Fiesta!!

In Spain there is a strong tradition of fiestas and the Granada region is no exception; with almost every local town and village hosting at least one per year.

They mostly take place in the summer, often lasting for several days and nights. The Fiera de Baza (30 minute drive from the cave) in the first week of September goes on for 10 days and nights!

The whole community gets involved in the fiestas and you may find them cooking up huge dishes of paella or giving out free cakes; there is nearly always a procession, where a Virgin or a Saint is carried through the streets, accompanied by lots of music!

In April, on the last weekend of the month (Saturday-Tuesday), Zújar holds the festival of Moors and Christians in honour of the Virgen de la Cabeza. One of the main features is the Romeria, which takes place on the Sunday, and involves a remarkable pilgrimage to the chapel on top of the Cerro Jabalcón mountain followed by a dramatic theatre play. The play is the "Cautiverio y rescate de Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza" which means the Captivity and Rescue of Our Lady of Cabeza. These festivities have become so well known that they have spread around Granada and Almeria and you can find similar performances in other towns such as Cullar, Benamaurel and Gaudix. On the last weekend of May, Carramaiza celebrates this festival with 3 days of drinking & eating!

At the beginning of September is the Cascamorras in Baza, part of the 10 day Fiera de Baza (6-15 September), this is a big festival involving the two towns Gaudix and Baza.
A representative from Gaudix (known as the Cascamorras) dressed in traditional costume travels to Baza to attempt to steal the image of the Virgen de la Piedad (Virgin of Mercy) that is kept there. In order to do this he must stay perfectly clean. Along the way he is set upon by youngsters, who cover him in tar and oil before dumping him in a couple of fountains, he then reaches Baza and is unable to steal the Virgin, and 2 days of celebrations follow. He then returns to Gaudix empty handed.

Some other dates of interest:

3rd May - Day of the cross (Día de la Cruz): Celebrated in every neighbourhood by decorating crosses with flowers and traditional utensils, which are then placed on balconies, patios, houses and in the streets. People will meet around them and celebrate with food, drink and dancing.

29 July-2 August (Castril) - Festival Sete Sóis Sete Luas: a well known cultural event involving many different countries which develops areas of popular music, ethnic and traditional, street theatre and always involving important personalities of European and Mediterranean culture.

First Sunday after 15th of August - Romería of San Isidro
In Amarguilla, next to Negratín reservoir

2nd to last weekend of August in Cortes de Baza
Festival in honour of the patron saints, San Cosme and San Damián (Los Santos Médicos).

2nd October - Day of of the Angel (Zujar)
A traditional procession followed by cakes.

13th December - Day of Saint Lucía (Zujar)
Bonfires are lit at night

There are many more smaller festivals in the area throughout the year - too many to list here!