spirit of Salamanca.»
«To create the poster, I used the monotype technique to add dynamism, and then I added details with a pencil to enhance volumes, depth, and textures, enriching the composition. With ‘Tentenecio,’ I aim to convey a visual narrative that connects with the viewer, invites reflection, and strengthens our identity and traditions. I hope that this work awakens that connection in each of us and serves to celebrate and feel proud of our roots in these special festivities,» explains the Salamancan artist.
Belén Cobaleda holds a degree in Art History and Fine Arts from the University of Salamanca. She has held various collective and individual exhibitions in galleries, art fairs, and exhibition halls.
She has received several awards, and her work can be found in various public and private collections such as the Olympic Museum of Barcelona, Antonio Gala Foundation, Royal Premier Hotels, Marca Newspaper, Official College of Physicians of Salamanca, Salamanca City Council, and many more.
Program for June 11th
As explained by the councillor, the program will begin on Wednesday, June 11th with the traditional parades of bands and giant figures, starting at six in the evening. At eight, in Elio Antonio de Nebrija Park, the XXII Bonfires Concert will begin, a musical activity featuring students of Modern Music (Electric Guitar, Keyboards, Electric Bass, Modern Singing, and Drums) from the Municipal School of Music and Dance.
At the same time, the absolute premiere of ‘Navalia,’ a parade by the Salamancan company CulturARTS, is scheduled to take place. It invites spectators to embark on a fantastic journey through imaginary seas. With its mast and illuminated sail, the ship becomes a space where time and reality blur, inviting the audience to let their imagination run wild.
And at ten-thirty, the performance of the Panorama orchestra will begin at the fairground of La Aldehuela. In their new show ‘Epic Tour,’ the orchestra features twenty-three artists on stage, over three hours of spectacle, and an incredible audiovisual and musical show with the best themes of history.
To facilitate the arrival of the people of Salamanca to La Aldehuela, the City Council will reinforce the number 8 bus line, reducing the frequency. Access controls to the venue will also be in place.
Program for June 12th
The program for Thursday, June 12th will start at twelve noon with the Mass in the New Cathedral. At the same time, a new edition of the ‘Operation liter’ organized by the Museum of Automotive History in support of the Little Sisters of the Poor is scheduled, accompanied by parades of the Giants and Bigheads Association of Salamanca and bands.
At 12:30, the drummers of the Municipal School of Music and Dance will start a traditional parade, to the rhythm of the bagpipe and drum, from the Plaza Mayor to the Plaza de Anaya.
At six in the evening, another opportunity to enjoy parades featuring bands and giant figures.
At the same time, the fifth edition of the master class by former students of the Bullfighting School is scheduled to take place at the Glorieta Bullring, as part of the 40th anniversary of its founding.
The Cultural Association Agrupación Musical La Expiración will offer a floral and musical tribute to the patron saint of our city, San Juan de Sahagún, at seven in the evening.
At 8:00 pm, there will be a new showing of the ‘Navalia’ show, and at ten-thirty in the evening, we can enjoy the world premiere of ‘NEXUS,’ performed by the Sylphes Aerial Ballet and Collectif Arbuste. A unique show that defies gravity and creates an immersive sound landscape, a meeting point between aerial ballet over 30 meters high and live electronic music, two art forms that, although different, share the same essence: emotion. Through movements and figures suspended in the air, along with vibrant sounds and lasers, ‘NEXUS’ explores human dualities. It will be held in the Plaza Mayor and lasts for 45 minutes.
Program for June 13th
On Friday, June 13th, there will be another parade of bands and giant figures at six in the evening. At seven, the String Orchestra and Band of the Municipal School of Music and Dance will offer a concert in the Patio Chico.
At 10:45 pm, Caballer FX will present the pyrotechnic show «València, Foc I Passió» in the surroundings of the Roman Bridge, lasting 16 minutes.
And at 11:15 pm, the last chance to enjoy the ‘NEXUS’ show in the Plaza Mayor.
In addition, the program for San Juan de Sahagún includes the Encounter of lace makers Ciudad de Salamanca, which will take place on Sunday, June 15th at the Congress Palace.
Sports Program
The program of festivities for San Juan de Sahagún also includes more than twenty sports activities. The councillor thanked the effort and involvement of the clubs to make the sports program more complete and participatory each year.
CD Tenis Río Tormes organizes the III San Juan de Sahagún Tournament, and the BeTennis Club organizes the third edition of the IBP Ciudad de Salamanca.
Hand in hand with the Hockey Charro sports club, the second roller hockey tournament is held at the Lazarillo sports complex, and the Salamanca Hockey Club organizes the first tournament for veterans of this discipline.
Rugby will take center stage in the inclusive tournament organized by the ADAS sports club in collaboration with the Salamanca Rugby Club, which also organizes the Rugby Touch tournament.
The Salamanca delegation of the Castilla y León Athletics Federation organizes the XXVII Athletics Trophy Ciudad de Salamanca Memorial Carlos Gil Pérez.
The petanque clubs, led by the Picasso Petanque Club, organize the San Juan de Sahagún petanque championship, and the CD ADAS will be in charge of organizing the inclusive Provincial Petanque Tournament. In addition, the skittles clubs will organize the final of the league in this modality.
The Rhythmic Salamanca Club will hold its traditional exhibition and tournament, and the Salamanca gymnastics sports club will host the V Maravillas tournament.
The Olympic shooting will hold its regional competition under the supervision of the specialization delegation.
Football will have its classic tribute tournament to Antonio Herrero promoted by Navega, as well as the national amateur futsal championship organized by Futormes and the Spanish Mini-futsal Association.
Additionally, the 33rd Open San Juan de Sahagún table tennis tournament will take place, an inclusive chess day at the Congress Palace, the national model car championship, the final of the handball championship thanks to the Paladín club, the Ciudad de Salamanca badminton tournament, the III Triangular softball senior cup, organized by Toros de Salamanca, and the volleyball tournament, promoted by the Salamanca Volleyball Club.
Security Device
The San Juan de Sahagún program booklet includes a section on the security device that the City Council will implement for the scheduled activities.
In places where events are held, such as the fairground of La Aldehuela, the Local Police will carry out controls and will not allow the introduction of glass containers, cans, bottles, or similar items, maintaining the prohibition of consuming alcohol in public spaces. Only access with water bottles or similar, made of plastic, without a cap and with a maximum capacity of half a liter, will be allowed. Access with bags, backpacks, or briefcases exceeding the dimensions of 60x30x15, as well as sharp or potentially dangerous objects, will not be permitted. Finally, fireworks, flares, firecrackers, and pyrotechnic material in general are prohibited. Banners, sheets, masts, or sticks are not allowed.
All these preventive and security measures will also apply to access controls to the Plaza Mayor. The capacity for access to the Plaza Mayor will vary for security reasons, and the Local Police may prohibit access when the capacity is reached.
About the Author
