Higuera De La Serena: History, Festivals and Trails

Higuera De La Serena brings together church architecture, local traditions and a landscape shaped by water and agriculture. You can decide whether to focus on architectural history, customs or getting out and about.

Church architecture and history passed down

The Iglesia Parroquial de la Purísima Concepción dates originally from 1489 and was later renovated in the 17th century. Its single-nave interior has five sections, spanned by a groin vault with lunettes. A single-nave interior has one main nave; the five sections divide up the space, while the vault with lunettes defines the ceiling. This makes it possible to consider the church’s development over time and its spatial design as two distinct aspects.

Another historical focal point is the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Altagracia, which dates from the 15th century. According to local tradition, the image of the Virgin appeared at the site of the ermita. An outbuilding may have served as accommodation for pilgrims. This possible function remains a historical interpretation. The age of the building, the religious tradition and the presumed use of the outbuilding are distinct aspects of the ermita’s history.

La Laguna and the landscape

La Laguna traditionally served as a watering place for livestock, especially sheep, goats and cattle, and was also traditionally used for fishing. Nearby are fertile gardens with wells, water basins and occasional waterwheels. Together, these features paint a picture of local land use in which livestock farming, water and gardens all play a part.

Another landscape landmark is the stretch of water formed by the Río Guadámez. It is about five kilometres from Higuera De La Serena, on the Camino de los Quintos de Guadámez. The Dehesa Boyal San Isidro is set up for Romerías.

Festivals and crafts

The Matanza Didáctica takes place on a Saturday before Holy Week. The Encuentros de Encaje de Bolillos include a folk market selling crafts and products from the municipality and the region. The gatherings also feature a demonstration of how bobbin lace is made. The market and demonstration thus bring regional products together with a practical introduction to traditional crafts.

The Romería de San Isidro includes a procession through the Dehesa of Higuera De La Serena. Holy Week also includes the “Los Abrazos” procession on Holy Wednesday. These events mark different points in the local calendar, from a festival with a procession to a religious occasion during Holy Week.

Streets and hiking trail

The streets of Higuera De La Serena feature examples of vernacular architecture, including whitewashed houses with granite surrounds. A stroll through the streets offers the chance to connect with the people, culture, traditions and popular festivals of the town. This combines a look at the buildings with an impression of local culture.

For a longer hike, the PR-BA 176 Senda de la Ermita de Altagracia offers a specific route: it starts and ends in Higuera De La Serena, is 15.7 kilometres long and is classified as either a linear or circular trail. A stroll through the streets and the marked hiking route thus offer different ways to discover the town’s architecture and culture.

Discover more destinations: Salvaleón, Herrera Del Duque, Aljucén, Acedera, Higuera La Real, La Roca De La Sierra, Cheles, Don Alvaro

For the broader travel overview: Badajoz.