Summer Festivities and traditions in the province of Granada

If there’s one thing I love, it’s the summer traditional Festivities and in villages of Granada province. Especially during the month of August, when they reach their maximum splendour. Verbenas, kings and queens of festivals, popular bands, tasting of local cuisine, craft markets, passion and devotion to saints, foam parties and an endless number of recreational and festive activities that flood all corners of Granada.

Popular summer festivals in the province of Granada

It is perhaps one of the most important tourist attractions of the municipalities of Granada: the popular festivals that take place during the summer season. I still have memories of my childhood in my father’s village: you were eager to go there to meet the “summer friends of the big cities”. They were the ones who set the trend in the surrounding towns and villages. The ones left in the “town square” without a mobile phone, the rockets and wheelbarrows, the street party and the song of “Paquito El Chocolatero”, awwww– what nice memories! How we love a party!

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Granada city festivals in 2025

The capital of Granada, Spain is full of popular festivities throughout the year that attract many tourists. However, there are two very important events that take place between the months of May and June.

Festival of the Cross – May 2025

The Fiesta of the Day of the Cross – also known as “Las Cruces” – in Granada is, without a doubt, one of the most beloved celebrations in the city.

For several days “las cruces” (the crosses) are celebrated around the 3rd of May each year.

As we use to say, “Las cruces de Graná” is a festivity that attracts thousands of tourists both on the day of the festival and the days surrounding it. The squares are filled with “barras” and the streets are flooded with flamenco and sevillanas in every corner.

What happens in the Granada Crosses?

Squares, streets, patios, balconies, entire façades of buildings, schools and even shop windows are decorated around the Santa Cruz.

The decoration consists of antique furniture, ceramics from Granada, traditional copper utensils, guitars, paintings, manila shawls and even using recycled materials, always with flowers, traditionally carnations, which fill the whole with colour.

One of the elements that cannot be missing in the “altar” is the traditional “pero”, the apple with the nailed scissors that prevents the cross from being criticised or criticised.

You can check Cross Day Agenda in this link.

The Origin of the Cross Day Holiday

The origin of the Day of the Cross in Granada is believed to date back to the 17th century, when in 1625 the locals made an alabaster cross in the neighbourhood of San Lázaro. This was one of the first celebrations similar to the way it is celebrated nowadays, when they were joined by other people from the area to dance and sing.

Granada Corpus Christi Fair – June 2025

The Fiestas del Corpus Christi in Granada – also known as “Feria de Granada” – are the biggest celebrations in the city as this religious festival is also the Feria de Granada. The next Corpus Christi Thursday will be 16 June 2022.

We are going to guide you through Granada’s biggest festival so that you don’t miss one of the most representative – and free – festive events in the city of the Alhambra.

What’s Corpus Christi Fair?

The illumination of the front of the fairground at 12 midnight on the first Saturday inaugurates a week where, in addition to the stalls and attractions of the fair, for young and old, there is a great cultural offer where you can not miss the Tarasca, the Carocas, the Corpus procession, along with other shows such as the Theatre in Corpus, the Contest of Altars and Balconies, the Great Bullfighting Fair of Corpus, organised by the City Council of Granada the Patio in the Corpus with exhibitions, live workshops, performances and El Patio in Concert.

It also coincides in dates with the Feria de la Alfarería Tradicional Española in the Fuente de las Batallas and the Muestra de Cerámica Corpus Granada.

The date to determine the Corpus Christi is variable, as although it usually coincides with the month of June, it varies depending on when Easter is. Thus, to calculate the date of Thursday of Corpus Christi, the big day during the week, sixty days are counted from Easter Monday.

History of Corpus Christi

More than 500 years ago, when the Catholic Monarchs, after the surrender of the Kingdom of Granada, started this festivity more as a “didactic” tool to establish Christianity and thus avoid linking this celebration with any other of Muslim tradition. It is believed that Corpus Christi took root in the customs of the people of Granada and became the city’s main festival.

Key activities

La Tarasca, on the Wednesday before Corpus Christi Thursday.

Through the main streets of Granada, the Tarasca, accompanied by the giants and big-heads, travels through the city at mid-morning.

She rides on her dragon, symbol of the victory of Santa Marta who tamed the dragon with her faith.

Nowadays, the woman known as Tarasca is a mannequin woman whose clothes are believed to be the trend for the next fashion season.

You can see her in procession along the Gran Vía, Reyes Católicos street and at the end of the procession, they are displayed in the Town Hall.

The Corpus Christi Procession is the religious core of Granada’s festivities. On Corpus Christi Thursday, the Blessed Sacrament is carried from the altar. Traditionally it leaves the Cathedral and goes through the city, although for health reasons this year 2021 it will be inside the cathedral.

A week after the Corpus Christi festivities, the following Sunday is the Octave of Corpus Christi, a smaller procession around the cathedral.

On the Saturday following the start of the Corpus Christi Fair, the fireworks display will bring the celebrations to an end until the following year.

