12 Unique Festivals In Andalucia In September

Discover the vibrant spirit of Southern Spain through the unique Festivals In Andalucia In September!

Andalucia’s fantastic September festivals are among the top reasons to visit this part of Spain in early autumn. 

These spectacular traditional events offer visitors a genuine cultural experience. With numerous Spanish festivals in September, you will find one nearby during your stay. 

If you’re eager to explore the history and heritage of Spanish festivals and traditions or indulge in local cuisine and exciting entertainment, a visit to Andalucia in September will make your vacation unique!

We’ve been and listed for you the most noteworthy festivals in Andalucia in September.

a street with lots of colorful paper lanterns hanging
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Our favorite Festivals In Andalucia In September

  1. Feria De Pedro Romero
  2. Jerez Wine Festival
  3. Granada Autumn Festival

1. Ajoblanco Festival, Almachar, Malaga

Date: Every First Saturday of September

white garlic soup in 2 bowls decorated with olive oil

The Ajoblanco Festival in September takes place in Malaga province in the village of Almacha, which is one of the best villages in Andalucia to explore if you’re eager to enjoy an authentic cultural experience.

One of the more unusual Andalucia festivals celebrates the local white garlic soup, which is so popular in the region.

Served cold, this soup often comes with green, peeled grapes and is a common choice amongst tourists who are eager to discover local delicacies.

When the Romans occupied Spain, they left a legacy of garlic behind. Now, this cultural connection is commemorated during this Malaga festival September .

It is when musicians take to the streets to play country music, flamenco dancers perform for the crowds, and Rocio choirs sing.

Of course, tasting the soup and learning more about how it’s made is another key element of this event. Feel free to enjoy other Malaga tours when you visit!

2. Nuestra Señora De Las Virtudes Fair, Conil

Date: Four days around September 8

an image of the blessed virgin mary carrying a child with white gown and crown being paraded

If you’re looking for things to do in Andalucia with children, the Nuestra Senora de las Virtudes is one of the best festivals in Andalucia for families to attend.

Lasting for four whole days, this is one of the most fun Spanish traditional festivals taking place in Conil de la Frontera.  

The beginning of the festival is a religious mass followed by a parade throughout the stress of the town. However, after that, the excitement really gets underway.

There are dance shows, parties, and a giants parade, with plenty for all to enjoy. Furthermore, local handicrafts are showcased, you can taste tapas, and watch flamenco shows.

Finally, the end of the festivities sees an impressive fireworks display.

3. Virgen De La Peña Fair, Mijas

Date: First Saturday of September to Wednesday of the next week, around September 8

an altar in a church surrounded with candles and flowers with three images at the back

One of the most popular Spanish festivals in the Costa del Sol area is the Virgen de la Pena fair, which takes place in Mijas Pueblo.

Honoring the town’s patron, this festival sees adults and children alike enjoying the attractions.

In the village’s main square, concerts are held, and sevillanas are danced by day and by night.

Foodies will enjoy tasting the cotton candy, coconut, and candy-coated apples that are traditionally sold during this festival, too.

4. Feria De Pedro Romero, Ronda

Date: Last Week of August to First Week of September; the Goyesca Run will typically occur on the first Saturday of September

a person in a blue and red outfit holding a red cape over a bull

This festival is one of the most important celebrations in Spain in the Andalucian region.

One of Ronda’s most famous Spanish cultural festivals, this week-long fair sees the Corrida Goyesca taking place in the city’s iconic bullring.

Celebrated throughout the fairground, the feria seeks leisure activities and musical performances alongside the renowned Goyesca Run.

Ronda’s Feria Goyesca was first established to commemorate the relationship between three key people with links to the city.

They are the painter from the 1700s, Francisco de la Goya, Pedro Romero, the bullfighter from the same century, and Antonio Ordonez, a famous bullfighter from the 20th century.

