Almunecar has many festivals and fiestas throughout the year many of which have religious significance and relate to Saint days. In Almunecar, Semana Santa has special significance and is probably equal to the festival of San Juan (in June) in importance and the numbers attending. Some of the festivals are national holidays but in Spain you should be aware that there are also local festivals celebrated in towns but not in neighbouring towns as well as other days where there are local fairs and most of the town is closed. Particularly in the summer months it can be difficult to keep track of everything that is happening as some events such as the medieval market are not always well published ahead of time so it may be worthwhile spending a few minutes at the Almunecar tourist office, which is worth visiting in its own right as its located in an unusual mansion of Neo-Arabic design.
January
1st of January New Years Day.
6th of January, Three Kings Day (epiphany)
February
Carnaval – celebrations for the same historic and religious reasons as Rio di Janeiro, Brazil, 40 days before Easter and finishing on Ash Wednessday. but on a much smaller scale. You will probably have to really do some on the ground research to find the events.
28th of February, Andalucia Day (regional holiday)
March/April
Easter week that is celebrated in March or April, being holidays thursday and friday .
May
1st of May, Labour Day
Cruces de Mayo – with spring now in the year different groups and neighbourhoods compete for the best flower arrangements, traditionally using the sign of the cross as a basis. In Cordoba which is several hours drive away this festival assumes great importance.
Almunecar Gastronomic Fair – held in the center of town many restaurants participate to demonstrate their culinary skills to locals and tourists alike.
June
25th of June, Dia St Juan (local, but common to all beach towns and takes place over several days). This day being a holiday to recover from the night before (the shortest of the year) which is a night of celebrations and fireworks on the beaches.
July
Almunecar Jazz Festival – eld in Park Majuelo over recent years this festival has grown in importance and now attracts many jazz lovers and accomplished musicians.
Procession of the Virgen El Carmen.
August
Fiestas Patronales de Almunecar in honour of la Virgen Ntra. Sra de la Antigua – usually around this time you would expect the fair to be in town as well as the town celebrates its Saint’s Day.
September
Fiestas in the San Miguel area of the town (up near the castle!). Feast of San Miguel Archángel – here they celebrate the Saints day of San Miguel, with processions and carrying religious effigies usually held the closest Saturday to September 29th.
October
There is a chirimoya (custard apple) festival in Torrecuevas (just a minute or two drive out of town, to celebrate the harvesting.
November
1st of November is All Saint´s day, people that have passed are remembered.
International Classical Guitar Competition – Andres Segovia (held in La Herradura)
December
6th of December Spanish Constitution Day
8th of December Day of Inmaculada.
25th of December Christmas day.
Also in the summer months a medieval market is held within San Miguel castle.
Almunecar has many celebrations throughout the year – if you know of others or want to include information about your experiences why not do so below!
Return to Almunecar information page
