Our Lady of Carmen - La Descarga

Our Lady of Carmen is one of the most revered figures throughout Asturias, not only along the coastal strip - she is the patroness of sailors - but also in the inland areas. As an example, we have Cangas del Narcea. Every July 16th, the town of Cangas vibrates with the famous "Descarga" (Gunfire). Around eight o'clock in the evening, when the Virgin's procession crosses the old bridge on its way to the chapel, the sky over Cangas fills with fireworks and gunpowder for several minutes. The sky turns white, and the intoxicating scent of gunpowder fills every corner.

The sensation of the "Descarga" is unique and indescribable, and it can only be fully appreciated by experiencing it. It is the eternal tribute of the Cangas groups to the Virgin and to those who are no longer with us, but somehow come back to life in that moment. As night falls, the artistic and emotional midnight fireworks provide the perfect ending to an emblematic festival that combines three aspects: Devotion, celebration, and art.

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