The hospitality sector, one of the most important and beloved in the Bilbilis economy, is celebrating today. Like every July 29, hoteliers commemorate their patron saint Santa Marta on a day when the vast majority of bars and restaurants in the city close their doors.
Shortly before 10am, the members of the Santa Marta Brotherhood, all of them hoteliers, either active or retired, gathered at the Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor in Calatayud. A mass was celebrated there, which served as the starting signal for the big day of the woman who is also the patron saint of housewives. After this, and accompanied by the Charanga el Descontrol, they paraded and danced with the Saint through the streets of Calatayud, ending at the Fairgrounds, where the events will take place during the afternoon.
From the fellowship meal, children’s activities, the foam party and the traditional waiters’ race to the different musical activities such as the performance of the saxophonist Ramón Sanz, the group Los Chalanes or the disco that will end at 5:30 in the morning.
“Today is a day of celebration for us,” said the participating restaurateurs. They are the stars of this event and, generally, the ones who are undervalued despite the recognition and gratitude they deserve, as they are one of the important driving forces of the economy of the capital of Jalón. “Our dedication and passion are reflected in every dish served, in every drink prepared and in every smile we offer our customers,” stressed another restaurateur.
Events during this afternoon
At 2pm the vermouth for members of the Santa Marta Brotherhood began at the Fairgrounds and at 3pm there will be a brotherhood meal followed by a guiñote tournament, children’s activities and a foam party (6pm).
At 7pm, one of the most eagerly awaited and beloved events will take place at the same Fairground: the traditional waiters’ race. After that, from 8pm to 10pm, there will be a performance by the group “Los Chalanes”.
At 10pm, Santa Marta will return to the Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor with a new parade and at the end, there will be dinner at the Fairgrounds, a performance by saxophonist Ramón Sanz and a disco until 5:30am.
