Ferias and Fiestas in Southern Spain Almeria
Ferias and fiestas are the local fairs and celebrations which are usually held in honour of a patron saint, or to celebrate a religious festival. The ‘feria’ (Latin for ‘free day’) dates back to ancient Rome and signified a day on which people were not obliged to work. As Christianity spread, the Christian Church established its own dates for ferias (feast days) when Christians were required to attend Mass. As these gatherings became more established, they developed into the festivals we know today and were fixed on saints’ days.
More than 3000 such ferias and fiestas are held each year in Andalucia, with many falling before and after the autumn harvests. There is enough diversity in the festivities to ensure that there will be celebrations to suit everyone.
Religious festivals tend to take the form of solemn and magnificent processions, such as the Easter week procession and Corpus Christi. The festival of Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) begins with a procession of lavishly dressed Moors and Christians, followed by a battle re-enactment and homage to the patron saint. Most Andalucian towns stage a carnival parade, with Cadiz hosting the most famous and elaborate carnival in mainland Spain. The Jerez Horse Fair, a spectacular equestrian event that features some of the world’s finest horses and riders, takes place in the first week of May each year. Bullfighting ferias take place between April and October.
Since festivals were traditionally an opportunity for each town to promote trade and market produce, you can be sure that there will be plenty of local food and wine on offer at many of these events.
The Junta de Andalucia publishes a guide each year detailing the Ferias y Fiestas de Andalucia, which can be picked up at the tourist offices. We’ll also use this blog to keep you advised of upcoming festivals in Albox, and some of the most celebrated from further afield in Andalucia.
