Fiestas !

The locals in this region love to celebrate and the year is scattered with Fiestas, processions and celebrations. Here is a selection of events in the local towns and villages during the year.

FEBRUARY
During February most of the towns and villages of the area celebrate Carnival in addition to Candlemas on the 2nd and Andalusia Day on the 28th.

Motril : Masked revellers during Carnival

La Mamola : Candlemas celebrations on the 2nd with beach bonfires at Castillo de Banos

Polopos : Wine Festival on the Sunday before Andalusia day

Castell de Ferro : Mountain bike race against Rubite - plenty of local food and wine.

Rubite : Dancing and treats for children on Andalusia day

Salobrena : Masks, celebrations and carnival lights all though the Carnival. On Andalusia day, the town decks itself out in green and white (the colours of Andalusia).

APRIL
Holy week is celebrated everywhere in an atmosphere of devotion in respect. Processions can be seen in Motril and Polopos. In Salobrena, the processions move slowly up and down the steep slopes of the town among the ever present fragrance of incense until the early hours of the morning. One of the most unusual is the procession La soledad, on Good Friday, in which all the participants are women.

MAY
The highlight is on the 3rd May with the Fiesta of the Holy Cross. This is celebrated throughout the region but particularly in Castell de Ferro, Lujar, Motril, La Mamola and Salobrena. Dozens of crosses are set up round the town and decorated with flowers. The locals don their spectacular fiesta costumes, street bars are set up and the day is celebrated with food, drink, music, dancing and merrymaking.

On the last weekend in May is the procession in honour of St. Isidore in Albondon. After the procession, try the tasty local dishes, with cured meats, migas with sausage and black pudding and, of course, what can never be missing from any celebration, the delicious wine made in the local vineyards.

JUNE
There are various Fiestas scattered around the area through June. Over the 2-5th June in Carchuna is the Fiesta Virgen de los Llanos. On the 13th, the procession to the shrine of San Antonio in Motril. Also during the month are the Fiestas of the Virgin of Fatima in Los Carlos and the Virgin of las Angustias in Rubite.

The principal event though is the Festival of St John and St Peter held between 24-29 June. This is celebrated particularly in Salobrena and Castell de Ferro. In Castell on the night of the 23rd bonfires are lit on the beach, old furniture is burnt and evil spirits cast out; any bad memories of the previous year are exorcised and a ritual bathe purifies body and soul. A series of rites, each with a special meaning, are then performed. In Salobrena over the rest of the week, concerts are held and various entertainments for all the family.

JULY
Between the 15th and 18th July is the Fiesta of the Virgin Carmen celebrated all over the region but at its best in Castell de Ferro and Salobrena. A group of bearers selected from among local fishermen carry the Virgin in procession, among great popular enthusiasm and an impressive display of fireworks, down to the beach where she is transferred to a boat and then borne to Rincón de la Menacha. After the procession there is much music dancing and fun lasting until late.

Over the 25th and 26th of July are Fiestas in honour of St Ann at Hazel del Tigo.

AUGUST
August really is Fiesta month with various celebrations taking place all over the area during the month. Here is a selection:

First weekend : Fiesta of the Virgin of the Rosary in Polopos

7th August : Procession of St Cayetano, from Gualchos to the nearby village of Jolucar, the site of the shrine to St Cayetano, from where the image of the saint is brought out and carried in procession. St Cayetano commands great devotion throughout the region. 

14-16 August: Fiestas in honour of the Virgin Carmen, held in La Mamola.

15 August: Day of the Tourist, held in Gualchos to show the appreciation and respect felt by all for the visitors who come here throughout the year. 

15 August: Festivity of Virgen de la Cabeza and the main annual fiestas in Motril..

25th August. The fiestas in honour of the patron saint of Albondón, Saint Louis King of France, have been held here since 1736, and include sporting and cultural activities. Highlights are the reenactment of the struggles between Moors and Christians, a fireworks display and a dance that is open to all and which continues until the early hours.

Also in August: Fiestas in honour of Santo Cristo de Cabrilla at Lujar; fiestas in Los Galvez in honour of La Milagrosa; fiestas in Rubite in honour of the Virgin of the Rosar and local fiestas in La Caleta and La Guardia

SEPTEMBER
28-30 September, Fiestas of San Michael the Archangel: these fiestas are celebrated within the village of Gualchos, with the participation of all the inhabitants. The Saint is carried in procession and an open-air Mass is held in honour of the patron saint. On the 29th, after the Mass, locals and visitors alike traditionally enjoy a plate of delicious local food. 

OCTOBER
7 October: Fiestas in honour of the Virgin of the Rosary. These are celebrated throughout the region notably in Lujar, Motril and Rubite. In Castell and Salobrena the procession goes down to the beach where residents and visitors enjoy a day of music, food and drink.

Also in October : Fiesta of the Virgen de las Angustias and Divina Pastora in Motril