There is an annual serenading festival in Canar, Spain (Image: Google)
There is a remote that observes a bizarre romantic tradition every year.
On December 28, Cáñar near Granada celebrates its annual festival, Música de Las Mozuelas, where the men of the village serenade the local women. Cáñar counts just 397 inhabitants, 211 men and 186 women.
Starting at 2am, the young men draw symbols and names on their faces with red paint and set off on their tour with a huge band of maracas, cymbals, tambourines, guitars, accordions and up to 40 singers. Women listen from their doors and balconies.
The historical event dates back to the late 19th century, when young men carrying musical instruments would serenade single women with beautiful songs handed down through the generations
Marta, a farmer’s wife who is married to her teenage sweetheart from Cáñar, told : “The event used to have a different role. The men serenaded a girl if they were genuinely interested in her, to show their romantic intentions.
The festival ends in the village square with a barbeque (Image: Google)
“It created more of a link between men and women, who might then go on a date. These days, the young people have a different philosophy, and it is more of a fiesta with drinks.”
The festival is enjoyed alongside the drinking of copious amounts of local Costa red wine, traditional Andalucian aniseed liqueur, and Bailey’s Irish Cream.
At 10am, there is a communal brunch in the cafe-bar. After the break, married men and the older generation join as reinforcements. This time around, they ask for donations.
Parents pay €50 (£42) for their daughter – or even their elderly mother – to be serenaded. Revellers sing outside each house for about 10 minutes before moving to the next stop.
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In the evening, a bonfire is lit beside the church in the village square and the revellers gather for food and more drinking.
The piggy bank is then ceremonially smashed open and the coins and notes are collected to pay for sweets and presents for the children at the Feast of the Epiphany, just a week away.
Mayor Manuel Alvarez Guerrero told the that he is pleased that the tradition continues, attracting participants from nearby towns and villages.
“The population of Cáñar is multiplied during this party in which there is a very lively atmosphere, since there are many people who come from different corners of the region and outside it to sing to the ‘mozuelas’,” said Guerrero.