First held during the 1950s, this festival centers around a bullfight or corrida that reflects the pageantry associated with Goya’s paintings, but there is much more to the event than simply a bullfight.

There are also contests for the best horse-drawn carriage as well as flamenco singing, dancing, and period costumes.

5. Fiesta de la Vendimia Manilva (Grape Festival)

Date: First weekend of September

a person's feet are in a bucket filled with grapes

One of the liveliest festivals in Andalucia in September, the Fiesta de la Vendimia Manilva is a grape festival that celebrates the grape harvest.

During the harvest, grape treading forms a typical component, and the year’s first grape juice will be extracted before being offered to visitors and friends alike.

Many Spanish traditions and festivals center around wine and grapes, but this celebration is unique in the region, taking place over three days.

The first sees a flamenco festival taking place, while the second sees a charanga before a mass in honor of Nuestra Senora de los Dolores.

The third day sees the biggest Spanish celebrations, with an early rociera mass that gives thanks to God for the harvest, then a horse procession at sunset, with all the riders in their traditional dress.

Finally, a parade of the vineyards’ protector, Nuestra Senora de los Dolores takes place throughout the streets before the grapes are trodden and the juice shared out.

6. Jerez Wine Festival

Date: First Weekend of September

grapes and wine in a basket on a wooden table

Taking place over two weeks, the Jerez wine festival gives locals and visitors alike a chance to taste the sherries of the Sherry Triangle, visit the vineyards, and learn more about how local sherry is produced.

One of the top wine festivals in Andalucia 2023, the town of Jerez de la Frontera forms the hub of the worldwide International Sherry Week and sees plenty of sherry-related activities taking place.

Wine pairing exhibitions and cooking masterclasses are held alongside concerts and, of course, the traditional ceremony during which the grapes are trodden.

If you aren’t able to come during the festival, there are Jerez sherry tours available on other dates.

7. Embrujo Andalusí And Luna Mora Festivals, Malaga

Date: September 9 to 11

many different types of lamps hanging from the ceiling

If you’re looking for things to do in Malaga in September that reflect the area’s Arabic heritage, the Emrbujo Andalusi, and Muna Mora Festivals are a must-do.

Andalucia retains plenty of evidence of its Moorish roots, and during these colorful festivals in Carratraca and Guaro, you can experience something of the region’s medieval past.

On the 9th and 10th of September, 25,000 candles light the nighttime streets of Guaro, creating an atmosphere that is beautiful and charming.

Music and dance fill the streets too, while the Arabic-style craft market gives tourists the chance to buy some unique souvenirs of their trip.

The Embrujo Anadalusi festival takes place in Carratraca and celebrates the coexistence of Jewish, Christian, and Arab cultures in the past.

Held between 9th and 11th September, this three-day event seeks parades, falconry displays, dancing, and gastronomic delights, as well as torches and candles that create a wonderful atmosphere at night.

8. Fiesta De Moros Y Cristianos

Date: Varies in the place

a group of people dressed in red and green holding shields

This is one of the most important festivals in Spain since Benamahoma is the sole place within West Andalucia where a Moors and Christians feast celebrates the recapture.

Banners of both sides decorate Grazalema’s streets, and a battle takes place for the custody of Benamahoma’s patron saint, San Antonio de Padua.

This is one of the most important festivals in Spain and is celebrated across the various regions at different times of the year.

This festival celebrates the recapture of Spain from the Moors in the 13th Century and is one event where the whole town or village can get involved in celebrations.

Expect flamboyant costumes, music, and dancing to continue late into the evening as the parade takes over the town on a processional route.

In September, you can take part in this festival right across the Andalucia region at the following places and dates:

  • Bedar (23rd-24th)
  • La Loma (29th)
  • Paterna del Rio (14th-15th)
  • Beznar (8th-9th)
  • Guadiz (5th-6th)
  • Picena (8th-9th)
  • Valor (15th), and
  • Alfarnate (12th-16th).

