Festivals, Fiestas & Events in Almería & Granada

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Festivals, Fiestas & Events in Almería & Granada

There are many religious and cultural events held in the Almería and Granada region. This is an introduction to the most significant festivals (fiestas) and happenings in the region.

Most local festivals take place in honour of a patron saint. The majority of these are held during the summer months, where a procession through the saint's town culminates in celebrations including fireworks and dancing.

• For information on local events and fiestas contact the local tourist information centres

Festivals in the Andalucía Region

Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Easter week is the most important Catholic tradition of the year in Spain. It begins on Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) and ends on Lunes de Pascua (Easter Monday). There are street processions with colourful confetti and a carnival atmosphere every night in Granada and Almería where religious icons are paraded through the streets, in re-enactments of the passion of Christ.

El Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos (The Festival of Moors and Christians)

Held in towns and cities in southern and eastern Spain, the fiesta de moros y cristianos commemorates the battle between the Moors and Christians during the Reconquista. Each town marks this event with a re-enactment of the fighting between the Moorish and Christian adversaries. The fiesta takes place at different times in various towns so it is worth contacting the local tourist office for exact dates.

• For more information contact a town's tourist office
• MorosyCristianos website

Corpus Christi

A Catholic celebration in June that occurs throughout Andalucía. The celebrations in Granada are most well known and last three days. The festival begins with church services and a religious procession. Afterwards there is a funfair, bullfights, dancing, singing and other activities. Local people wear traditional Andalucían costume.

Festivales Internacionales de Tango (International Tango Festival)

Usually held in March or April time, this festival is a celebration of tango music and dance. Venues include Almería, Granada, the Costa del Sol, Sagunto, Jeres de la Frontera and Lanjarón.

• For more information visit the official eltango website (in Spanish)

Festivals in Almería

Procession of the Virgin of the Sea

Held on 2 January annually, this is the local festival of Almería's patron saint, La Virgen del Mar. During this fiesta, the figurine of the Virgin Mary is taken back to Torregarcía beach where it was found in 1502. Bonfires are lit along the beach and local people gather for festivities and food.

Noche de San Juan (Midsummer Night)

An amalgamation of the ancient pagan celebration of the summer solstice, and the Christian feast of San Juan that takes place on 23 June. During this local fiesta, Hogueras (papier maché figures) are placed around the town and later set alight. In Almería, bonfires are lit along the Paseo Marítimo. There are fireworks, music and traditional verbena dancing.

Fair of Almería

A ten-day festival in August to honour Almería's patron saint La Virgen del Mar. The Midday Fair in the town centre attracts many visitors for its tapas, dance, music and concerts, children's activities, gastronomic contest, fair, equestrian activities and bullfights. There is also a traditional pottery fair on the Paseo de Almería.

Festivals in Granada

El Día de la Cruz (The Crosses of May)

A colourful celebration held on 3 May in Granada city and surrounding areas where large crosses made of flowers, shells and other items are displayed. Locals gather to drink wine or eat tapas; there is Sevillanas dancing in the streets.

• For more information see the Province of Granada tourist office website

Granada International Festival of Music and Dance

The Festival Internacional de Música y Danza de Granada is a music festival involving mainly classical music, ballet and Spanish dancing performances, but also with elements of flamenco, as well as classical and contemporary music. The event is usually held at the end of June or start of July and lasts 17 days.

• For more information see the Festival Internacional de Música y Danza de Granada website (in Spanish and English)