Romería San Sebastián en La Guardia de Jaén

Introduction and local significance

La Romería San Sebastián in La Guardia de Jaén is the festival dedicated to the patron saint of this municipality, located in the province of Jaén, within the autonomous community of Andalusia. In this 2026 edition, the programme of activities takes place from 20 to 24 May. During this period, the social and religious activity of the town is organised around the hermitages that host the services and public events. The celebration combines religious rites, such as the recitation of the Rosary and the Triduum, with festive events at the Caseta Municipal. It is a festival that features the participation of various groups, including the children from catechism classes, and structures its agenda around the transfer of the patron saint's image from the Ermita de la Coronada to the Ermita de las Allanadas.

Historical origins and tradition

The development of the festival is based on a series of specific traditions that set the rhythm of the days around the figure of San Sebastián. One of the hallmarks of this pilgrimage is the so-called V Romería Chica, an event in which the children from catechism classes participate. During the days leading up to the main pilgrimage, the recitation of the Rosary and the Triduum take place at the Ermita de la Coronada, moments when the faithful make a floral offering to the image of the saint using red carnations.

The preparation process is a central component of the tradition, including the decorating of the patron saint before his transfer. Once the celebrations conclude, there is the custom of removing the carnations that have decorated the float of San Sebastián. This distribution event begins at 18:30, allowing attendees to obtain a symbolic souvenir of the Romería San Sebastián in La Guardia de Jaén. This custom links devotion with the decorative object, integrating the attendees into the culmination of the rite.

Programme and main events

The official programme spans five days, balancing religious devotion with shared leisure. Activity is distributed between two main locations: the Ermita de la Coronada, which serves as the fundamental setting for the prayers of the Rosary and the Triduum in honour of San Sebastián, and the Ermita de las Allanadas, where the Misa Romera (pilgrimage mass) and processional events are held during the final day. The transition between both spaces constitutes the core of the programme, marking the transfer of the saint's image and the moment when the pilgrims begin their departure from the Glorieta del Barranquillo.

In addition to the liturgical events, the municipality organises gatherings at the Caseta Municipal de las Allanadas. The agenda includes highlights such as the evening dance, featuring the Orquesta Enredados and Dúo Platino, and live musical performances, such as the Charanga Jadisa (brass band). To know the exact times of each activity and the complete details of the days, it is necessary to consult the official programme provided by the Town Hall. This document contains the complete planning to organise attendance at the events, as times and events may be subject to change depending on the organisation.

Traditional festival food

During the ascent to Las Allanadas, the Town Hall of La Guardia de Jaén organises assistance and refreshment points specifically intended for pilgrims. This logistical contribution consists of the distribution of water, soft drinks and various appetizers for those participating in the journey towards the hermitage. This initiative aims to ensure hydration and support for the pilgrims along the route.

Visitor guide and where to stay

The main venue for the celebrations is located in the Caseta Municipal de las Allanadas. Visitors interested in participating in the floral offering should bear in mind that the sale of carnation bouquets takes place at the door of the Ermita de la Coronada, with an established price of 6 euros per bouquet. It is important to pay attention to updated information provided by the town hall to ensure correct attendance at the events.

To facilitate mobility, it is preferable to use public transport or look for parking outside the town centre if visiting the municipality during the busiest days. Regarding accommodation, it is advisable to make reservations in advance, either in the municipality of La Guardia de Jaén itself or in nearby towns, which makes it easier to follow the evening events. Before travelling, it is necessary to check the official town hall programme, as times and locations of events may change.