Photo: Rafael Jiménez · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Patron saint festival
Fiestas en Honor a Santa María del Castillo en Belmez
Belmez, Córdoba · Andalucía
2026 edition
29 July – 2 August 2026
✔ Official dates confirmed
2026 programme
- 29 July · Opening of the Solemn Triduum (exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Holy Rosary and Holy Mass)
- 30 July · Religious services and kissing of the hands (Besamanos) to Nuestra Señora Santa María del Castillo
- 31 July · Eucharist and solemn procession of the image (Santa María, San Antonio, Aduana, Tesoro and Santa María streets)
- 31 July · Live musical performance by José Fernández
- 1 August · Sunday Holy Mass (Hermitage)
- 1 August · Musical performance by Dúo Belmez
- 2 August · Live musical performance by Dúo Azahar
Introduction and local significance
The Fiestas in Honour of Santa María del Castillo in Belmez represent the patron saint celebration that structures the festive and religious calendar of this town in Córdoba. Scheduled to take place from 29 July to 2 August 2026, these days bring the community together around various liturgical and social events. The festival stands out as a period in which devotion to the patron saint is highlighted, making it an ideal occasion to visit the municipality of Belmez and take part in its events schedule.
Historical origins and tradition
The fundamental axis of this celebration is the figure of Nuestra Señora Santa María del Castillo. Tradition is expressed mainly through liturgy, with the celebration of the Solemn Triduum standing out as the start of the religious events. Another notable moment is the kissing of the hands ceremony (Besamanos), where homage is paid to the image. Likewise, the procession of Nuestra Señora Santa María del Castillo through the streets of the municipality constitutes the central event where popular religiosity meets the local residents, consolidating the importance of this festivity in the identity of Belmez.
Programme and main events
The official programme of the Fiestas in Honour of Santa María del Castillo in Belmez integrates a succession of services and leisure moments. Among the standout events are the opening of the Triduum, the Sunday Mass celebrated at the Hermitage (Ermita), and the procession of the image along the marked route. In addition, the programme includes live musical performances, such as appearances by Dúo Belmez and Dúo Azahar, as well as a performance by José Fernández, which bring a social component to the celebration. To check the complete list of schedules and specific details for each day, you should review the official information detailed in the list above in this profile.
Traditional festival food
There is no available data regarding gastronomy, traditional dishes or specific catering establishments linked to this festivity in the official information provided for this edition.
Visitor guide and where to stay
To access the festival grounds in Belmez, it is recommended to opt for public transport or look for parking outside the town centre due to the expected higher influx of people. It is advisable to consult the official programme before making any travel arrangements, as the organisation may make changes to schedules and programmed events. Regarding logistics, it is suggested to book accommodation well in advance, given that securing a place in the municipality itself or in nearby towns makes it easier to follow the events, especially during the evening activities.