Andalusian summer is sun, beaches, and fans. But it’s also about parties, joy, and long nights with friends until the sun rises. We travel through the south to enjoy some of the most important celebrations in Andalucía during August and September. Are you coming?
COLOMBINAS FESTIVALS (HUELVA, AUGUST 1–6)
If the Colombinas festivals had existed five centuries ago, the crews of La Pinta, La Niña, and La Santa María might never have set sail into the unknown. Why bother, with so much fun at home? However, on that August 3, 1492, they embarked on a journey that changed the world, now commemorated each year during the Colombinas Festivals. Gastronomy, local wines, music, attractions, and room for sports activities, like the traditional Trofeo Colombino. Long live Recre!
HORSE RACES (SANLÚCAR DE BARRAMEDA; AUGUST 3–5 AND 17–19)
The sun setting over the horizon, the Atlantic cooling your feet, and the dunes of Doñana National Park as the backdrop. The beaches of Sanlúcar de Barrameda are delightful any time of year, but every August they have even more to offer. Their sand turns into a racetrack to host exciting horse races. A unique opportunity to visit the Cádiz coast and, of course, to taste the authentic Sanlúcar prawns. Enjoy!
CASCAMORRAS (BAZA AND GUADIX, AUGUST 6 AND 9)
The origin of this festival is linked to the appearance of an image of the Virgin of Mercy. A worker from Guadix found it, but the town of Baza kept it. Since then, the Cascamorras tries to reclaim the statue every August 6 in Baza, something he can only achieve if he reaches the temple untouched. And he never does. On the 9th, he returns to Guadix –as shown in the picture– empty-handed, and his neighbors cover him in paint again as a reprimand.
MÁLAGA FAIR (AUGUST 12 TO 19)
For more than a week, the streets of central Málaga turn into a huge open-air fair. Fried pescaíto, sweet wines, and verdiales take center stage at the most anticipated event of the Málaga summer. But there’s even more, as the Cortijo de Torres venue is the epicenter of the fair nights, with booths and attractions for all audiences. A pilgrimage, numerous concerts, sports, and many other activities complete a Málaga Fair that you can survive… if the heat allows. Otherwise, you can always cool off in the pools of the Iberostar hotels in Málaga.
MARITIME PILGRIMAGE VIRGEN DE LA PALMA (ALGECIRAS, AUGUST 15)
Throughout the year, the image of the Virgin of La Palma remains submerged in a cave under the Atlantic. But every August 15, it returns to the surface thanks to divers and pilgrims who carry the image through the streets of Algeciras. The celebration takes place at Rinconcillo Beach, but also in Virgen del Mar Square (pictured), where the statue stays all day for visitors. Shortly before midnight, it returns to the ocean after a massive mass on the shore. A truly unique spectacle.
ROCÍO CHICO (ALMONTE, AUGUST 18–19)
The locals of Almonte say that it was the Virgin of Rocío who helped them face Napoleon’s troops at the beginning of the 19th century. That’s why they promised to honor her support every dawn on August 19. Two centuries later, the tradition is more alive than ever and is known as Rocío Chico. A unique way to discover the village of Almonte and the Doñana National Park. The perfect moment to explore Andalusia’s natural wealth and enjoy the refreshing coast of Huelva.
FESTIVAL OF THREE CULTURES (FRIGILIANA, AUGUST 24–27)
Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and one of the country’s seven rural wonders, Frigiliana travels back to the Middle Ages every last weekend of August. This is to amaze the thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the Festival of Three Cultures. Concerts, parades, gastronomy, circus acts, and a medieval market fill this event, now in its twelfth edition, with color. The festival joyfully commemorates the coexistence of Jewish, Arab, and Christian cultures in these white streets.
PEDRO ROMERO FAIR (RONDA, AUGUST 28–SEPTEMBER 3)
Put on your polka-dot dress or jacket, get ready for a week of celebration, and don’t forget your fan. The heat also plays a part in the Feria and Festivities of Pedro Romero, the most important celebrations in Ronda. During these days, the town’s alleys welcome those eager to enjoy one of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia while sevillanas music fills the air. A fun trip back to the 18th century to celebrate the birth of the famous Pedro Romero.
HARVEST FESTIVAL (JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SEPTEMBER 1–17)
A stroll through Jerez allows you to appreciate the importance of the wine world in this city. Numerous wineries, museums, and wine shops showcase the excellence of Jerez wines, which have their own Denomination of Origin. That’s why, at the beginning of September, the entire town comes alive with the birth of the new wines during the Harvest Festival. A giant grape stomp in front of the Cathedral signals the start of three festive weeks filled with music, tours, tastings, and, of course, plenty of wine.
