Festivals in Alcalá la Real

Discover the main festivals, celebrations and traditions of Alcalá la Real, municipality of Jaén, in Andalusia.

Local festivals of Alcalá la Real

The festive calendar of Alcalá la Real combines traditional festivals, a fair and cultural programming. The City Council highlights the Day of the Cross, la Real Feria de San Mateo, los August Festivals around the Virgen de las Mercedes and the festival Etnosur.

  • Name of the municipality's festivities: Day of the Cross, Royal Fair of San Mateo, August Festivals and Etnosur.
  • Main celebration day: The Day of the Cross is celebrated around the 3 May; The Royal Fair of San Mateo is organised around September.
  • Usual duration: the municipal side of 2026 sets the Day of the Cross of the 1 May to 3; The Royal Fair of San Mateo of 2025 was held from 18 September to 22.
  • Usual places: Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Paseo de los Álamos, fairgrounds, Municipal Booth, Praderas del Coto, Teatro Martínez Montañés, Fortaleza de la Mota and streets of the urban area according to programming.
  • Associated traditions: crosses and neighbourhood coexistence, day fair, festival, concerts, parade of giants and big heads, children's fair, horse ribbon race and Royal Livestock Fair.
  • Who participates: City Hall, Celebrations and Culture areas, brotherhoods, neighbourhood associations, booths, fairgrounds, cultural groups, families, visitors and municipal services.
  • Etnosur: The Culture and Tourism area describes Etnosur as a free multidisciplinary festival that has been celebrated since 1997 on the third weekend of July, with music, circus, workshops, storytellers, street activities, crafts and gastronomy.
  • August Festivals: The municipal website links them to the celebrations around the Virgen de las Mercedes, patron saint of Alcalá la Real, with cultural and festive activities for several days.
  • Other events: The municipal agenda includes cultural activities, theater, exhibitions, carnival, Christmas, village festivals and tourist programming.

For exact dates, traffic closures, times or location changes, always consult the municipal section of Celebrations and the official agenda before planning the visit.