The legend of the Tarasca comes from France, from the town of Tarascon in the Provence region. In that area there was a beast that ravaged the area and was called “Tarasque”. The king of Tarascon had tried to kill it without success, and Saint Martha succeeded in taming the monster thanks to her prayers and arrived triumphantly in the city with the “dragon” tamed.

The dragon, whose current appearance is nothing like the first one, had a lion-like head with horse ears, 6 short legs similar to those of a bear, a torso similar to that of an ox, a turtle shell on its back and a tail covered with scales ending in a scorpion’s sting.

In these Corpus Festivities we must not forget the Carocas and their Quintillas, who provide a touch of social criticism with humour about the most significant events in Granada. In the Plaza Bib-Rambla you can see the 20 selected Quintillas with their corresponding Carocas, graphic representations in the form of a caricature. They have traditionally been created by the cartoonist Ozeluí.

Granada International Festival of Music and Dance

Held annually in June and July, this prestigious festival showcases a wide variety of musical genres, from classical and flamenco to jazz and contemporary music. The event also features dance performances and takes place in various historic venues around the city, including the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. You can read the program for 2025 and get the tickets at granadafestival.org/en/

Granada Sound Festival

Formerly known as Alhambra Sound, held in late September, Granada Sound is an indie and alternative music festival that has grown in popularity since its inception in 2012. The festival takes place at the Cortijo del Conde and features a mix of well-known international acts and up-and-coming Spanish artists. Find out more information about 2025 edition at granadasound.com

If you are thinking of spending a few days in Granada, find here your accommodation in Granada.

Village festivals in July 2025

At the end of July, you can attend the Gastronomic Days of Güejar Sierra’s Cherry. And on the 23rd and 24th (you could change the dates) the Cattle Fair is celebrated in Molvízar.

Sea procession of the Virgen del Carmen 2025 on the Costa Tropical

An event with a century-old tradition that takes place every year on July 16th in different towns of the Granada coast on the occasion of the Virgen del Carmen. The following municipalities take the boat ride to the patron saint: Almuñécar, La Herradura, Gualchos – Castell de Ferro, La Rábita – Los Yesos, Calahonda, Torrenueva, Motril – Varadero, Salobreña, Polopos – La Mamola.

Patron saint’s fiestas during the month of July 2025

The following towns celebrate their popular and/or patron saint festivals during the month of July:

Albuñol on the 25th; Algarinejo on the last weekend; Atarfe, from 23rd to 26th; Benalúa on the 16th; Benalúa de las Villas, last weekend of the month; Bérchules, from 27th to 29th; Cáñar, from 24th to 26th; Carchuna – Calahonda, first fortnight; Chauchina-Romilla, from 19 to 22; Cogollos Vega, on 13; Domingo Pérez, at the end of the month; El Valle – Salares, on 25; Gualchos – Castell de Ferro, on 16; Láchar – Peñuelas, last weekend; Marchal, on 22 and 23; Moclín – Gurniel, on 16; Molvízar, 24 to 28; Motril – La Garnatilla, 28 to 30; Motril – Varadero, 14 to 17; Motril – Carchuna, 3 to 5; Motril – Torrenueva, 16; Peligros, 12 to 16; Pinos Puente – Fuensanta, at the beginning of the month; Polopos – Haz de Trigo, 25 and 26; Rubite – Casarones, 23 and 24; Salar, 26 and 26; Santa Fe – Pedro Ruiz, last weekend; Torrenueva, 13 to 16; Valle de Zalabí – Acudia, 14th; Ventas de Huelma – Ácula, 3rd week; Ventas de Huelma, last week; Villanueva Mesía, 21 to 25 July.

Fairs and festivals in villages during August 2025

New Year’s Eve 2025 in Bérchules

You can attend New Year’s Eve in Bérchules on the first Saturday of August 2025. One of the most popular celebrations in the country is New Year’s Eve in Bérchules since Christmas 1994, when a blackout forced the inhabitants to eat their grapes by candlelight. They don’t even miss the parade of the Three Kings.

Prehistoric celebrations 2025 in Píñar

If you want to know more about the Prehistoric Festivals that take place in Piñar, you can click on the following link. They take place on the first weekend of August 2025.

Festival of the parva 2025 in Pórtugos

On the first weekend of August 2025, a celebration takes place in Pórtugos where locals and tourists can attend the grain threshing ceremony recreated in the old-fashioned way.

Pilgrimage Virgen de las Nieves 2025 in Monachil

On August 5, 2025, a nocturnal pilgrimage takes place in Monachil that goes from Pradollano to the Tajos de la Virgen, crossing Borreguiles until it reaches the foot of the Veleta. It is known for being the highest pilgrimage in the world where the pilgrims carry a small image of their Virgin on their shoulders.

Pilgrimage Virgen de las Nieves 2025 in Trevélez

In Trevélez, also celebrated between the 4th and 5th of August 2025, they usually spend the night in Siete Lagunas and the next day they start their journey at dawn to see the sunrise from the top of Sierra Nevada.

