Granada's fiestas: a celebration of culture

Granada’s vibrant calendar of fiestas are deeply rooted in history and culture, reflecting the spirit of Andalusia — a blend of music, dance, food, and tradition and are a joy to experience:

1. Semana Santa (Holy Week) – March/April

One of the most solemn and spectacular religious events in Spain, Semana Santa in Granada is an unforgettable experience. For an entire week leading up to Easter Sunday, the city’s streets are filled with processions organized by different brotherhoods. Hooded penitents and ornately decorated floats depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ wind through the historic center, accompanied by haunting music. A unique highlight is the procession of Cristo de los Gitanos (Christ of the Gypsies), which passes through the Sacromonte caves and is illuminated by bonfires.

2. Fiestas del Corpus Christi – May/June

Corpus Christi is Granada’s most important festival and a true explosion of Andalusian culture. It begins with the alumbrao — the lighting of thousands of lights at the fairground — and includes a week of parades, traditional flamenco, bullfights, and folk performances. The Tarasca parade, where a mannequin dressed in the latest fashion rides a dragon through the streets, adds a quirky twist. Locals don flamenco attire, and the city’s fairground becomes a colorful, buzzing hive of casetas (tents), music, and dancing.

3. Cruces de Mayo (May Crosses Festival) – May 3

The Cruces de Mayo is a joyful spring celebration in which neighborhoods, schools, and associations create large, decorative crosses made of flowers and place them in public squares. These installations are often accompanied by music, food, and dance. It’s a great time to walk around the city and enjoy the creative flair of each neighborhood, with locals dressed in traditional Andalusian clothing.

4. Festival Internacional de Música y Danza – June/July

Not a traditional religious fiesta, this internationally renowned festival is one of Granada’s cultural highlights. Held in stunning venues like the Alhambra and the Generalife gardens, it features classical music, flamenco, ballet, and contemporary dance performances from artists around the world. The blend of historic ambiance and artistic excellence creates a truly magical atmosphere.

5. Fiesta de San Cecilio – First Sunday of February

San Cecilio, Granada’s patron saint, is celebrated with a pilgrimage to the Sacromonte Abbey. Locals gather to enjoy a mix of religious observance and festivity, with traditional food such as salaíllas (savory flatbread) and habas (broad beans), music, and dancing. This fiesta provides a more intimate, local experience and reflects the city’s deep religious and cultural roots.

6. Granada Sound – September

For a more modern take on Granada’s festive spirit, Granada Sound is a two-day indie rock music festival that draws fans from across Spain. Hosted in late September, it features both national and international bands and DJs. While it’s less about tradition and more about contemporary culture, it shows how Granada fuses old and new seamlessly.