Festivals- May

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.
La Cruz

MAY
Fiesta de la Cruz- This festival is celebrated from 1-3 May in the neighbourhood next to the Iglesia de Consolación, the main church in town. The various brotherhoods erect stalls and sell drinks and tapas to raise funds for their activities that take place during the year.

On a stage, children participate in a traditional game called ‘cucañas’ in which they try to climb a greased pole. There are also displays of flamenco dances and in the evening hundreds of people attend the street party and dance to music performed on the stage.

Fiesta de las Flores- In Spain, the month of May is also called the ‘month of the Virgin of the flowers’. Throughout the month, in towns and villages, crosses are decorated with flowers and candles. In villages like Ermita Nueva, Mures, Las Grajeras, Puertollano, La Rábita, Ribera Baja and la Venta de Agramaderos the fiesta is celebrated with street parties and activities for children.
Virgin of Fatima

Procession of la Virgen de Fátima The image of la Virgen de Fátima es guarded in the hermitage located in the neighbourhood known as ‘Las Cruces’, a privileged location from which can be seen the fortress of La Mota in all its splendour and which is an ideal site for enjoying the sunset.

On the morning of 13 May, the image of the virgin is carried from the hermitage to the Iglesia de la Consolación (the main church in town), passing through the streets of the neighbourhood en route. Villages including la Hoya de Charilla, Caserías de San Isidro, La Hortichuela, Las Peñas de Majalcorón and Villalobos also celebrate this festival.

San Isidro Labrador- As he is considered the patron saint of farmers, the commemoration of San Isidro Labrador is particularly important to those living in rural areas. The main celebration takes place on 15 May in the hermitage of las Caserías de San Isidro. Pilgrims spend the day in the countryside picnicking in the shade of the olive trees that surround the hermitage. Various carriages are adorned and accompany a procession that takes place, and at night the festival ends with a party. In the village of Ermita Nueva, various religious acts and other events are celebrated from 14-16 May in honour of the saint such as cucañas, exhibits and dances.