9. Granada Autumn Festival 

Date: Mid-September

a picture of a lower part of a female dancing to flamenco

Granada’s Autumn Festival aims to showcase the city’s identity and prestige through performance, dance, and music.

Flamenco takes pride of place during this event, although ballet and other styles of music are also demonstrated.

Performances take place in several city venues including the Isabel la Catolica theatre, and are a must for those who love the performing arts.

You can also see flamenco shows in Granada, even if it’s not in September.

10. Pilgrimage and Fair of San Miguel, Torremolinos

Date: The weekend around September 29

people walking on streets

One of the most famous festivals in Spain, having earned the accolade of being of national tourist interest, the Feria de San Miguel or Torremolinos Fair, is the main festival of the town.

The Sunday before the celebrations begin, there is a pilgrimage that sees participants visiting the hermitage where the saint’s image is kept in Los Pinares de los Manantiales.

Over 200,000 people take part in this event, which sees donkey-pulled carts, decorated with flowers, musicians, and traditionally-dressed locals dancing and singing through the streets.

The fair itself lasts for around two weeks, with day fairs in the centre of town, then the evening fairs at a fairground on the town’s outskirts. You can check out Torremolinos accommodations here.

Musical performances, flamenco dancing, and local foods take center stage during the day, while at night, there are activities for the whole family to enjoy, from children’s activities and rides to popular music.

11. Festival of Rock of the Zaidín, Granada

Date: A Weekend in September

a crowd of people at a concert with their hands up in the air

If you’re wondering what festivals are in Spain to suit lovers of modern music, the festival of Rock of the Zaidin is a perfect choice.

Having been held since 1980 in Granada, this musical event takes place over several days, showcasing different international and national styles of rock music.

Granada tours are also available all year round.

12. Feria Nacional de Queso Artesano

Date: September 19 to 23, 2024

pieces and slices on cheese on a cutting board on a wooden table

Held once a year in Zuheros, Córdoba, this is a foodie festival sure to delight any cheese lover.

A huge variety of cheeses from the whole peninsula as well as from the Canaries and Balearics can be sampled and purchased, attracting over 15,000 visitors each year.

The fair happens on the 19th-23rd of September and includes enough cow, sheep, and goat cheese to please any cheese aficionado.

It takes place in a small village with only 600 residents, so you’ll get a chance to experience the more secluded and authentic parts of Andalucia.

Our final thoughts on Andalucia festivals in September

Why Going to the Best Festivals in Andalucia is a Must

When you think about how many festivals are there in Spain over the course of the year.

It’s fascinating to see just how many of the famous holidays in Spain take place in the Andalucian region and how many of those are held during the month of September.

There are so many different festivals focusing on various elements from the harvest to religion, and from music to bullfighting.

There’s sure to be something for every member of the family to enjoy during their 1 week itinerary in Andalucia.

Each of these unique celebrations pass down traditions to the younger generations, and for those who are visiting the region from overseas, they give the chance to experience the authentic side of Andalucia.

If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Andalucia during September, you should certainly consider visiting the towns and villages where these celebrations are taking place.

You will surely experience a taste of the region’s own flavor.

FAQs on Festivals in Spain in September

What festivals are celebrated in Granada in September?

There are many festivals in Andalucia in September, with some of the best being held in Granada. Some of the best-known and most popular include the Virgen de las Angustias and the festival of San Miguel.

What are the religious festivals in Andalucia?

Some of Andalucia’s religious festivals in September include the Romeria de la Virgen de Gracia, the Fiestas Patronales del Cristo de la Antigua, the Romeria de Nuestra Senora de Los Santos, the Festiva de la Virgen del Valle, and the Romeria de San Matero.

What are the best Spanish festivals in November?

As the weather in Southern Spain becomes milder during the autumn months, there are still plenty of festivals to enjoy. November sees fantastic events like the Chestnut Festival in Alpujarra de la Sierra and the Mushroom Festival in Constantina de al Sierra.

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