The Culture Department of the San Juan de la Rambla Villa City Council has opened registration for the free transport service for the 'Fiesta del Humo'. This event, one of the most distinctive of La Rambla's festivities, will be held on Saturday, October 10th, starting at 6:30 PM.
Buses will be available for participants from 5:00 PM. Pick-up points include Barranco Ruiz Park, Plazoleta del Casco, and the exterior of the City Council in San José. From these locations, registered individuals will be transported to the Plaza de Los Rodríguez in La Vera, the starting point of the activity along the Barranco Ruiz trail.
After the celebration concludes, the transport will also provide return journeys, taking participants back to their original pick-up points. The City Council aims to encourage attendance, reduce private vehicle use, and alleviate parking issues in La Rambla during this event.
Advance registration is required to use this service. Registration is open until Thursday, October 8th, at the Culture Office, by calling +34 922 360 003, extensions 2104 and 2105.
The 'Fiesta del Humo', revived in 2011, commemorates the old custom of residents from the upper neighborhoods of San Juan de la Rambla and nearby municipalities. In the early 20th century, they used the Barranco Ruiz trail to attend the festivities honoring the Virgen del Rosario de La Rambla.
During the trek, they carried torches and bundles of burning material to light their way at night. Over time, these elements became the celebration's most characteristic image, especially when participants arrived at the neighborhood square and extinguished their torches, creating an intense cloud of smoke that gave the festival its name.
The revival of this tradition maintains the collective journey. Participants will gather at the Plaza de Los Rodríguez in La Vera, near the entrance to Barranco Ruiz, to begin the descent. Upon reaching the recreational park, torches will be lit, and the group will proceed towards La Rambla, accompanied by the Parranda La Limera folk group.
The arrival at the plaza marks the central moment, when extinguishing the torches generates the characteristic smoke cloud that symbolically announces the start of the neighborhood's festivities. The day will continue with folk music and a large paella for attendees.
“"The Fiesta del Humo is one of those traditions that allow us to connect directly with the history of our neighborhoods and with the way our ancestors lived and celebrated their festivals. Facilitating transport allows more residents to participate and enjoy this experience without worrying about their vehicle or parking."
“"it is part of the collective memory of San Juan de la Rambla and that, thanks to the recovery work and the commitment of the residents, it continues to bring together different generations each year around such a unique tradition as the Fiesta del Humo."
The complete program for the La Rambla festivities can be consulted via the provided link.
