Andalucia is a wonderful vacation destination. Many people believe that it is a beach destination. But, there is much more to enjoy. The traditional and distinct southern region of Andalucía is known for its wonderful and unique fairs and fiestas throughout the year. You can enjoy memorable festivals in Andalucía and party amongst the locals. You will love watching the people in colorful attires celebrating together a number of fiestas together.
If you are planning to visit this beautiful, mountainous, and sun-drenched part of Spain, then take out some time to enjoy four ‘must visit’ fairs of Andalucía. It is a province and is known for its folklore and traditions with a unique regional charm.
The most important festivals to attend are:
Romeria Virgin de la Cabeza, el Carpio Cordoba
Easter time is the busiest time for enjoying fairs and festivals in Andalucía. Every village, city, and town host their own unique Easter celebration. You cannot miss the Easter celebration of Romeria Virgin de la Cabeza. It takes place on a Sunday in the village of El Carpio in the Cordoba province. You can watch a colorful procession that walks through the village, which is followed by families and friends congregating for a traditional meal. In the evening, you can enjoy fireworks, dance, music, laughter, and merriment.
Cruces de Mayo- Crosses of May
Many towns, cities, and villages across Andalucía celebrate the Cruces de Mayo festival in early May. The local neighborhoods compete with one another for the best-decorated cross. The crosses are accompanied by a pop-up bar and a stage playing live music. It is one of the most interesting festivals celebrated in Andalucía. St. Constantine’s mother, the much venerated St Helen is the founder of this festival, which shows respect for the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. You should really visit Cordoba in May so you can enjoy the beautiful streets and some delicious tapas accompanied by a good local wine.
Fiestas Calatravas, Alcaudete, Jaen
If you visit in July, you can enjoy a fascinating medieval festival in and around the stunning Moorish castle in the town of Alcaudete in the Jaen province. Locals and visitors dress up in their beautiful medieval splendor to take part in the processions, handicrafts, markets, and traditional activities such as archery and falconry.
Fiesta de Cascamorras
Another important festival to enjoy in Andalucía is the incredibly wacky Fiesta de Cascamorras. It takes place in the traditional market towns of Baza and Guadix in the Granada province in early September. Local people of Baza march to the top of a hill that overlooks the town where they cover their whole body with black oil. In the nearby town of Guadix, villagers do the same act. They gather in a field where they cover their body in brightly colored paint. The history behind this colorful custom is that the two towns fight for possession of a statue of the Virgin de la Piedad, which was founded by a cascamorras worker from Guadix while working on the land in Baza.
