The Catholic tradition describes St. Christopher as a Canaanite giant who, after converting to Christianity, helped travellers cross a dangerous ford by carrying them on his shoulders. His name, Christopher (from the Greek Christóforos (‘Christ-bearer’), originates from this deed. St. Christopher is the patron saint of travellers and drivers, and his feast day falls on 10 July every year.
In Valdaracete, this monument has an interesting backstory. In 1990, Clemente Navarro González, a local lorry driver, founded the St. Christopher Association of Valdaracete. With the help of friends and family, he acquired the figure of the saint that sits in this shrine. This initiative was well-received and it became a municipal holiday.
The celebration takes place on the weekend closest to 10 July. The Association hosts dinners, music, shows and children’s activities. On the Sunday, mass is held in honour of St. Christopher, officiated in the cargo box of a lorry, followed by a car procession of about 10 kilometres. Stops for snacks are made throughout the procession. At the end, in the St. Christopher courtyard, refreshments are offered to participants and a fireworks display is held to mark the end of the festivities.
This celebration, which began as a small tribute, has become a significant local festival, attracting visitors from near and far.
