"Las Antorchas" (The Torches)

“Las Antorchas” refers to the most spectacular and well-known festival of Carcelén: the Torch Run during the festivities in honour of Cristo de las Eras y la Misericordia. This event, of ancestral origin and possibly Christianised pagan roots, consists of a nighttime descent from the mountain by young people carrying lit torches, creating a river of fire that lights up the hillside. This tradition is the highest expression of the cultural identity of Carcelén, attracting thousands of visitors every August. The resource is not only the event itself, but also the setting and the sense of community it generates. It symbolises strength, light, and the union of the people with their natural surroundings. The spectacle of the night, with the castle in the background and the illuminated mountain, creates an unforgettable image that has been declared of Tourist Interest. It is a living expression of the intangible heritage that defines the soul of this Manchego town.