San Cayetano 2025 in Gor

The Bull Run for the feast of San Cayetano in Gor takes place from 8 to 10 August in the municipality of Gor. In addition, the procession of the Flag of San Cayetano stands out. A festivity that also serves as a meeting point for the Goreños/as who emigrated years ago and visit their hometown.

Fair of the Spell 2025 in Soportújar

In the second week of August 2025 it takes place in Soportújar (San Roque Festivities). You will be able to experience through recreations the rituals that the witches performed in this village as well as another series of acts and celebrations of today.

The 2025 Tourist Festival in Gualchos

Held in the second half of August, it pays tribute to the first tourists who decided to spend their holidays there in the 1960s. The tourist of the year receives a wreath.

The “Fiesta de la parva” 2025 in the Alpujarra de la Sierra

Through this celebration that takes place on August 15, the Alpujarra de la Sierra (Mecina Bombarón) remembers the work that used to be done for the cultivation of the cereal; also known as “la trilla”.

Festivals of Albondón 2025

The celebration of the Festivities in honour of Saint Louis, King of France, takes place between the 24th and 26th of August. The most important part of the celebration is the representation of Moors and Christians in the town square in the presence of the image of San Luis. In addition, you can also enjoy processions and cavalries.

The charcoal mayor: La Peza 2025 Festivities

On the last Saturday of August 2025, the municipality becomes a stage where the battle of the Carbonero mayor with the French armies is recreated; a brawl took place between the town and the French troops in 1810 where the mayor decided to jump off a cliff rather than surrender. A historical fact spread by the Accitan writer Pedro Antonio de Alarcón.

More summer celebrations in municipalities of Granada

• The Wine Pilgrimage on August 15, 2025 in Alhama de Granada.
• Peach Festival of Purullena, the first weekend (Sunday) of August 2025.This town is known throughout the province for its peaches and crafts.
• Festivals of Galera that culminate with a small market of crafts and local products. Between the first and second weekend of August 2025. You can consult all the events here.
• The Marranico de San Lorenzo in Los Guájares. From 9th to 11th August 2025. The name is due to the fact that in previous months the pig was released in the streets and people were fattening it until the day of the 11th when it was raffled off among the inhabitants.
• Handicraft market of La Puebla de Don Fadrique, August 11, 2025.
• The Fair of agricultural and artisan products of Alhendín. It takes place the third week of August 2025.
• Festivity of the “migas” in Castril, on August 25, 2025.
• First day of the grape harvest in Cádiar, August 26, 2025.

Festivals in villages in September 2025

“Cascamorras” in Baza y Guadix

The Cascamorras festival, which takes place from 6 to 9 September 2025, has been declared of national and international tourist interest.

The centrepiece of this celebration dates back to the 15th century when both towns symbolically disputed ownership of the property for the carving of the Virgen de la Piedad.

It consists of the fact that every year, a resident of Guadix, called Cascamorras, moves to Baza on the first day to take the image of the Virgin.

The custom dictates that it will be his if he manages to arrive without a stain before the Piedad.

Obviously, the attempt is in vain because every year thousands of locals, visitors and tourists crowd into the entrance of the town to receive it and leave it completely dyed.

On the last day, as he does not achieve his objective, he returns to the town of Guadix where the locals receive him anyway for not having achieved his goal.

Musketeers of the Santísimo 2025 in Lecrín – Béznar

The festivities in honour of San Antonio Abad take place between 8 and 9 September 2025. It is a popular custom that comes from the year 1566. According to the legend, Don Juan de Austria intervened to recover the Viatico stolen during the Moorish uprising.

“La Tizná” 2025 in Jerez del Marquesado

Festivals held in the second week of September 2025 in Jerez del Marquesado in honor of Our Lady of Purification, the patron saint of the village and known as La Tizna. Here – for those who enjoy it – there are running and bullfighting events in the style of San Fermín.

Summer “tapa” days in the villages of Granada

If you love tapas and the local cuisine, take the car and take a stroll through the following villages during the summer months:

• In Beas de Granada at the end of June 2025.
• From 15th to 17th June 2025 in Cúllar.
• Route of the Segureño lamb and the cocktail in Húescar, from 21 to 24 June 2025.
• Fair of the cover of Salobreña the 24 of June of 2025.
• In Baza the third week of July of 2025.
• Route of the cover of Benalúa in July of 2025.
• Feria del tapeo of Algarinejo in August 2025.
• Arenas del Rey, the first weekend of August 2025.
• Wine and Tapas Fair in Cádiar in August 2025.
• Tapas route in Castilléjar in August 2025.
• Cortes de Baza, Feria de la tapa on August 11, 2025.
• The penultimate weekend of August 2025, Tapas festival in Galera.
• In Pedro Martínez, Feria del tapeo the first or second week of August 2025.
• In Guevéjar, the third weekend of September, Feria de la tapa.

More things to do in Granada region

Because it’s not all partying and merrymaking, for lovers of time travel and gastronomy, you can visit many of these municipalities in the province. This way you will discover the idiosyncrasies and peculiarities of these Andalusian lands so full of history and fabulous customs. And if you don’t feel like thinking, here are 15 wonderful villages to visit in the province of Granada.