The Cipotegato
Every 27th August, the most iconic figure of the festivities in honour of Saint Atilano takes to the streets of Tarazona. At noon, the Cipotegato emerges from the Town Hall’s entrance, greeted by a bustling square filled with onlookers and a shower of tomatoes.
The residents recognise that the strong scent of tomatoes, which might be off-putting to some, marks the commencement of their patron saint celebrations. During these days, the city attracts many visitors eager to partake in the festivities.
Legend and Tradition
Numerous accounts exist regarding the origin of this tradition, with many legends recounting its beginnings. However, the older residents of Tarazona often assert that it has been part of their lives “since forever.” One well-known legend speaks of a prison in the city, where, annually during the celebrations, one condemned prisoner was granted the chance to earn freedom. If the inmate could withstand a barrage of stones from the townsfolk and manage to reach a chain located outside the city, they would be set free. While this tale is familiar to many, there is no documented evidence to support it, leading some to suggest it is more urban myth than fact.
A widely accepted hypothesis regarding the character’s origin surfaces in 17th-century chronicles, describing how this unique figure would chase after children on the eve of Corpus Christi, striking them with a stick attached to an inflated cat’s bladder. However, records from the Tarazona Cathedral archive indicate that a ruling by the Cathedral Chapter prohibited this character from pursuing children as of the 18th century. Following this ruling, little information is documented about the Cipotegato until the 20th century.
Modern Celebrations
Today, the Cipotegato emerges annually from the Town Hall, cheered on by a throng of over 7,000 people as the clock strikes noon. This role is selected by lottery from more than 150 youths, and their identity remains a well-guarded secret until the character returns to the Town Hall after the festivities.
Dressed in a distinctive outfit consisting of a three-colour (yellow, red, and green with diamond shapes) suit, the Cipotegato also wields a stick connected to a ball by a string and wears a mask to conceal their identity. The costume is padded to protect them, albeit not entirely, from the numerous kilograms of tomatoes that both children and adults hurl at them throughout the parade.
Upon the noon bells, the Cipotegato begins their route, flanked by former Cipotegatos, friends, and local groups who help clear a path through the crowded square, all while attempting to “escape” from the authentic downpour of tomatoes. The path taken by this character is kept secret and often holds sentimental value for the individual representing the role. Upon returning to the square, the Cipotegato ascends a statue erected in their honour, where they are celebrated as a victor and greeted with chants of “¡Cipote, Cipote…!” without enduring any more tomato assaults. The procession concludes with them being carried on the shoulders of their companions.
Festivities Continue
Following the Cipotegato’s entrance into the Town Hall, the attendees descend from the square amidst a vibrant atmosphere, accompanied by music and the occasional slip due to the remaining tomatoes on the streets. As they make their way down Marrodán Street, residents, both young and old, toss water from their windows, trying to “wash away” the remnants of the tomato shower.
Traditionally, the role of the Cipotegato has been embodied by young males, with only two women having represented this character throughout history. The first was Loreto Velilla in 1993, who, at just 18, became the first female Cipotegato, taking over the position from the selected male candidate. It was not until 2011 that another woman, Pilar Galindo, was chosen by lottery to serve as the new Cipotegato of the city.
This unique celebration is one that must be experienced to be truly appreciated. It is a source of pride for the residents of Tarazona and a source of enjoyment for attendees, both locals and visitors alike, who return annually to relive the experience.
Thus, the festivities in the city of Tarazona commence, a celebration recognised as a National Tourist Interest Festival by the Resolution of the Secretary of State for Tourism on 25th May 2009, filling all its citizens with pride.
