In the month of October the festivities in honour of the Virgen del Rosario are held in the town of Valle de Guerra. The most important event of this celebration is the staging of La Librea, which has become the most representative symbol of the town’s identity. Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 2007, it celebrates its 400th anniversary in 2015 and is held on the Saturday after 7 October.
The event consists of a procession, after the religious services, of the Virgen del Rosario around the church escorted by the squadron and its captain, dressed in period costumes and rifles as they were used in the 16th century. This is followed by a self-sacramental performance inspired by the historic Battle of Lepanto, which took place in 1571 between the naval fleet of the Turkish Empire and the armada of the Holy League, made up of soldiers and ships from Spain, the Papal States and Venice.
Declared as an Asset of Cultural Interest in 2007
Throughout the 21st century, the Librea of Valle de Guerra has received several awards for its cultural values:
- Asset of Cultural Interest (2007)
- CICOP International Award for Intangible Cultural Heritage (2012)
- Tourist Initiatives Centre badge (2005)
- Amazigh Award for the best act of cultural interest (2014)
- Since June 2021, it has been part of the Intangible Heritage Platform of Spain, a recognition granted by the Ministry of Culture.
