Adriana Alonso Beltrán 3ºA I.E.S. Duque de Alarcón (Valera de abajo- Cuenca)

1. MY TOWN 1.2. History 2. TRADITIONAL FESTIVITIES CONTENTS/INDEX

Valera de Abajo (Cuenca) is a small town with approximately 1600 inhabitants, but it is recognized as more than half of the people of this village are engaged in carpentry

 Although the origin is not defined, presumably as agricultural lands were divided among four or five families in the village, the others had to find another means of livelihood, and as this is a land with lots of wood, chose this to work it.

 They began to make slabs (laundry), pickers and even a door by hand, without machines, just with a saw, a handsaw and a chisel. The place where they worked was a small room in their homes.

 Since then, the town is dedicated to woodworking, and today there are over 60 factories of doors and windows, but all remain familiar.

 March 19 is celebrated as the day of the carpenters, so that in this town is a big party. The day before, the employees of each company meet each other to dinner in their workshops.

 On the morning of March 19, all the brave are wearing their best clothes to go to the church and the procession. The Ceremony of this day is very nice because of the chorus of people singing songs that are dedicated to the carpenters and the profession so special for them.

 After the procession, all the people is invited to eat in a big meal with stew, paella or a snack. It is organized by the “cooperative” of each year.  After the Ceremony, there is a procession in which the men take San Jose in the litter and carry it through the streets of Valera.

19 March San José

 Finally, to end the day, there is a party in the council hall, where lots of people dance and have fun.