This is the last day of the Christmas celebrations and the tradional time for giving presents to the children. On the evening of the 5th, processions of the Three Kings are held in Almuñécar and La Herradura when more presents (and even more sweets) are thrown to all the youngsters who follow the Wise Men.

This light-hearted fiesta lasts for a few days, usually finishing on the last weekend before the start of Lent which is on February 6th in 2008. Masks and music rule the night as groups of minstrels, nuns or spacemen meet for a drink and then do the rounds. Everyone can dress up and put on a new face. And most do. Festivities officially stop with the Burying of the Sardine on the beach, but the party goes on until dawn...

This is the patron saint's day of La Herradura. There's a week-long fair culminating in a procession on the 19th with fireworks in the evening. Most activities take place on the beachfront.

More than a dozen colourful processions are held throughout the week to symbolise the Passions, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ. Both Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are national holidays. More info and photos....

Traditional holiday celebrated throughout much of the world in support of the worker.

An odd blend of religious faith and party exhuberance marks this colourful fiesta as one worth visiting. More info...

These are local fiestas for the small district of San Sebastián that leads out of Almuñécar on the old road to Granada. Celebrations intermingle with those of the Day of the Cross.

This religious event, established more than 750 years ago in Liege (Belgium), is held on the second Thursday after Whitsun and is intended to celebrate the presence of the body of Christ in the holy wafer. In Almuñécar the procession is held on the following Sunday.

Sweet-smelling herbs and flowers are strewn on the ground for the solemn procession to walk on while everyone hangs their most beautiful blankets or shawls from the balconies. Compared to the magnificent Corpus Christi procession in Granada (certainly the best in Andalucía), Almuñécar's celebrations are pleasingly intimate and, once again, provide the opportunity to see behind the tourist face of the town.

This atmospheric event is held in the Majuelo park. Numerous restaurants participate in this popular fair which lasts for three days from Friday until Sunday. Throughout the fair you can taste small portions of selected dishes from each menu. Almost every type of cooking available in the area can be found represented somewhere here, reason in itself to drop by. Food is served at midday and in the evening and there's live music. Arrive early for the evening sessions as it can get very busy.

Every year Almuñécar hosts some of the great names in international jazz at this increasingly popular ten-day long festival held in the Majuelo Park. Performances start at 22.30h. Tickets available online through ticktackticket.com. If you find no reference to 'Jazz en la Costa' it means they're not yet on sale.

This is an important day of celebration for all fishing communities throughout the country and in Almuñécar's Los Marinos district it's no different. Activities focus around this traditional fisherman's quarter and the highpoint is a maritime procession.

Almuñécar's patron saint's day and principal summer holiday for the area. Weeklong fiestas terminate with a fantastic fireworks display on the 15th. More info and photos...

Local fiesta lasting three days in the San Miguel distirict which is the old part of town bordering the castle. Procession, street parties and fireworks are the main attractions of the celebrations which have their main day on the 29th.

For 30 years this popular local fiesta has marked the beginning of the chirimoya harvest in the district of Torrecuevas in the Tropical Valley of Almuñécar. Exact dates of the fiesta change each year but, in general, numerous events are spread out over about a week with the culmination of celebrations always occuring on the 12th which also happens to be Columbus Day and a national holiday. An evening procession in honour of the Virgin Mother is followed by fireworks and then a party for everyone. Other events of interest include gastronomic competitions and tastings of local dishes and subtropical fruits, especially the chirimoya.

This commemorates the discovery of America and is celebrated by all hispanic nations. National holiday.

This is a celebration in honour of God and all his saints, known and unknown, and has been a religious festival since the 7th century. National holiday.

Conmemoration of Spain's democratic constitution which was adopted in December, 1978. National holiday.

Everyone turns out to see the New Year in and there are parties everywhere. Many restaurants offer all-inclusive evenings with food, drink and entertainment thrown in. Advance booking is essential. And since most bars don't open until after midnight, it's a good idea to plan your evening in advance, particularly if you wish to eat out. The town hosts an end-of-year party in front of the Town Hall which is packed for midnight. The Spanish tradition is for everyone to try and eat twelve grapes as the bells are chiming in the New Year. This is not quite as easy as it sounds but if you succeed it will bring you good luck for the next twelve months.

Established internationally, this guitar competition is held in La Herradura in the Municipal Auditorium. More...