San Roque Day

St. Roch was an Occitan pilgrim canonized in 1584. He is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church, which celebrates his feast day on August 16. He is one of the three patron saints of pilgrims. San Roque was born in Montepellier; France on August 16, 1295 in a home of French noblemen, his parents were; Don Juan de la Cruz and Doña Liberia; his nobility descended from the Christian Kings of France.

The people of Tarija in Bolivia celebrate the Feast of "San Roque" -officially- on August 16th of each year. However, the population in general and the religious community of the City of Tarija will only celebrate the Feast on the first Sunday of September. The Festival is adorned with the participation of the "chunchos" emblematic presence of more than fifteen hundred pilgrims and pilgrims who, dressed in their typical and colorful clothing and to the sound of their rhythmic dance, accompanied by popular musicians represented by "cañeros", "quenilleros", "tamborilleros" and the guide of "alféreces", fulfill their Promise to "San Roquito" and accompany him during the programmed days until September 10, date that the "encierro" of the "Fiesta Grande de Tarija" will take place.

The festival in honor of the patron saint of San Roque is also celebrated by the people of Spain. For example, in Betanzos, in the province of La Coruña, the highlight of the festival is the launching of the paper balloon on the night of August 16, a festival of national tourist interest.