Festivals
Alcalá la Real has been in existence since prehistoric times and many of the traditions and customs practised today are reminders of the town’s rich history.  From the time the Romans first settled on La Mota, through the Muslim occupation of the town and into the Christian era, each successive culture has left its mark on the modern-day society and its many colourful celebrations.
	JANUARY Procession of the Kings- The procession, which represents the arrival of the Three Kings in Bethlehem, is celebrated on 5 January at nightfall. Coaches carrying the kings (Balthazar, Gaspar, and Melchior) travel through the town.
They are accompanied by other carriages owned by the distinct Catholic brotherhoods, associations and schools of Alcalá. During their journey, those riding on the carriages throw sweets into the crowds of children and adults alike. In the daytime before the procession, the kings collect letters from the children with their wishes for gifts, as in Spain the children write to the Three Kings instead of Father Christmas.
	FEBRUARY La Candelaria- This festival is celebrated on the first day of February when in various parts of the town, and in some outlying villages, bonfires made from olive branches are lit and people enjoy homemade wine and sausages.
The next day, a mass is celebrated in the morning in the Iglesia de la Consolación and there is a procession of the Virgen de las Mercedes accompanied by two doves dressed in costumes. Cake and sprigs of rosemary are shared amongst those in attendance.
	Carnaval-Although it has no fixed date, it is customarily celebrated at the end of February. The festival dates back to time inmemorial and is a day for dressing up in costumes and masks. The tradition was lost for some time in the 80s but made a comeback recently.
Since then, a contest is held every year at the Martínez Montañés Theatre and two parades take place, one for children and the other for adults. Carnavals are also celebrated in some villages.