traveldk.com

Traditionally, this evening commemorates the arrival of the Three Kings at the infant Jesus’s manger crib. Parades across the region feature the trio, lavishly dressed, progressing through towns in small carriages drawn by tractors or horses. The next day, Epiphany, is the day that children receive gifts.

Most Andalucían towns celebrate this Catholic festival, the most spectacular extravaganza being in Cádiz. Costumes and masked balls and lots of carousing are the order of the day and night during these chaotic revels. The implicit anarchy invites every sort of political lampoon, which is why Franco tried to abolish these events – unsuccessfully (see Cádiz).

Holy Week is observed in every town and village in the region, with dramatic and spectacular processions, especially in Seville. Effigies of Christ and the Virgin are carried through the streets on huge floats, sometimes accompanied by music. The people, dressed in traditional outfits, either maintain penitential silence or express their commiseration with the suffering Lord and His mournful Mother (see Seville Cathedral & La Giralda).

This festival celebrates the miracle of Transubstantiation, when the host becomes the body of Christ and the wine His blood. Granada’s celebration is the most famous, with parades and partying, followed by bull-fights and flamenco.

Taking part in one of these local festivals is an experience no visitor will forget – almost every community has its own romería . Usually, the programme involves a colourful pilgrimage to a shrine outside of town, followed by days of merrymaking. The name may recall ancient pilgrimages, when devotees walked to Rome (see El Rocío’s Romería).

The Festival of the Crosses celebrates the discovery of the True Cross in the 4th century by St Helena. Modes of veneration vary widely in the region, but may include competitions for producing the most gorgeous flower-decked cross.

This feast is important in many parts of Andalucía. In celebration of John the Baptist, midsummer fireworks and bonfires seem to be the rule in most communities.

The patron of sailors is all-important in coastal communities. Statues of the Virgin are put onboard a decorated fishing boat and floated out to sea and back again, amid flowers, fireworks, music and cheering. Thus the waters are blessed for the coming year.

At the height of the summer heat, the day of the Virgin’s ascension into heaven is celebrated. In colourful marquees there is much socializing, drinking and dancing. The day marks the beginning of the Feria de Málaga, a week-long festival.

This mix of bullfights, exhibitions and dancing is particularly noteworthy in Seville, Úbeda and the Albaicín quarter of Granada. In Torremolinos it closes the summer season in festive style.