Festivals and calendar of the province of Jaén
A festival every month: bonfires, processions, pilgrimages, fairs and the new oil.
Key points
- The San Antón bonfires (16 January, Jaén) are a Festival of National Tourist Interest.
- The Virgen de la Cabeza pilgrimage (last Sunday in April, Andújar) is of International Tourist Interest.
- Holy Week in Úbeda, Baeza and Jaén is among the most beautiful in Andalusia; in 2027, from 21 to 28 March.
- In autumn and winter, the new oil is celebrated with the First Oil Festival and the Olive Festival in Martos.
There is no month without a festival in Jaén. The calendar mixes centuries-old religious celebrations, summer fairs, olive-harvest festivals and music festivals in monumental settings. These dates are approximate: they change every year, so check the town hall's website before you travel.
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January
- San Antón bonfires and night race16 Jan · Jaén
- Three Kings parade5 Jan · everywhere
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February
- CarnivalJaén, Martos, La Carolina…
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March
- Holy Week (2027: 21-28 Mar)Úbeda, Baeza, Jaén, Alcalá la Real…
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April
- Virgen de la Cabeza pilgrimagelast Sunday · Andújar (2027: 25 Apr)
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May
- May Crosses and pilgrimageseverywhere
- Expoliva (odd years)Jaén
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June
- Corpus ChristiJaén, Baeza and many towns
- Virgen de la Capilla11 Jun · Jaén
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July
- Las Navas de Tolosa commemorationJuly · Santa Elena
- Etnosur FestivalAlcalá la Real
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August
- Summer fairsMartos, Cazorla, Alcalá la Real…
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September
- San Miguel Fairlate Sept · Úbeda
- Andújar FairAndújar
- September fairsCazorla, Baeza…
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October
- San Lucas Fairaround 18 Oct · Jaén
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November
- Olive FestivalMartos
- Early Music FestivalNov-Dec · Úbeda and Baeza
- First Oil Festivalautumn · varying venue
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December
- Olive harvest beginseverywhere
- Nativity scenes and Christmaseverywhere
Approximate dates: they change every year (Holy Week and the pilgrimage follow the calendar). Check each town hall before travelling.
The big festivals
- San Antón bonfires · Jaén · 16 JanuaryBonfires in every neighbourhood, melenchones (folk songs) and the international night race, held since 1984.
- Holy Week · March or AprilProcessions among Renaissance palaces in Úbeda and Baeza and up the steep streets of Jaén and Alcalá la Real.
- Virgen de la Cabeza pilgrimage · Andújar · last weekend in AprilDozens of brotherhoods climb to the sanctuary in the Sierra de Andújar. In 2027, Sunday 25 April.
- San Lucas Fair · Jaén · OctoberThe capital's big fair, around 18 October, the patron saint's day.
- San Miguel Fair · Úbeda · late SeptemberFairground, bullfights and the start of autumn in the Renaissance town.
- Early Music Festival · Úbeda and Baeza · November and DecemberRenaissance and Baroque concerts in El Salvador, Baeza Cathedral and the Hospital de Santiago.
- Olive Festival · Martos · NovemberCelebrates the start of the harvest with tastings and olive-grove activities.
- Etnosur · Alcalá la Real · JulyA free world-music festival.
Olive oil festivals
The Jaén First Oil Festival, organised by the provincial council, presents the first oils of the harvest every autumn with tastings, live cooking and family activities. Its venue changes: the 12th edition, in November 2025, was held in Martos. Every other spring, Expoliva brings the world's olive oil industry to Jaén.
Tips for enjoying the festivals
Recommended
- Book accommodation months ahead for Holy Week and the pilgrimage.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the streets of Úbeda, Baeza and Jaén are steep.
- Try each festival's sweets: pestiños, roscos and hornazos.
Frequently asked questions
When are the San Antón bonfires?
On the night of 16 January, the eve of Saint Anthony the Abbot, in the neighbourhoods of Jaén city.
Sources
- Turespaña (spain.info). Fiestas de San Antón de Jaén
- Festivales de España. Romería de la Virgen de la Cabeza de Andújar
- Festivales de España. Feria de San Lucas de Jaén
- Festivales de España. Festival de Música Antigua de Úbeda y Baeza
- Forbes. La XII Fiesta del Primer Aceite de Jaén se celebrará el 8 y 9 de noviembre en Martos