Frias Festival
The Festival of the Captain on the eve of
Saint John's day is held on the closest weekend to the festivities
of Saint John. The day is in memory of the era of the Condestables
de Castilla (the Castilian Counts), who in the 15th century tried
to take over the town. But the people rose up in defiance of the
corrupt taxes and fought for their freedom.
A captain was chosen to organise the defence for the battle. Every
year on the eve of Saint John's day in the parade ground of the
castle a captain is chosen for his ability to fly the flag. At
night he will parade through the streets of the town dressed up
in the clothes of the era and bearing the flag. On his way he
is accompanied by everybody from the town. The festival has been
declared of touristic interest in Castilla y León.
Burgos guide