Carrera del Agua en Lanjarón

Introduction and local significance

The Carrera del Agua en Lanjarón takes place from 19 to 24 June 2026 in this municipality in the province of Granada, within the autonomous community of Andalusia. This patronal festival is deeply linked to the celebration of the Night of San Juan and attracts thousands of visitors every year, eager to take part in its unique festive events. It is well worth planning a visit to experience firsthand one of the most prominent cultural and traditional events in the Alpujarra region, which combines devotion, recent history and massive gatherings in the streets of the town centre.

Historical origins and tradition

Its origins date back to 1980, when the residents of Lanjarón decided to commemorate the most magical night of the year in a very particular way through the festive and playful use of water. Over the decades, this popular initiative gained deep roots and was eventually declared a Festival of Andalusian Tourist Interest. After fulfilling the required five-year waiting period, the City Council initiated the necessary procedures to achieve a broader territorial recognition, and the Government of Spain granted the Carrera del Agua en Lanjarón the declaration of Festival of National Tourist Interest. In this way, it became the thirteenth distinction of its kind in the whole of Andalusia, number 163 in the whole of Spain and the first recognition of this level for the province of Granada.

The festive programme includes several traditional elements deeply rooted among the local population and visitors. Among them, the famous water battle stands out, taking place strictly during the first hour of San Juan's day, specifically between 00:00 and 01:00, when participants throw water at each other using buckets, hoses, bottles, water pistols and balloons. Another unmissable event is La Pública, a carnival parade with over four decades of history in which numerous groups take part wearing costumes handcrafted over months. Likewise, the traditional programme includes the Romería de San Juan, during which the image of San Juan Bautista is carried in procession through the streets of the municipality until reaching the Parque del Salado, in addition to the colourful Witches' parade accompanied by the rhythm of the Batukada Santuka, the traditional climb up the Palo del Jamón and the bonfires linked to the ancestral rituals of the summer night.

Programme and main events

The official calendar for this edition includes various cultural and recreational events that precede and accompany the main days of the event. Among the highlights are the traditional parade and official collection of the town crier Isabel Jiménez, the colourful La Pública parade, the Children's Water Race designed for the little ones, and the lively witches' parade with live percussion. The climax of the programme arrives with the massive Water Race held between the Sol de las Palas roundabout and the Plaza de la Constitución, an event that immediately leads into the Water Party entertained by various DJs in the same square. To check detailed timetables and any last-minute changes, it is always recommended to check the official programme available in the information sheet.

Traditional festival food

• Jamón de la Alpujarra: Recognised cured ham typical of the high mountain area, traditionally enjoyed in bars, squares and gatherings during the festival celebrations.
• Vinos: Wines produced in the region's wineries that usually accompany the local gastronomic offer and pair with the traditional products of the land.

Visitor guide and where to stay

The main reference venue for the organisation of the festivities is located around the Balneario de Lanjarón. Given the large volume of attendees that the celebration attracts, the City Council strictly limits the capacity of the Water Race to a set number of participants, ranging between 14,000 and 15,000, in order to preserve the event's unique characteristics and ensure general safety. To oversee the proper development of the events, a special security operation consisting of some 200 people is deployed. Additionally, the venue features a Caseta Joven located at the Lucena Rivas school, designed for young people and open from midnight until six in the morning.

It is advisable to book accommodation well in advance, either in the municipality itself or in nearby towns, which greatly facilitates following the night events without logistical complications. During the days of highest public turnout, it is highly recommended to use public transport or park private vehicles in the designated areas outside the town centre.