San Bartolomé de Pinares is a small mountain village famous for one extraordinary tradition: the Luminarias de San Antón, held every January 16th. Riders on horseback leap over bonfires in the village streets — a purification ritual for the animals that dates back centuries. Outside of January, the village is quiet and has minimal services.
The camino passes through pine forests and increasingly mountainous terrain. You're climbing now, and the air is noticeably cooler than on the meseta.
The Luminarias de San Antón (January 16) is one of Spain's most visually spectacular local fiestas. Horses and their riders jump through bonfires lit in the village streets, in a purification ritual dedicated to San Antón, the patron saint of animals. The tradition has drawn controversy from animal welfare groups but continues with strong local support.
