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.
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May
Cruces de Mayo de Granada
On May 3rd, Granada's plazas and streets fill with giant crosses lavishly decorated with flowers, surrounded by makeshift bars, flamenco music, and the aroma of free tapas. Neighbourhoods compete for the most beautiful cross in one of Andalusia's most joyful spring celebrations.
April
Semana Santa
Semana Santa (Holy Week) is arguably Spain's most emotionally powerful and visually stunning festival. In the week leading up to Easter Sunday, cities and towns across the country fill with solemn religious processions, haunting music, clouds of incense, and enormous ornate floats (pasos) carried by hundreds of robed nazarenos.
May
Patios Festival (Córdoba)
The Córdoba Patios Festival (Fiesta de los Patios) is held each May, when private courtyards open to the public and compete for prizes based on floral decoration and traditional design.
Romería de la Virgen de la Cabeza
Spain's oldest pilgrimage brings over 500,000 devotees to the sanctuary atop the Sierra Morena mountains near Andújar every April, with decorated wagons, horseback riders and flamenco.