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La Asunción Overview |
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| La Asunción, otherwise known as the Feast
of the Assumption, on August 15th each year, is one of the most important dates
of the Christian calendar and a national holiday across Spain. A wide range
of popular festivities take place throughout the day across the Iberian Peninsula
and except for essential public utilities and large banks, all shops and other
businesses remain closed to allow everyone to take part in the celebrations
in true Spanish style. |
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This major Christian festival was instituted by
Pope Leo IV in 847 AD and is held to mark the assumption into heaven
of the Virgin Mary. For Roman Catholic Christians, the Feast of
the Assumption of Mary is a celebration of the belief in the Immaculate
Conception, and the immediate union of Mary's entire being with
God at the end of her life, rather than a standard death. Christians
generally believe that if God preserved Mary from sin during her
life, she would not be bound to experience the consequences of
sin and death in the same way as ordinary mortals.
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The Feast of the Assumption has been recognised and
celebrated in Spain since the 9th Century and it continues to play
an important role in contemporary Spanish cultural life. The present
day festivities are a superb amalgamation of pagan and religious
traditions that vary slightly between regions, but usually include
lots of fireworks and fun, an impressive catholic mass capturing
the spirit of the day and huge colourful, noisy processions, usually
headed by a statue of Mary, carried under an elaborate arch decorated
with garlands of beautiful flowers. The parade winds it's way
through the streets of the town before arriving at the local parish
church and, in a symbolic gesture presenting Mary at the alter.
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Following the customary honours, when all in attendance are resplendent in their jewel-laden
costumes there is a traditional feast consisting of delicious local delicacies particularly fresh fruits and herbs, fine wines,
music and dancing until well into the early hours of the following day. |
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La Asunción
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travel to the La Asunción from www.rentspain.com |
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