Feria de Baeza

Introduction and local significance

The Feria de Baeza takes place in the municipality of Baeza from 12 to 16 August 2026. This festival is the main event of the local calendar and is dedicated to Nuestra Señora del Alcázar, the patron saint of the town. The official programme organises a series of activities combining institutional acts with leisure proposals, music and children's events, structured to attract both residents and visitors who come to the city during August.

The City Council of Baeza coordinates this event, managing public spaces and the schedule of events to ensure that the cultural and festive offering runs as planned. The character of the festival responds to a combination of religious devotion to the patron saint and the dynamisation of public spaces, such as the Recinto Ferial (Fairground) and the surroundings of the Plaza de Toros, offering a defined schedule for each of the five days of duration.

Historical origins and tradition

The origin and continuity of the Feria de Baeza are determined by the devotion to Nuestra Señora del Alcázar, who holds the titles of Excelsa Patrona (Exalted Patron Saint) and Alcaldesa Perpetua (Perpetual Mayor) of the city. The history of these celebrations includes the official renewal of the title of Alcaldesa Perpetua, an institutional act that symbolises the bond between the local administration and the religious figure. This ceremony is an essential part of the fair's identity, marking its solemn aspect.

Another tradition that the municipality has recovered is the "dianas musicales" (musical dianas) or brass band mornings. These musical parades, which take place during the early hours of 14, 15 and 16 August, serve to announce the start of the festive day. The participation of musical groups in these early morning performances constitutes a distinctive element that allows attendees to integrate music into the daily start of activities, maintaining a deeply rooted custom in the organisation of the event.

Programme and main events

The programme for the 2026 edition begins on 12 August with the grand opening parade. This central event features the Banda de Música de Baeza (Baeza Music Band), giants and bigheads, as well as brass bands and themed parades. The agenda continues with a specific offering for children, highlighting the theatrical performances "El Ratoncito Pérez" and "Realidad virtual" in the Parque Leocadio Marín.

As for the musical offerings, the Caseta Municipal (Municipal Marquee) hosts standout events, including the concert by Sanguijuelas del Guadiana, scheduled for midnight on 14 August. The central focus of the religious and institutional events takes place on 15 August, a day dedicated to the Solemne Fiesta Mayor (Solemn Major Festival). This day includes three fundamental milestones: the renewal of the title of Alcaldesa Perpetua, the floral offering and the procession in honour of Nuestra Señora del Alcázar. It is recommended to consult the list of events published by the City Council to verify the exact locations and times of each activity, as the programme may be subject to changes by the organisation.

Traditional festival food

The gastronomic offering documented for the fair days focuses on a specific activity: the "Desayuno de feria" (fair breakfast). This event, which takes place on 13 August, consists of the tasting of chocolate con churros (hot chocolate with fried dough fritters). The organisation of the breakfast is linked to the prize-giving ceremony of the Children's Fair Contest, integrating gastronomy as part of a social event aimed at encouraging socialisation among attendees before the start of daytime activities. No other specific dishes are recorded as part of the official gastronomic tradition described in the dossier of this festival.

Visitor guide and where to stay

The organisation of the Feria de Baeza arranges its activities in two main locations: the Recinto Ferial and the esplanade of the Plaza de Toros, where the Feria de Día (Day Fair) is located. Visitors should bear in mind that, unlike other festivities, no fireworks are held during the August dates; these are moved to 30 November, coinciding with the feast day of San Andrés. As an inclusion measure, a "quiet hour" has been established at the Recinto Ferial, a time slot designed to facilitate the stay of people with auditory hypersensitivity.

To access the municipality, the organisation recommends using public transport or parking outside the urban centre during the days of highest turnout, with the aim of avoiding congestion on access routes. Regarding accommodation, it is advisable to book in advance, either in the municipality of Baeza itself or in nearby towns, which will allow for easier travel to the nocturnal events. Before planning the trip, it is necessary to consult the official programme, as times and events may undergo variations by the organisation.