Benalúa De Las Villas brings together three specific topics to consider when planning a trip: recurring festivals, olive oil experiences and archaeological history. If you would like to plan your stay around a celebration, bear the time of year in mind: dates range from January through the summer, while Las Migas depends on the time of year and, in particular, rainfall.
Festivals by season
The religious festival of the patron saint San Sebastián is celebrated on January 20; the popular festivities take place on the last weekend in July. The San Sebastián programme includes a parade with giant figures and big-heads, street processions, concerts, activities for children and sports competitions. Individual programme items may change. The Toro de Chispas is also part of the tradition: a young man carries a structure filled with rockets and firecrackers.
At the end of April, a procession is held in honour of the Virgen de la Cabeza. The Fiesta de las Cruces is celebrated on May 3, with decorated crosses and a festive atmosphere in the streets. Check the dates and programmes locally for the current annual calendar, so you can distinguish fixed occasions from details that may change.
Las Migas follows a different rhythm: after the olive harvest campaign ends, the festival takes place on a Sunday between early and late March, depending on the year and especially on rainfall. Groups of women prepare several pans of migas; people gather around tables in the village square to sample them. Check the current festival schedule before travelling, as the date depends above all on rainfall.
Discover olive oil locally
The Amarga y Pica shop in Benalúa De Las Villas, which is open to the public, offers olive oil tastings with explanations from the staff. In addition, S.C.A. Conde de Benalúa offers the bookable “Visita la Almazara” experience. If you would like to include this experience in your plans, check availability for your preferred date in advance.
Archaeological traces and local history
Archaeological finds in the area suggest that Benalúa De Las Villas was inhabited by the Iberians. Roman remains from the area include coins and a bust of Emperor Trajan. Remains of an Iberian settlement were found at the Cerro del Cántaro archaeological site. The site is considered the most significant historical monument in Benalúa De Las Villas. The town’s history also includes the Arab period, when it gained importance because of its strategic location between the kingdoms of Granada and Jaén.
Las Banderas is an item of intangible cultural heritage in Benalúa De Las Villas, associated with festive rituals and a pilgrimage. The parish church of Nuestra señora la Encarnación is also located in the town. Check opening hours locally before visiting.
A cycling route with regional connections
The El Mendrugo cycling route includes Benalúa De Las Villas. In the wider region, it runs through the Montes Orientales along the river corridors of the Cubillas, Fardes and Aguas Blancas. This cycling theme adds a perspective on the wider region to the local festival and history themes.
Discover more destinations: Alhendín, Freila, Castilléjar, Laroles, Huéscar, Pórtugos, Lentegí, Dólar.
For the overview of the wider trip: Granada.
