Carnival

The carnival is one of the most deeply rooted and popular festivals in the town. Typical are the masks, totally improvised disguises with the face covered with a homemade mask that with the slogan “oh how clumsy you don’t know me” provoke the spectator. During the dictatorship they were persecuted and it was common for the Guardia Civil to run after them through the streets of the village. The current carnival spans two consecutive weekends, the first with the opening speech and the second with a massive and colourful parade as the climax. It is worth mentioning the carnival group competition, one of the oldest and most participative in the province, which has been held since 1987.

Souk of La Encantá

This Andalusian souk is held every year in the vicinity of the castle of Almodóvar around 28 March to commemorate the legend of Zaida, “la Encantá”, which dates back to the time of the Almoravid invasion (11th century). Over the course of the weekend it offers a wide range of activities such as a craft and gastronomy market, participative workshops, street entertainment, children’s activities and attractions, exhibitions of ancient trades, etc., with the main event on Saturday night being the theatrical representation of the legend of the Encantá, a spectacular multidisciplinary production with more than 40 actors and video mapping projections on the towers and walls of the castle.

Holy Week

Holy Week in Almodóvar has a long tradition and some of its brotherhoods have centuries of history. From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, every day (with the exception of Holy Saturday) different images are carried in procession, all of them carried on the shoulders through the network of narrow, steep streets, making for a real spectacle.

Pilgrimage of the Fatima Virgin

The events in honour of the Fatima Virgin begin on the second Saturday in May, when the traditional pilgrimage offering is held. On Sunday, the image of the Virgin is carried in procession in the traditional wagon accompanied by parishioners and pilgrims to the Fuenreal farmhouse, where the pilgrimage mass is celebrated in the chapel, followed by a day of conviviality in the surrounding area, where there is no shortage of horse riders and traditional costumes.

St. John Feast

A revival of an ancient tradition held on the station road. On this magical night, the children parade with watermelons decorated as lanterns, which are awarded prizes according to different criteria. In addition, the elderly can buy Saint John’s pears from traditional stalls set up by different groups and enjoy free tastings. This festivity takes up an old custom and tries to be faithful to how it was done back then, when the local market gardeners would set up their stalls selling fruit, especially St. John’s pears, on that night.

Moon Night

Coinciding with the full moon in July, a cultural evening similar to a white night is held with different stages and musical performances in the streets and squares of the town.

Our Mrs. Rosary Fair

Fair in honour of the patron saint of the town, which is held from Thursday to Monday around 7 October. It begins with the inauguration of the lighting and fireworks and culminates with the traditional evening of flamenco singing on Monday. The popular festival is rounded off with traditional costumes, horse rides, a day of ancient games and various shows. On Sunday the image of the Rosary Virgin is carried in procession through the streets of the village.