Despedida de las Benditas Ánimas in Blanca on 6th January

This annual tradition bids farewell to the souls of the departed

The origins of the Despedida de las Benditas Ánimas in Blanca are lost in history

At the end of the festive season Spain celebrates Epiphany, when the Three Kings bring cheer for the younger members of the community. However, the seasonal celebrations are also a time when those who have lost loved ones feel the loss more keenly and in the municipality of Blanca, in the Ricote Valley, an unusual tradition upheld every 6th January speeds the souls of the departed from Purgatory.

Called the “Despedida de las Benditas Ánimas”, this consists of a ceremony held after Holy Mass in which the souls of those who have departed this world are hurried on their way from Purgatory by means of the songs of the cuadrillas, and the ceremony in the Iglesia de San Juan Evangelista is followed by a parade through the streets of the town.

The Despedida begins with singing in the “La Milagrosa” chapel before the parade in the streets surrounding the Iglesia de San Juan Evangelista. Once inside the church, the two-part main ceremony starts with the songs by which the souls waiting in Purgatory beg to be saved, and continued with thanks being offered to the Saints who heed their request.

The proceedings end with the phrase “Salud para el año que viene” (Good health for the coming year).

No-one is certain how the “Cuadrillas de Ánimas” (the groups performing these musical ceremonies) came to be formed in Blanca, but over the years the format of the songs they perform has come to be very strictly defined: the verses of four octosyllabic lines have to obey rigid rules regarding the rhyming scheme, and during the Christmas season the Cuadrillas perform their “coplas animeras” in the streets of the town. This they do in processions at the head of which is the standard of the Virgen del Carmen, who is meant to plead the causes of the souls lost in Purgatory.

During these processions alms are collected for those in need in Blanca and to hold Mass for the deceased.

The Cuadrillas traditionally performed in events of local significance for the community, and are much in evidence during the winter months. They can often be seen at “Encuentros de Cuadrillas” which are gatherings of these traditional musical groups who share their music with anyone who comes along to listen, dance or just observe, and it’s well worth going along to an encuentro if there’s one near you. The music is simple but infectious and the atmosphere always lively as Murcianos celebrate their musical traditions.