Eat, drink and “break old people”. Mojacar celebrates Dia de la Vieja tradition

Mojacar residents recently joined hundreds across Almeria in celebrating Dia de la Vieja, a beloved tradition in the Levante Almeriense region. Every year, in the middle of lent people gather in the countryside or at the beach to eat, drink and “break old people”.

No old people harmed on Dia de la Vieja

Of course, no old people are actually harmed in the festivities, rather it is piñata’s designed to look like the elderly that become the targets. These effigies are readily available to buy across the region, many prefer to make their own, adding a creative originality to each one.

Mojacar residents were especially imaginative this year, their colourful creations perfectly encapsulating the spirit of the event. The handmade “viejas” often vary in size, detail and humour, with some designed to reflect traditional clothing or exaggerated caricatures. This creative element has become one of the most anticipated aspects of the celebration, encouraging families and neighbours to take part together in preparation days before the event.

Treats and traditional food

After making the piñata, the only thing left to do is break it. Mojacar youngest residents lined up to threw rocks and sticks at the “viejas” until they broke apart. The children made quick work of the destruction and were soon rewarded with the sweets that spilled from the piñatas.

The day is also often celebrated with a communal lunch. Hornazos, a sweet braided bed which has a hard-boiled egg baked into the centre, is a typical traditional dish, made especially for the celebration.

The origin of tradition

Outside of Mojacar, Dia de la Vieja is most popular in municipalities such as Vera, Turre and Pulpi, to name a few, which host yearly events to mark the day. Each town adds its own variations, but the central idea of gathering, sharing food and symbolically “breaking” the viejas remains consistent throughout the region.

The origins of this slightly bizarre tradition are unknown. Although some believe the act of breaking the “viejas” to be a symbol of leaving behind what is broken in the past in order to start anew.