The Contradanza of Cetina, a century-old traditional dance, is performed every May 19 as part of the festivities in honor of San Juan Lorenzo in this Zaragoza town. Pedro Olloqui, the Director General of Culture and Cultural Heritage of the Government of Aragón, attended the performance and emphasized that it is “a symbol of pride not only for Cetina but for all of Aragón.” The celebration is listed as a Festival of Tourist Interest in Aragón and recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage Asset of Aragón.
Statements and Institutional Presence
Pedro Olloqui highlighted that the Contradanza of Cetina “is a symbol of pride not only for Cetina but for all of Aragón.” He noted that “the people of Cetina are deeply committed to making this festival possible every May 19, and we view it with pride and admiration.” The regional official attended the performance of the Contradanza on Tuesday night, part of the festivities honoring San Juan Lorenzo of Cetina. Olloqui described the celebration as “one of the oldest rituals in Europe, a contradance that reflects the contradictions of life, light and shadow, death and life, encapsulating that dreamlike culture that permeates all of Aragón.” He added that the festival is made possible “thanks to fidelity to what it means to be from Cetina, being true to ourselves,” which has allowed it to be passed “from generation to generation and preserved over the years.”
Development and Significance of the Contradanza
The Contradanza of Cetina is celebrated on the night of May 19, when the locals perform this traditional staging that combines religious and secular elements, popular theater, and dance. In this century-old dance, the four elements are portrayed and the opposition between the forces of love and hate is enacted. Each segment of the population plays a role in the festival, involving the entire community. Eight dancers participate, alongside the central character, ‘The Devil’, who is portrayed as a king or chief.
Costume and Characters
The costumes are among the most significant characteristics of the Contradanza. Four of the figures wear black jackets and pants with white decorations, mostly featuring plant motifs, while the other four reverse the color scheme with white backgrounds and black appliqués. ‘The Devil’ is dressed entirely in red, adorned with white plant motifs and lace; he is the only character with an uncovered face, featuring sideburns and a goatee painted black, and his head topped with a large beret. The dancers, for their part, cover their faces with white masks and black paint that defines their features.
The Contradanza of Cetina is part of the festivities in honor of San Juan Lorenzo celebrated in this Zaragoza town every May 19. The celebration is recognized as a Festival of Tourist Interest in Aragón and has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage Asset of Aragón. These distinctions underscore the continuity of a ritual that, according to the Director General of Culture and Cultural Heritage, has been preserved due to “fidelity to what it means to be from Cetina” and its transmission from generation to generation.
The Contradanza of Cetina remains a centennial ritual involving the entire population, rich in symbolism related to life, death, light, and shadow, and showcasing a strong local identity. Its recognition as a Festival of Tourist Interest in Aragón and an Intangible Cultural Heritage Asset of Aragón, along with the institutional support expressed by Pedro Olloqui, reinforces its status as a symbol of pride for both Cetina and the broader region of Aragón.
