Las Carantoñas de Acehúche: The Extremaduran festival that revives the mystery of the martyrdom of San Sebastián with ancestral masks
The exact origin of the Carantoñas de Acehúche is not completely clear, but there are several theories about its origin, the religious theory links it to the festival of San Sebastian. It is believed that it arose as a thank you to the saint for protecting the town from a plague epidemic. According to legend, the Carantoñas represent the Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, who died by being shot with arrows, his body being thrown into a quagmire, where the forest beasts, in Instead of devouring him, they respected him for his status as a saint.
pagan theory
It could be related to livestock activity in the area since pre-Roman times, associated with a period of pastoral inactivity when shepherds gathered in the villages. Other theories speak of a possible connection with the Kalendae Ianuariae, Roman festivities at the end and beginning of the year. The Carantoñas would share similarities with celebrations in other countries such as Bulgaria, Italy and Brazil, suggesting possible broader cultural influences.
Historical evolution
The festival is at least 300 years old, evidenced by the existence of an ancient hermitage dedicated to Saint Sebastian.
In the 19th century, it included more explicit elements, such as the simulation of sexual relations between characters (the gallant and the madam). The festival has undergone changes over time, adapting to current social norms.
The celebration was declared by the Junta de Extremadura, a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest in 1986. Later in 2019, it was granted the title of Festival of National Tourist Interest.
