Festivals and fairs in Granada: calendar of traditions, Granada Fair and popular celebrations
Granada lives its festivals with particular intensity. From Holy Week (Semana Santa) through the Granada Fair (Feria del Corpus) and the Day of the Cross (Dia de la Cruz) to the Cascamorras in Guadix and Baza or the seaborne processions of the Virgen del Carmen, the festival calendar of the province combines religious tradition, fairground atmosphere, music and a strong popular character.
These celebrations are not mere remnants of the past: they remain alive in the streets, courtyards, fair tents (casetas) and villages of the Alpujarra, the coast and the highlands. For visitors arriving from Malaga or the Costa del Sol, taking part in one of these festivals is one of the best ways to experience the true character of Granada.
Below we present the most important festivals and fairs of Granada and its province, with approximate dates and practical tips so that you can enjoy them to the full.
The main festivals and fairs in Granada
Holy Week (Semana Santa) in Granada
Granada’s Holy Week is declared of National Tourist Interest and ranks among the most impressive in Andalusia. The processions wind through the historic centre, the Albaicin and the Sacromonte, creating a solemn yet highly participatory atmosphere. Particularly noteworthy are the procession of the Gitanos (on Wednesday of Holy Week), the brotherhoods of the Albaicin and that of the Cristo de los Favores in the Campo del Principe.
The exact dates change each year according to the lunar calendar. Anyone wishing to experience Holy Week at close quarters should check the official programme and book accommodation well in advance.
Day of the Cross (Dia de la Cruz / Cruces de Mayo)
It is celebrated around 3 May (usually on the nearest weekend). It is one of the most authentic and popular festivals in the city. Since 1625 the custom has been documented of decorating crosses with flowers (especially carnations), ceramics, copper and traditional objects in courtyards, squares and streets – particularly in the Albaicin and the Realejo.
There is a competition of crosses, music, dancing and a distinctly street-festival atmosphere. The “pero” (an apple pierced by a pair of scissors) is one of the traditional symbols placed on the crosses.
Granada Fair (Feria del Corpus)
This is the city’s great fair. It is held around the feast of Corpus Christi (sixty days after Easter Monday) and usually lasts a week. In 2026 it took place from 30 May to 6 June.
The fairground (Recinto Ferial) at Almanjayar fills with fair tents (casetas), rides, music and classic fairground atmosphere. The main day is the Thursday, with the Corpus Christi procession through the centre of Granada. The Tarasca (a traditional pagan element) and the daytime and evening activities in the casetas are also highlights.
This is the most recommended festival for anyone who wants to experience the complete fair atmosphere of Granada.
Virgen del Carmen
On 16 July the festival is celebrated in the coastal towns of the province (Almunecar, Motril, Salobrena and others). The high point is the procession of the Virgin by sea: the image is carried on a boat accompanied by a flotilla of decorated vessels. It is a particularly emotional and much-loved festival on Granada’s Costa Tropical.
Cascamorras (Guadix and Baza)
This festival of International Tourist Interest takes place every year from 6 to 9 September. The figure of the Cascamorras sets out from Guadix with the mission of recovering the image of the Virgen de la Piedad from Baza. The people of Baza prevent him from arriving clean and cover him with black paint or oil.
The result is a colourful, chaotic and highly participatory race in which half the town ends up smeared. 6 September is the big day in Baza and 9 September in Guadix. One of the most original and entertaining festivals in the whole of Andalusia.
Moors and Christians (Moros y Cristianos)
These performances take place in several towns of the province, especially in the Alpujarra and in places such as Benamaurel, Cullar or Zujar. They re-enact the battles between the Christian and Muslim kingdoms during the conquest of Granada. In the Alpujarra they have special significance as this was the land of Aben Humeya and the Morisco rebellion.
They are usually held in spring or during the local patronal festivals and combine parades, simulated combats, music and a strongly theatrical atmosphere.
Other notable festivals
Also worth mentioning are the Romeria de San Cecilio (in February), the festivities of the Virgen de las Angustias (patron saint of Granada), the numerous village fairs that stretch through summer and autumn, and the celebrations on the Costa Tropical in August (Almunecar and Motril).
How to get to the Granada Fair (and other festivals) from Malaga
Granada is very well connected with Malaga. The Granada Fair takes place on the fairground at Almanjayar in the north of the city. From Malaga you can reach Granada comfortably in under two hours by train, bus or car.
Car hire: the most flexible option
By car you reach Granada in about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A-92. You can move freely around the fairground, park in the designated areas and, if you wish, continue to Guadix, Baza or the coast for other festivals.
Hire a car in Malaga
Taxi or private transfer
If you prefer not to drive, you can book a private transfer from Malaga Airport or from your accommodation on the Costa del Sol directly to Granada or to the fairground.
Book a transfer from Malaga Airport
*There is no need to enter credit-card details or make an advance payment. We recommend booking in good time.
Public transport
Renfe trains connect Malaga Maria Zambrano with Granada in approximately 1 hour 20–30 minutes. There are several services a day. ALSA buses take around 1 hour 45 minutes and run frequently from Malaga bus station and also from the airport. In Granada the metro and city buses make access to the Almanjayar fairground straightforward (special lines operate during the Granada Fair).
