The “arbret” is an ancestral tradition where men and women cut down a tree (previously planted for this purpose to continue the tradition without deforesting the area) and carry it along on their shoulders. It isgreat fun, as lots of water is thrown around andwine is drunk from traditional “botijos” (earthenware pitchers). People throw water at the tree bearers at the chant of “water and wine!”. They stop on the way to have an afternoon snack of sausages, salt fish and bread.
The tree bearers’ T-shirts are tornup on the way, as it is the custom to rip them into pieces and later hang them on the tree. Once they arrive at the “era”, the centre of every small neighbourhood fiesta, men and women “plant” the tree by hand pulling on 3 or 4 ropes- depending on the space around it.Once planted, acontagious wave of joy spreads among the participants andspectators alike, and the dulzaina and drum play to the sound of the spectacle.