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| Festivals and traditions |
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The sea remains as the main attraction and source of livelihood of the town of Santoña. Every February the town holds a sea carnival in commemoration of the town’s gratitude to the waters. This small town is transformed into a place of gaiety as colorful floats parade the streets and upbeat music livens up the day. The Spanish’ endless passion for fiestas is very eminent during the carnival.
The famous sailor carnival is associated with the traditional trial done at the bottom of the sea. In 1934, this kind of activity was prohibited, but nevertheless, it has been a tradition to most fishermen of the town. Presently, the unique trial has become the main event of Santoña’s festival. The main event of the festival is the extraordinary presentation of the infamous trial. The convicted, represented by a huge sea bream is displayed in the Plaza del Peralvillo and given to a group of fishermen to be guarded by other fishes. On the time of its trial, the sea bream will be transferred to Plaza de San Antonio, the activity center of the village, When the trial begins, the locals will dress up as fish and will reenact the whole trial until the funeral of the thief, represented by the sea bream.
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