Fiesta del Cascamorras
The Fiesta del Cascamorras is one of Spain's most extraordinary and bizarre festivals. Every 6 September, a man covered in black grease (the Cascamorras) attempts to run from the town of Guadix to Baza to reclaim a statue of the Virgin of Piedad — while thousands of equally grease-covered locals try to stop him. The result is a spectacular, chaotic, oil-black mass of humanity. Declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest, it's an ancient rivalry turned into joyful, slippery mayhem.
Highlights
The Cascamorras is utterly unique — there is literally nothing like it anywhere else in the world. It's a 500-year-old tradition that turns an entire town into a gleeful, oil-black carnival of chaos. The sense of communal joy, the absurdity of the spectacle, and the deep historical roots make it one of Spain's most unforgettable festival experiences. If you're looking for something far from the tourist trail that captures the raw, beautiful madness of Spanish fiestas, this is it.
Date & Schedule
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date 2026 | 6 September 2026 |
| Cascamorras run | Late afternoon, Baza |
| Return to Guadix | 9 September 2026 |
| Location | Baza and Guadix, Granada province, Andalusia |
The main event is the 6th in Baza. On the 9th, the Cascamorras returns to Guadix, where he is "punished" by his own townspeople for failing (he always fails).
Location
Baza and Guadix are two historic towns in the Hoya de Guadix plateau of Granada province, northern Andalusia. They sit about 45 km apart in a dramatic landscape of badlands (the famous cave houses of Guadix). The main chase takes place through the streets of Baza's old town, ending at the Church of the Merced where the disputed Virgin is kept.
Key Events & Highlights
- The greasing — Hours before the run, participants in Baza cover themselves in black biodegradable grease. The streets, walls and people turn entirely black
- The Cascamorras run — The designated Cascamorras (a role of great honour in Guadix) attempts to reach the church through a gauntlet of thousands of greased citizens of Baza
- The capture — The Cascamorras never reaches the church clean (in 500+ years, he has never succeeded). He is "defeated" and must return to Guadix empty-handed
- Return to Guadix (9 Sept) — The Cascamorras returns home, where Guadix residents punish him with water and tomatoes for his failure
- Religious ceremonies — Both towns hold processions honouring their respective Virgins around the festival dates
Video
History & Origins
According to legend, in 1490 a worker from Guadix discovered the statue of the Virgen de la Piedad while working in Baza. Guadix claimed the statue, but Baza refused to give it up. The agreement was that Guadix could send a representative (the Cascamorras) each year to claim the Virgin — but only if he arrived at the church completely clean. The people of Baza, naturally, ensure this never happens by covering him in black grease and oil. The tradition has been celebrated for over 500 years, making it one of Spain's oldest continuous festivals.
What to Expect
This is extremely messy. If you participate, you will be covered head-to-toe in black grease — it gets in your hair, ears, eyes and everywhere else. Wear old clothes you can throw away, closed shoes you don't mind losing, and protect your eyes. The atmosphere is wild but friendly; the grease makes everyone equal and anonymous. Bring a complete change of clothes and towel. The grease is now biodegradable (since 2015) but still takes multiple showers to fully remove.
How to Get There
- By car: Baza is 1.5 hours from Granada, 2 hours from Almería, and 3.5 hours from Málaga via the A-92
- By bus: ALSA runs daily buses from Granada to both Baza and Guadix (1-1.5h)
- By train: Guadix has a train station on the Granada-Almería line. Baza has no direct rail service
- Accommodation: Both towns are small — book early. Many visitors come from Granada as a day trip
Tips & Advice
- Can tourists participate? Absolutely — everyone is welcome to get greased up and join the chase in Baza
- Is it safe? Yes — despite appearances, the atmosphere is controlled and friendly. The grease actually cushions bumps and falls
- What is the grease made of? Since 2015, a biodegradable black grease replaced the traditional used motor oil. It's safer and more environmentally friendly
- Is there anything else to see? Guadix is famous for its cave houses (Barrio de Cuevas), carved into the soft tufa hills. Baza has a well-preserved old town and the archaeological site of Basti
Plan Your Trip
Book accommodation and transport for this festival. Get the best deals on hotels and train tickets.
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