Real Feria y Fiestas en honor a María Santísima de la Sierra en Cabra

Introduction and local significance

The Real Feria y Fiestas in honour of María Santísima de la Sierra in Cabra will take place from 3 to 8 September 2026 in this municipality in the province of Córdoba, Andalusia. This patronal festival brings together numerous residents and visitors around the local patron saint through a comprehensive official programme that combines religious devotion with popular leisure. The City Council coordinates an event with deep historical roots that transforms the daily activity of the town and attracts devotees and travellers during the first days of September.

Historical origins and tradition

This celebration has held the official designation of National Tourist Interest since 1972, a recognition that endorses its cultural importance and its deep roots in the region. Among its most prominent rituals is the emblematic triumphal entry of the image of María Santísima de la Sierra, accompanied along her route by floats, brotherhoods, local associations, horse riders and devotees. The main events take place in such representative enclaves of the municipality as the Alcántara-Romero Park and the Real de la Tejera. During the main days of the fiestas, popular devotion is manifested in a very special way in events such as the traditional singing of the Salve as it passes the Town Hall during the procession on 8 September.

Programme and main events

The central events of this edition of the Real Feria y Fiestas in honour of María Santísima de la Sierra in Cabra kick off on 3 September with the inaugural proclamation given by Antonio Jesús Fernández, the proclamation of the Queen and King of the Fiestas along with their Court of Honour, and the official lighting of the extraordinary street illuminations. The events of 4 September begin at 09:00 with the general pealing of bells announcing the descent of the Patron Saint from her sanctuary, a transfer that culminates in her triumphal entry into the city from 16:00 onwards. The festive programme also includes traditional proposals such as the Battle of Flowers with the prize-giving ceremony for the Float Competition at the Arcos on Calle Baena, and the Horse Parade in Plaza de España and the ADIE Centre car park. As a social inclusion measure, the organisation establishes a daily time slot without music, scheduled between 20:30 and 21:30 —or from 20:00 to 22:00 on the opening day— to facilitate participation for people with noise sensitivity. Likewise, a Purple Point will be set up at the Real de la Feria from 4 to 7 September between 00:00 and 03:00 to guarantee the safety of all attendees.

Traditional festival food

Regarding the culinary aspect during this celebration in the municipality of Córdoba, the local cuisine falls within the traditional gastronomic customs of the region. The flavours of the territory reflect the historical connection of the surroundings with the products of the land and the Andalusian countryside, forming part of the general context in which the meetings and experiences of the attendees take place during the festive days.

Visitor guide and where to stay

To facilitate travel and urban mobility during the main days, a special free fair bus service is provided on 4, 7 and 8 September, with an established route between the Bus Station and the Barriada Virgen de la Sierra. Regarding leisure and parking, an authorised area for gatherings is available in the ADIE Centre car park with a time limit until 03:00. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance, either in the municipality itself or in surrounding towns, to follow the night events with total comfort. On days with the highest influx of the public, it is highly recommended to prioritise the use of public transport or park vehicles outside the urban area. Before making the trip, it is very useful to consult the official programme to check for possible changes in schedules or the location of planned events.