Festivals in Motilla del Palancar

Local festivals of Motilla del Palancar

The main celebration of Motilla del Palancar is the Fair and Festivals of San Gil Abad, patron saint of the town, whose central day is 1 September. The festive calendar is completed with the pilgrimage of San Isidro, San Antón, Lardero Thursday, Carnival, Holy Week and Los Mayos, celebrations that the City Council itself includes among the traditions of the municipality.

• Usual date and duration: the main day is 1 September, festival of San Gil Abad. Fair activities usually extend over several days around that date.
• Otros momentos destacados: San Antón on 17 January; Lardero Thursday before Lent; Los Mayos during the night of 30 April; and San Isidro Labrador on 15 May.
• Usual places: San Gil Abad church, Plaza de España, El Carrascal park, multipurpose pavilion and, for the San Isidro pilgrimage, the Las Reíllas area.
• Traditions: blessing of animals and auction in San Antón, May song to the Virgin and the girls, pilgrimage and picnic in San Isidro, as well as religious, cultural, musical and sporting events during the fair.
• Participación: City Council and Department of Celebrations, associations, cultural groups, neighbors, families and visitors to the region.
• Local public holidays in 2026: el 15 May and the 1 September, published as paid and non-recoverable holidays. The rest of the days with activities do not acquire the status of public holiday.

The programmes for San Gil Abad and other celebrations are approved for each edition; It is advisable to consult the agenda and municipal notices to find out times, routes and possible changes.

Sources: history, heritage and festivals of Motilla del Palancar, Town Hall: festivities in honour of San Gil Abad y official list of local festivals of Castile-La Mancha for 2026.