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Semana Santa is the most important and emotionally felt religious festival in Granada. The processions of the current 32 brotherhoods of Holy Week start from Calle Navas, move to Plaza del Carmen where stands are set up, go through Calle Reyes Católicos, Calle Mesones, Calle Marquéz de Gerona, cross Plaza de las Pasiegas and finally reach the interior of the Cathedral.
The highlights of the Semana Santa
Holy Wednesday: the “ascent of the gypsies” takes place, a torchlight procession during which the icons of José Risueño reach the Abadia del Sacromonte.
Holy Thursday: during the procession that leaves the AlbaicĂn and at midnight from the Church of San Pedro del Cristo del Silencio, the whole city remains silent until the passage of the musical band.
Good Friday: at 15 pm in the Campo del Principe, the faithful ask for grace and pray for Cristo de los Favores.
Holy Saturday: the procession of Santa Maria de la Alhambra passes through the Puerta de la Justicia.
Day of the Cross or May Crosses – 3 Maggio
On May 3, 1625, an alabaster cross was raised in the San Lázar district. Today the city of Granada remembers that event in the squares and streets of the cities with the competition of the Crosses during which the "salaĂllas", salty bread, the typical and characteristic product par excellence of Granada, are tasted Andalusian, horse races are organized, polka dot dresses are worn and sevillanas, typical Andalusian dances, are practiced.
Corpus Christi Fair - June
In mid-June all the parishes of Granada organize the procession of the tabernacle of the Body of Christ. Along the way altars are erected and in the Plaza de Bibarrambla the “Carocas”, the typical allegorical and satirical floats, are shown. The day before, however, is dedicated to Tarasca, a mythological creature whose origin can be found in a legend about Santa Marta and which since 2005 has been proclaimed Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by Unesco. Numerous bullfights also take place during Corpus Christi in the Neo-Mudejar bullring in Granada.
Dia de la Toma - January 2nd
The Dia de la Toma, the most important festival in Granada, is the re-enactment of the capture of the city by the Catholic Monarchs in 1491. During the religious ceremony, which takes place in the Royal Chapel, the Pendon is waved, a banner that then he is carried in procession to the Town Hall of Granada where the formula is repeated three times: “España, Castilla, Granada, por los Ănclitos Reyes doña Isabel y don Fernando”.
Cavalcade of the Magi – 5 Gennaio
The Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos symbolizes the arrival of the Three Kings in Granada and since it dates back to the XNUMXth century, it is one of the oldest festivals in Spain. The procession starts from Calle Rector LĂłpez ArgĂĽeta to arrive in the City Hall of Granada, in Plaza del Carmen. During the procession there are parades of horses and camels, sweets and candies are thrown from the carriages for the little ones and, recently, circus characters and animals have also been included.
Feast of San Cecilio - 1 February
The feast of San Cecilio is dedicated to the patron saint of Granada and is celebrated on the first Sunday in February when the faithful make a pilgrimage to the AbadĂa del Sacromonte. When the procession arrives in the Town Hall, the celebrations begin with salaillas, the typical salty bread of Granada, wine, music and Andalusian dances.
International Tango Festival
The Festival Internacional de Tango takes place in Granada during the month of March and is a must for lovers of this dance.
Festival Internacional de Musica y Danza - late June, early July
From the end of June and for two weeks, high-quality and sometimes free music and dance performances take place in the historic and most impressive sites of Granada.
The program covers different genres and usually the concerts of the great symphony orchestras take place in the Palacio Carlos V, the dance performances in the open-air theater of the Generalife Gardens, the recitals in the Patio de los Arrayanes de la Alhambra, the very popular "trasnoches di flamenco ”and ethnic music in the AlbayzĂn and Sacromonte districts.
Jazz on the Coast
Jazz en la Costa takes place in the town of Almuñécar and is the most important international summer festival in Andalusia. In addition to an excellent musical program, the evocative scenery inside the Parque el Majuelo is also to be admired, among the ancient Phoenician remains and the wonderful Mediterranean Sea.
Festivity Virgen de las Angustias, Patron Saint of the City – September 15
On September 15, the feast for the Virgin Mary, the patroness of Granada, takes place and the faithful offer flowers to the Virgin in front of the basilica. In addition, the procession of the Virgin Mary takes place on the last Sunday of September and is very popular with the inhabitants of Granada. On this occasion, street vendors offer some of the most traditional products of Granada, such as the Vergin cake and pieces of caña hueca, much loved by the little ones.
San Miguel - September 29th
In the Arab quarter of the AlbaicĂn, but loved by all the inhabitants of Granada, the cheerful festival of San Miguel takes place, linked to the ancient Arab legend of Cerro del Aceituno, a miraculous olive tree, later renamed Cerro de los by Christians Angeles.
Granada International Jazz Festival
The Granada International Jazz Festival has been held since 1980 and is one of the oldest in Europe. Great international interpreters of modern jazz meet not only in official concerts, but also in some of their favorite clubs in Granada: an opportunity not to be missed for lovers of the genre.
