Procession of the Virgin of the Sea
January
This festival honours ‘La Virgen del Mar’, the patron saint of Almería. An ancient statue of the Virgin Mary is paraded back to the beach where it was originally found, before the sands come alive with music, food and bonfires.
Noche de San Juan
June
This midsummer festival sees the burning of papier mâché figures, music, traditional verbena dancing and street bonfires, as Almería celebrates this part Christian celebration, part Pagan ritual.
Almería Fair
August
Traditional Spanish flamenco dancing and bullfighting are combined with modern partying at this summer festival. There is a public holiday on the last Saturday of the celebrations, which sees a stunning floral offering made to the Virgin Mary.
Almería Western Film Festival
October
This festival is held in the desert of Tabernas, and can lay claim to being the first festival in Europe exclusively dedicated to Western films, combining screenings of classic and new movies.
International Festival of Spanish Keyboard Music
October
This festival aims to draw both musical academics and members of the public through its programme of concerts, workshops and fringe events. There are also courses run by nationally acclaimed artists for those wishing to learn a new skill.