Las Carantoñas de Acehúche 2027 – Traditional Mask Festival in Extremadura

Welcome to Las Carantoñas de Acehúche 2027 in Acehuche

Las Carantoñas de Acehúche 2027 take place on 20 and 21 January in Acehúche (Cáceres province, Extremadura, Spain). Held in honour of Saint Sebastian and recognised since 2019 as a Festival of National Tourist Interest, it is one of the region’s most distinctive winter traditions. Men in animal skins and fearsome masks, women in regional dress, drum and flute music and a procession fill the village for two days. Admission is free.

Highlights & Attractions at Las Carantoñas de Acehúche in Acehuche

• The Carantoñas: men dressed in goat, sheep or fox skins and masks with tusks, ears and dried peppers – often dozens of pairs moving through the streets.
• The Regaoras (also called Patanas): women in traditional bayeta costume who escort the saint with song, confetti and a symbolic “sprinkling”.
• The Tamborilero with flute and drum: he wakes the village at the Alborá and provides the soundtrack throughout the day.
• Procession of Saint Sebastian: gun salutes from the Tiraores (shooters), bells, the Loa (praise) and the Carantoñas’ reverence before the image of the saint.
• The Vaca Tora: a Carantoña with horns and cowbells that scares the other “beasts” and marks a climax of the ritual.
• Rosemary: gathered the day before (usually 19 January) and spread by the mayordomos along the procession routes and in the church.
• A free community atmosphere with migas and coffee in the morning, later wine and typical sweets (including briñuelos, floretas, perronillas) – no ticket required.

Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2027

The celebration centres on 20 January, the feast of Saint Sebastian. Official dates for 2027 are 20 and 21 January; the eve (often 19 January) with the rosemary harvest and the reception of the tamborilero is traditionally part of the cycle. On 20 January the Alborá starts around 06:00: the tamborilero wakes the future Carantoñas and the neighbourhood. Then come migas with coffee at the mayordomo’s house, the elaborate dressing in skins and masks, the gathering near the church and the procession with Saint Sebastian – typically from late morning into midday. After Mass the Vaca Tora appears; tastings close the day. 21 January (San Sebastianino) repeats the ritual in a similar form.

The detailed 2027 timetable is published by the town closer to the date. In recent years the main visible moments (appearance of the Carantoñas, procession, Loa) fell roughly between 10:30 and early afternoon, while the Alborá begins very early. Folk music, dancing and the strong scent of rosemary and gunpowder shape the atmosphere. This is a living religious and folk ritual, not a staged show – respect for participants and sacred moments is essential.

Tickets & Admission for Las Carantoñas de Acehúche Acehuche

Las Carantoñas de Acehúche is a public street and church festival with no admission fee. There are no tickets and no box office: visitors can freely follow the streets, the procession and the public acts. Donations or purchases at local stands and tastings are voluntary. The Town Hall of Acehúche publishes organisational updates at acehuche.es. Taking part as a Carantoña, Regaora or in another role is arranged locally through the brotherhood and the mayordomía and is generally for residents or those invited into the tradition.

Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Acehuche

• Getting there: Acehúche sits in northern Cáceres province (Valle del Alagón), off the main tourist routes. By car use regional roads from Cáceres, Coria or the Portuguese border; parking in and around the village is limited – arrive early and respect residents. Public transport is sparse; a bus to a nearby town plus taxi or a shared ride is often needed.
• Weather and clothing: Mid to late January in Extremadura is cold, often frosty in the morning. Wear sturdy shoes, warm layers and a weatherproof coat. The Carantoñas themselves wear heavy skins and overheat – as a spectator you need warmth, not a costume.
• Where to stay: Acehúche is a small village with limited hotels and guesthouses. Book early in Acehúche itself or in nearby towns (e.g. Coria, Ceclavín). On festival days the village fills with visitors from the region and beyond.
• Etiquette: The procession and sacred parts are serious tradition, not a hands-on tourist attraction. Photography is common, but keep your distance, do not block paths and follow organisers’ instructions. Gun salutes (Tiraores) are part of the ritual – expect loud bangs.
• Extra: The eve (often 19 January) and, in some years, the children’s Carantoñinas on a preceding weekend extend the festival over several days. Check the town’s notices shortly before the date for 2027 times and any changes. While you are there, try the local goat cheese – Acehúche is widely known for it.