A small town in the province of Albacete with about 8,000 inhabitants has made a remarkable decision. The decision places local tradition above the national timetable with summer time. That is why the clock in Tobarra will not set from 2 o’clock to 3 o’clock on the night of March 31.
While daylight saving time begins in the rest of Spain, Tobarra will postpone this moment until after one of their most cherished events: the Tamborada. The Tamborada of Tobarra has been recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. For 104 hours, residents of the village continuously beat traditionally made drums. The event lasts from 4.00 pm on Maundy Thursday until midnight on Easter Sunday.
Exception proves the rule
Ultimately, Tobarra will follow summer time, but not until Monday, April 1. This unusual approach is not new for Tobarra. The municipal council also introduced similar exceptions in previous years, such as 2002, 2005, 2013 and 2016. This allowed the Tamborada to maintain its traditional duration without interruption due to the change in daylight saving time. The decision was officially announced by Mayor Manuela Garrido.
A community united by rhythm
The Tamborada officially starts with the ‘Tamborada Escolar’ at 4.00 pm on Maundy Thursday and ends promptly at midnight on Easter Sunday. This social practice is deeply rooted in the local community. Drumming together contributes to a strong sense of identity and solidarity. The drum, the central element of this celebration, has developed over the centuries and is played both individually and in groups. Each group, or ‘cuadrilla’, is distinguished by uniform tunics. The Tamborada is known for its inclusive character. Participants of all ages and genders drum together. It is Tobarra’s most distinctive cultural identity marker.
Also read: Spanish government gazette publishes last date for summer and winter time
