3 of this spring’s Andalucían festivals that you shouldn’t miss

While there are many fine reasons to live in Andalucía and certainly to investigate the extensive selection of current property for sale in Sotogrande, one of the best from a recreational point of view is undoubtedly the region’s reputation for fine festivals. As it happens, now that we’re well into the spring, we’re also at the heart of the best feria season in the autonomous community.

So, what events are still on the way and that you should be aware of?

Romeria de la Virgen de la cabeza, Jaen

No Spanish pilgrimage is thought to be older than the Romeria de la Virgen de la Cabeza, which first took place in the 13^th century. About half a million people make this pilgrimage to the sanctuary of El Cerro del Cabezo just outside the village of Andujar each year, while riding horses and dressed in typical Andalucían clothes.

Crowds sing and dance in front of the sanctuary during the night before the festival’s final day. It’s running from Saturday 28^th April to Sunday 29^th April this year.

Cruces de Mayo, Granada

This single-day festival – set for Thursday 3^rd May – has to be one of the finest displays of traditional Andalucían culture each year, with women and children donning flamenco dresses to dance and sing around crosses adorned with colourful flowers and pottery. Indeed, there’s even an annual competition to determine the crucifixes that have been decorated to best effect.

Celebrations of the Day of the Cross date as far back as the 17^th century, and with horse processions and major eating and drinking among the other customary highlights, you won’t want to miss the festivities that thousands of visitors are set to enjoy in 2018.

Feria del Caballo de Jerez, Cadiz

Two of the things that Jerez is most strongly associated with are sherry and its annual horse fair, which very much combine for this festival taking place in the first week of May.

While the event naturally celebrates one of the country’s most symbolic animals, there are also some of the finest sherries in the world to sample as you observe the dressed horses parading through the streets with equally spectacularly outfitted equestrians.

You’ll also see no shortage of traditional flamenco dancers at an event that is, after all, a slice of the authentic Andalucía, with a history traceable to the 16^th century.

If any part of the world knows how to truly ‘do’ festivals, it is Andalucía. So, why not browse some of our own listings today to find out more about some of the most interesting current property for sale in Sotogrande, which remains one of the most prestigious and in-demand corners of the Costa del Sol?