The Government of Aragon has initiated the procedure to declare «El Cipotegato de Tarazona» an asset of intangible cultural interest. The initiation of the file will be published this Thursday in the Official Gazette of Aragon (BOA), in accordance with the provisions of regional regulations. From that moment on, the maximum period of 18 months for its resolution will begin to be computed.
The publication will take place on a particularly significant date for Tarazona, since this Thursday marks the beginning of its major festivals in honor of San Atilano and the appearance of the Cipotegato, protagonist of one of the most representative festive rituals of the community.
This celebration is the starting point of the festivities in which the Cipotegato also participates in different acts of a religious and ceremonial nature. Among them are the solemn mass and the procession of the relic of San Atilano, as well as the traditional offering to the Virgin of the River.
According to the declaration file, the Cipotegato is «one of the main identity symbols of the Turiasonense community». The documentation also recognises it as «a heritage asset of the first order, depository of traditions, meanings and cultural associations of great historical depth». The request for declaration, as well as the documentation and study of the property, was made by the Foundation Tarazona Monumental, whose objective is the conservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of the city.
The figure of the Cipotegato and the acts linked to it thus make up a cultural manifestation closely linked to the history, identity and traditions of Tarazona. Its continuity over time and its relevance for the turiasonense society justify the initiation of the procedure for its recognition as an asset of intangible cultural interest.
PROCEDURE
From the day following the publication of the initiation in the Official Gazette of Aragon, a public information period of one month will be opened. During this period, any natural or legal person may examine the file at the offices of the Directorate General for Culture and Cultural Heritage or consult it electronically through the electronic headquarters of the Government of Aragon.
Likewise, interested persons and entities may make any allegations they deem appropriate during the same period before the processing of the file continues, which must be resolved within the maximum period established.
