Religious Festivals
1. Fiesta de los Reyes Magos
Traditionally, this evening commemorates the arrival of the Three Kings at the infant Jesus’s manger crib. Parades across the region feature the trio, lavishly dressed, progressing through towns in small carriages drawn by tractors or horses. The next day, Epiphany, is the day that children receive gifts.
5 Jan
2. Carnaval
Most Andalucían towns celebrate this Catholic festival, the most spectacular extravaganza being in Cádiz. Costumes and masked balls and lots of carousing are the order of the day and night during these chaotic revels. The implicit anarchy invites every sort of political lampoon, which is why Franco tried to abolish these events – unsuccessfully (for further details see Los Carnavales).Feb
3. Semana Santa
Holy Week is observed in every town and village in the region, with dramatic and spectacular processions, especially in Seville. Effigies of Christ and the Virgin are carried through the streets on huge floats, sometimes accompanied by music. The people, dressed in traditional outfits, either maintain penitential silence or express their commiseration with the suffering Lord and His mournful Mother (for further details see Semana Santa Festivities).Easter week
4. Corpus Christi
This festival celebrates the miracle of Transubstantiation, when the host becomes the body of Christ and the wine His blood. Granada’s celebration is the most famous, with parades and partying, followed by bullfights and flamenco.Dates vary
5. Romerias
Taking part in one of these local festivals is an experience no visitor will forget – almost every community has its own romería. Usually, the programme involves a colourful pilgrimage to a shrine outside of town, followed by days of merrymaking. The name may recall ancient pilgrimages, when devotees walked to Rome (for further details see El Rocío’s Romería).May–Oct
6. Fiesta de las Cruces
The Festival of the Crosses celebrates the discovery of the True Cross in the 4th century by St Helena. Modes of veneration vary widely in the region, but may include competitions for producing the most gorgeous flower-decked cross.3 May
7. San Juan
This feast is important in many parts of Andalucía. In celebration of John the Baptist, midsummer fireworks and bonfires seem to be the rule in most communities.23 & 24 Jun
8. Virgen del Carmen
The patron of sailors is all-important in coastal communities. Statues of the Virgin are put onboard a decorated fishing boat and floated out to sea and back again, amid flowers, fireworks, music and cheering. Thus the waters are blessed for the coming year.15 & 16 Jul
9. Ascension of the Virgin
At the height of the summer heat, the day of the Virgin’s ascension into heaven is celebrated. In colourful marquees there is much socializing, drinking and dancing. The day marks the beginning of the Feria de Málaga, a week-long festival.15 Aug
10. Fiesta de San Miguel
This mix of bullfights, exhibitions and dancing is particularly noteworthy in Seville, Úbeda and the Albaicín quarter of Granada. In Torremolinos it closes the summer season in festive style.Last week Sep–first week Oct
Top 10 Ferías and other Festivals
1. Flamenco Festivals
These take place during the summer months all around the region.
2. Moros y Cristianos
Festivals centre on re-enactments of Christian take-overs of various towns throughout the year.
3. Feria de Abril
Held in Seville two weeks after Easter, this is the largest fair in Spain (for further details see Feria de Abril).
4. Feria del Caballo
This fair in Jerez de la Frontera centres on Andalucían horses.May
5. Music & Dance Festivals
The most famous of these takes place in Granada from late June to early July.
6. Wine Festivals
Celebrations of the fruit of the vine occur from April to September, when La Vendimia (grape harvest) takes place.
7. Sherry Festivals
The “Sherry Triangle” (for further details see Sherry, Brandy and Wine) celebrates their fortified wines at various times, notably in Jerez.Sep–Oct
8. Feria de Jamon
Late summer and autumn sees the traditional matanza (slaughter) of pigs and several celebrations of ham, notably in Trevélez.15 Aug
9. Fiesta de la Aceituna
The olive is celebrated in the Jaén province town of Martos.1st week Dec
10. Fiesta de los Verdiales
In Málaga Province at Puerta de la Torre, this is a day for practical jokers and a chance to wear funny hats. It dates back to Moorish times.28 Dec
