Last magical night by candlelight in Arbancón, one of Spain's Magical Towns

The last chance to enjoy a unique event, recognized in 2024 as a benchmark for rural tourism , in which candles work their magic and allow you to discover one of the Magical Towns of Spain takes place this Saturday, July 26. The mountain town celebrates the second and final day of the IX edition of ' Arbancón by Candlelight ', a tourist and cultural initiative that, after nine years of history, has established itself as one of the most emblematic events of the summer in the Sierra Norte de Guadalajara .

Inspired by the tradition of the February Candlemas , when Almendralejo is burned to drive away evil spirits, this celebration has become a hallmark of the summer Arbancón. The event takes place over the last two weekends of July and involves lighting up the town with more than 10,000 candles , creating artistic shapes and illuminating streets, squares, and facades decorated by the residents themselves.

This year's edition kicked off on July 19th, with more than 1,600 people attending. Access to the illuminated route requires a nominal 4 euro admission fee , available at www.turismoarbancon.com . The aim is to control capacity, avoid overcrowding, and contribute to the event's sustainability and the restoration of local heritage.

The event begins at 8:30 p.m. with an open house at the Museum of History and Customs , which houses the traditions and history of this municipality; and at the Church of San Benito Abad (17th century), whose main altarpiece stands out as a work of carving and painting, created in 1656. All of this is done with audio guides.

An hour later, the guided tour of " Arbancón Pueblo Mágico " will begin in the church square, offering a glimpse into the intricacies of a town steeped in heritage and surrounded by nature. At 10:00 p.m., the lighting of more than 10,000 candles will take place, and half an hour later, the "Music by Candlelight" concert will begin in front of the museum. Tickets are also required.

The event will conclude with a guided night tour, " A Legendary Arbancón ," led by History and Tourism students from the University of Alcalá, as part of the Rural Campus program, at 12:30 a.m.

The success and growing popularity of 'Arbancón by Candlelight' received significant institutional support when it was awarded the Best Tourist Destination in Castilla-La Mancha in September 2024, in the local entities category, at the Tourism Awards gala held in Cogolludo.

Since its first edition in 2016, the event has continued to grow, both in attendance and in economic and social impact, as it represents a major boost for a small town that continues to offer attractive, sustainable events with its own unique identity.