Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is a Christian feast day, or solemnity, commemorating the supreme gift of the institution by Jesus Christ of the Holy Eucharist.
Corpus Christi is one of the largest festivals in the province of Granada, Andalucía. Granada's Corpus Christi celebration originates from the reconquest of Granada city by the Catholic Kings, Ferdinand and Isabella, and is one of the main annual celebrations. It is normally held during June; however, with the dates being determined by Easter, they can vary enormously.
Corpus Christi is one of the largest festivals in the province of Granada, Andalucía. Granada's Corpus Christi celebration originates from the reconquest of Granada city by the Catholic Kings, Ferdinand and Isabella, and is one of the main annual celebrations. It is normally held during June; however, with the dates being determined by Easter, they can vary enormously.
May Crosses
The first weekend in May sees the annual celebration of 'Las Cruces de Mayo' in the city of Granada. Many smaller towns and villages will hold a scaled down version of this festival.
In the Costa Tropical, Motril always has a full programme of activities arranged, including a children's funfair, temporary bars, music and dancing.
The origins of the 'Feast of the Cross', also known as the 'Invention of the Cross', date back to the seventh century under the rule of Emperor Constantine I the Great.
In the Costa Tropical, Motril always has a full programme of activities arranged, including a children's funfair, temporary bars, music and dancing.
The origins of the 'Feast of the Cross', also known as the 'Invention of the Cross', date back to the seventh century under the rule of Emperor Constantine I the Great.
Semana Santa
The First Council of Nicaea (325AD) established the date of Easter as the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox.
The Christian Church use March 21 as the date of the equinox; therefore, in Western Christianity, Easter always falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25. Holy Week in Spain runs from Palm Sunday through to Easter Sunday, with schools in Andalucía returning on, what is known in the UK, as Easter Monday.
The Christian Church use March 21 as the date of the equinox; therefore, in Western Christianity, Easter always falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25. Holy Week in Spain runs from Palm Sunday through to Easter Sunday, with schools in Andalucía returning on, what is known in the UK, as Easter Monday.
Moors & Christians Battle
The feast of Moors and Christians, celebrated at different times of the year throughout Spain, is a symbol of remembrance of the retaking of the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule.
Whilst the festival in Alcoy, Alicante is probably the most well documented, the town of Vélez de Benaudalla, in the Costa Tropical de Granada, is renowned locally for celebrating this annual event in style. Each year detailed preparations are made for the celebration which is held over 4 days straddling the 13th June.
Whilst the festival in Alcoy, Alicante is probably the most well documented, the town of Vélez de Benaudalla, in the Costa Tropical de Granada, is renowned locally for celebrating this annual event in style. Each year detailed preparations are made for the celebration which is held over 4 days straddling the 13th June.
What to Do 
Moors & Christians Battle
Moors & Christians Battle
Moors & Christians Battle
The feast of Moors and Christians, celebrated at different times of the year throughout Spain, is a symbol of remembrance of the retaking of the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule.Whilst the festival in Alcoy, Alicante is probably the most well documented, the town of Vélez de Benaudalla, in the Costa Tropical de Granada, is renowned locally for celebrating this annual event in style. Each year detailed preparations are made for the celebration which is held over 4 days straddling the 13th June.
The battle itself takes place in two stages on the 13th, the first stage occurring just before lunch and the second during the evening. Participants are divided into two camps, Moors and Christians, and are dressed, somewhat elaborately, to correspond to the medieval times of each culture. In many areas the groups will adopt historical collective names.
The Christians usually have names like Almogávares, Navarros, Crusaders, Mirenos, Andalucíans, Knights del Cid, Knights of the Barony, with the Arabs, for their part having names such as Almoravids, Almohads, Bedouins, Abenzoares, Magenta, Berbers etc.
Lines are drawn and a zealous battle commences, with the crowd cheering on raucously. Despite the foregone conclusion of the Moors being summarily defeated by the Christians, this does not lessen the enthusiasm nor the excitement of the re-enactment.
Accompanying the battle re-enactment is the opportunity to feast, dance to live music, and meander through the labyrinth of street fair traders, who always have an eclectic mix of merchandise on offer. Other activities across the period include a giant paella, a children's funfair, children's games, dance performances and theatre productions.
Any Spanish fiesta would not be complete without a parade, and particularly one that is notable for the spectacular costumes, elegant horses and intricately decorated floats. To this end the Moors and Christians Festival is definitely a Spanish fiesta that should feature on your 'must do' list.
The Christians usually have names like Almogávares, Navarros, Crusaders, Mirenos, Andalucíans, Knights del Cid, Knights of the Barony, with the Arabs, for their part having names such as Almoravids, Almohads, Bedouins, Abenzoares, Magenta, Berbers etc.
Lines are drawn and a zealous battle commences, with the crowd cheering on raucously. Despite the foregone conclusion of the Moors being summarily defeated by the Christians, this does not lessen the enthusiasm nor the excitement of the re-enactment.
Accompanying the battle re-enactment is the opportunity to feast, dance to live music, and meander through the labyrinth of street fair traders, who always have an eclectic mix of merchandise on offer. Other activities across the period include a giant paella, a children's funfair, children's games, dance performances and theatre productions.
Any Spanish fiesta would not be complete without a parade, and particularly one that is notable for the spectacular costumes, elegant horses and intricately decorated floats. To this end the Moors and Christians Festival is definitely a Spanish fiesta that should feature on your 'must do' list.
