Festivities in Jaén
The main festivities in the city: what they are, when they fall, where they are held and how to get there.
-
Now
San Lucas Fair and Festivities
Jaén's big fair: ten October days around Saint Luke's day, the 18th, with marquees and rides at the Alcalde Alfonso Sánchez Herrera fairground, a proclamation, a parade, concerts and theatre.
Photo: Alifates, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
-
Wednesday, November 25, 2026
Saint Catherine's Day and Pilgrimage
Every 25 November, a local holiday, Jaén makes a pilgrimage with its patron saint, Catherine of Alexandria, up to the castle named after her. There is Mass at the castle and a country meal of migas and grilled sardines.
Photo: Zarateman, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
-
March 21 to 28, 2027
Holy Week in Jaén
Around twenty brotherhoods process through Jaén's historic centre from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. In the early hours of Good Friday comes Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno, the city's most significant brotherhood.
Photo: Juan Fernández, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
-
Friday, June 11, 2027
Festivities of the Virgen de la Capilla
On 11 June, a local holiday, Jaén honours its patron saint and honorary mayor, the Virgen de la Capilla, recalling her descent to the city on the night of 10-11 June 1430 with the Cabildos' Mass and the procession.
Photo: Rlinx, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
-
On the night of the Saturday closest to 16 January, the eve of Saint Anthony the Abbot. The race is run that same evening.
San Antón Bonfires and Noche de San Antón International Night Race
One January night when Jaén lights bonfires in its districts, burns rag figures, sings melenchones and runs the Noche de San Antón International Night Race. It has been a Festival of National Tourist Interest since 2019.
Photo: Rlinx, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
-
In early May. In 2026 the crosses were on display on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 May, and the children's processions took place on 1 May.
Jaén May Crosses
On the first weekend of May, associations, brotherhoods and parishes set up flower crosses in Jaén's streets and squares, competing in the municipal contest. The day before, the children's processions take to the streets.
Photo: Olga Berrios, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0