Fiestas Patronales de San José en Alhendín

Introduction and local significance

The Fiestas Patronales de San José in Alhendín are celebrated this year from 21 to 24 August 2026 in honour of the patron saint of this town in the province of Granada. Although the main schedule is concentrated on those four official days, the agenda includes preceding activities such as the Feria de la Agricultura and the Fiesta Retro scheduled for 20 August in venues such as Parque de la Estación and Plaza de España. It is well worth a visit for its combination of traditional events, sporting fixtures such as the XXIII Carrera Urbana Villa de Alhendín, and unique activities for all groups.

Historical origins and tradition

Until the 1960s, festivities in the municipality depended on unregulated processions of the patron saint, the Inmaculada, and were limited to fixed neighbourhood celebrations such as those of the Presidio at Pentecost and the Santo Cristo in May. In the 1970s, the custom of organising annual festivities dedicated to the Virgen de la Aurora was established, first in September and later in August. Since 2015, the celebrations have officially honoured San José. Among the religious customs of yesteryear, the early morning singing of the coplas de la Aurora with string instruments and campanilleros (bell-ringers) stands out, a now extinct practice. Today, the procession of San José and the pilgrimage along the riverbed still endure.

Programme and main events

As the main events are already detailed in the list above, it is worth highlighting those milestones that structure the festive days organised by the Town Hall. The official kickoff includes the traditional chupinazo in Plaza de España and the children's parade with the charanga (brass band) Los Folloneros alongside the tourist train. The main day of the religious festivities features the procession of San José, while the closing event moves to the natural surroundings with the pilgrimage along the Río Dílar. The leisure offering is completed by the senior citizens' evening dance and nightly musical performances at the venue.

Traditional festival food

Traditional cuisine takes centre stage during these days at the pilgrimage held by the Río Dílar, where attendees take part in popular competitions. Among the most prominent preparations are homemade tortillas (Spanish potato omelettes) made for the occasion and gazpachos (refreshing cold tomato soups), a very suitable refreshing dish for the high temperatures of August in the province of Granada. To accompany these dishes in the natural surroundings, the typical sangría (wine punch) is also prepared and shared during the day of social gathering on the riverbank.

Visitor guide and where to stay

The main hub of the celebrations is located at Parque de la Estación, where the various festive areas and attractions are set up. As an inclusion measure, quiet hours without noise for the fairground rides have been established every day from 20:00 to 21:30 for people with acoustic sensitivity, in addition to providing a free night crèche and applying reduced prices on attractions during Children's Day. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance in the municipality itself or in surrounding towns to facilitate access to the evening events. During peak times, it is best to use public transport or leave your vehicle in the designated areas outside the town centre.