The celebration of Corpus Christi in Zahara acquires unequalled splendour, granting it the character of a real festival. It originated many years ago, going back to the time of the Reconquest. The liturgical celebrations and the procession with its magnificent monstrance, dating from the 15th century, form the centre of the festival. The streets are carpeted with sedge, lending a characteristic scent to the surroundings. The façades of the houses are covered with branches up to the second floor. Some require forty or fifty loads of branches to cover their façade. Over this vegetal tapestry, rich fabrics preserved in the houses are draped: golden quilts, lace, shawls, etc.
At exactly twelve noon the procession sets out, led by a band, followed by children who have just done their first communion, the monstrance beneath the pallium, authorities and onlookers. The procession advances through the vegetal tunnel that the town now seems. The monstrance is tiny, but of great beauty; the silver banner goes in front, with its carved lamb and its little bells; beneath the pallium, the priest holding the chalice, glinting in the sun. There are times, even many times during the procession, when the branches have to be pushed aside in order to pass. Small altars are erected along the route; at these, the monstrance makes a stop.
After the procession, the festival erupts; this is held in the Council marquee, the square and the main street. The visitors walk around the town, the bars fill with people, and everybody eats, drinks and dances. A group livens up the dancing in the marquee, where young people make merry until the early hours of the morning. The festivities continue until the following day, with sports during the day and dancing at night.