The Cipotegato of Tarazona
El Cipotegato is the character who opens the patron saint festivities of Tarazona among a crowd and a shower of tomatoes. Dressed in a padded harlequin suit and escorted by his gang, he leaves the Town Hall, runs through the streets and returns to the Plaza de España to be raised next to his monument.
Date and time
The departure is celebrated every year on 27 August a las 12:00. With it the general festivities in honour of San Atilano begin, which continue until 1 September. 28 August is the Day of the Major Festival, dedicated to commemorating the arrival in Tarazona of a relic of the saint in 1644.
Tradition and the work calendar are different issues. The celebration of Cipotegato does not automatically turn 27 August into a public holiday; Local non-working days depend on the official calendar approved for each year.
Departure and race through Tarazona
In the hours before noon, the Plaza de España and its entrances are filled with the public. At twelve o'clock, Cipotegato crosses the door of the City Hall and makes his way through a human corridor while receiving the tomatoes that the assistants throw.
After crossing the square, he starts a race through the streets of the centre accompanied by people he trusts. The specific itinerary has been made public since 2010 and may vary from one edition to another. Upon returning to the Plaza de España, the procession raises it to the Cipotegato monument shouting "Cipote, Cipote", before entering the City Hall again.
Also consult the Festivals in Tarazona.
Costume and character elements
The chosen person wears a hood and a padded set of jacket and pants, similar to that of a harlequin, with yellow, red and green pieces. The outfit protects her during the race and hides her identity until the start. The characteristic image is completed by a small stick topped by a ball.
The crowd usually comes in white clothing, although it is dyed by tomato from the first minutes. After the race, the descent from the square along Marrodán Street prolongs the atmosphere and water is thrown from windows and balconies to clean part of the red mark.
Origin and history
The Tarazona City Council documents a history of the tradition at the end of the 18th century in the cathedral archive: during the Corpus Christi procession, a character known as the "Pellexo de Gato" chased the children. At the beginning of the 20th century, the municipal archive records the payment of six pesetas to whoever represented the figure as entertainment.
Tomato tossing was incorporated in the mid-20th century. Over time, the role stopped being perceived as a burden and became a sought-after honour. The party obtained the declaration of Festival of National Tourist Interest in 2009.
Elección del Cipotegato
The character is chosen by lottery among the people admitted in accordance with municipal regulations. They must be of legal age and native to Tarazona or prove at least ten years of registration in the city, in addition to presenting the health documentation required to carry out the activity.
The identity remains a secret until the hooded person leaves City Hall on 27 August. Friends and family form the team that protects, guides and accompanies her during the journey.
Participation and organisation
The Tarazona City Council organises the festivities with the collaboration of the Chalibes, Desbaráculo, Dominguera, Garrafus and Sapillos clubs, as well as municipal services, security forces and cleaning teams. Neighbors and visitors are not simple spectators: their presence, the songs, the race and the throwing of tomatoes are an essential part of the event.
The Cipotegato opens six days that include events in honour of San Atilano, music, children's proposals and club activities. These contents change every year and must be consulted in the official programme of the corresponding edition.