Local festivals stand out among the many traditions to be found in Cuenca. Some are purely religious and others have remote beginnings that date back to the pagan traditions practiced in the first Iberian settlements. In some instances, these celebrations have been influenced by Christianity, resulting in explosions of color, joy, dance, and traditional costumes carefully cared for. These traditions have been celebrated year after year for centuries on end. There is not a single town without its own characteristic festival in ancient Castile, adorned as it is by the various cultures that have passed through, leaving traces of their different customs and ways of life. There are even some festivals that continue throughout the year.