An Andalucia gem has been announced as a finalist in the Ferrero Rocher golden Christmas makeover contest.
The chocolate brand’s ‘Juntos Brillamos Mas’ (Together We Shine Brighter) campaign sees the public vote for a Spanish town to receive the its golden illuminations.
The Jaen town of Cazorla has made it through the first round of the competition, now in its 13th year.
The campaign gives the winning town a special festive lighting display and an official switch-on celebration.
This year’s winner will be revealed on December 14, with the lights turned on on December 16.
For Cazorla, a win would add a festive attraction to a town already known for its castle, historic streets and mountain setting.
Why visit Cazorla?
The town sits at the gateway to the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park, making it a base for visitors exploring the mountains as well as its own historic centre.
Its best-known landmark is Castillo de la Yedra, which rises above a network of narrow streets, traditional homes and historic buildings.
The castle houses the Museum of Popular Arts and Customs of the Upper Guadalquivir and offers views across the surrounding valley.
Below it, the ruins of Santa Maria church form one of Cazorla’s most distinctive sights. The church was built over the River Cerezuelo, which was channelled through a substantial stone vault beneath the building and the adjoining square. The ruins now house the tourist office and host concerts and performances.
Visitors can also follow the Cerezuelo river route, passing springs and viewpoints overlooking the Sierra de Cazorla landscape.
Together, the castle, church ruins and river give the town plenty to explore beyond the Christmas decorations.
How does the competition work?
This year began with 34 towns, with two candidates from each autonomous community competing head-to-head for regional support.
Cazorla won Andalucia’s first-round vote, which closed on November 8. It now competes nationally against 16 other regional champions, including Albarracin, Llanes, Potes and Almagro.
The public vote will narrow the field to five towns, announced on November 30. A further round will produce two finalists on December 7, before the overall winner is named a week later.
Supporters can vote through the campaign’s official website as Cazorla bids to bring Ferrero Rocher’s golden Christmas display to Andalucia.
Vote in Ferrero Rocher’s ‘Juntos Brillamos Mas’ competition.
