{
  "id": 20131209,
  "title": "The Spanish village where 40 scarecrows are drawing a crowd",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/the-spanish-village-where-40-scarecrows-are-drawing-a-crowd",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-15T06:55:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euro Weekly News",
    "slug": "euro-weekly-news",
    "url": "https://euroweeklynews.com/2026/11/15/the-spanish-village-where-40-scarecrows-are-drawing-a-crowd/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the mountain village of Bacares, located in Almería, Spain, residents bring attention to their picturesque town through an annual tradition of crafting and displaying around 40 handmade scarecrows in the streets. This charming custom, initiated in 2023, aims to draw visitors to this remote corner of the Sierra de los Filabres. The straw figures, each with its own name and backstory, are the stars of the show, ranging from a forest firefighter and a pharmacist to several witches. Additional characters include chestnut sellers, musicians, and even a washhouse. Scarecrow enthusiasts can scan QR codes to learn more about each character's unique tale. This year, there is a notable increase in the number of child characters among the straw figures, which may contribute to Bacares' population growth. The village, which is home to residents year-round, also collaborates with four neighboring villages to provide improved access to essential services. The free event takes place from October to December 6th, allowing visitors to explore the village square, the washhouse, and the 11th-century castle. Whether you stumble upon the scarecrows by chance or on purpose, the town's tradition is sure to captivate and delight.",
  "summary": "For a scarecrow, attracting attention is generally a sign that something has gone wrong. In Bacares, a mountain village in […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Bacares village in Almería, Spain, hosts annual scarecrow tradition.",
    "40 handmade scarecrows, each with unique name and backstory, attract visitors.",
    "QR codes provide details about characters, including new focus on child figures."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Turning local folklore into a seasonal tourist attraction allows this remote mountain community to leverage creative traditions to boost visibility and support long-term population growth.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}