Granada’s festival calendar peaks at two moments: Semana Santa (Holy Week, March or April) with Spain’s most dramatic religious processions, and the Feria del Corpus Christi (June) with a week of bullfights, flamenco, and carnival rides. The city also runs a major international music and dance festival in the Alhambra each summer, and the Cruces de Mayo (May Crosses) competition fills the streets with flower-decorated crosses. Here are the key events with dates, locations, and planning advice.
Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Granada
Granada’s Holy Week processions are among Spain’s most impressive, running from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday (March or April depending on the lunar calendar). Over 30 religious brotherhoods (cofradÃas) carry elaborate wooden floats (pasos) through the streets, accompanied by penitents in pointed hoods and brass bands.
The most important processions occur on Maundy Thursday night with the Cristo del Silencio (Christ of Silence) from the AlbaicÃn to the Alhambra, lit only by candles. The Wednesday and Thursday night processions are the most intense. The main route runs along Gran VÃa de Colón and through Plaza Nueva.
Best viewing is on Gran VÃa or from the steps of the Cathedral. Book accommodation 4-6 months ahead as the city fills completely. March/April weather is variable: average 17-19°C (63-67°F) days, 4-6°C (39-43°F) nights, with 5-7 rain days. Bring layers and be prepared for rain during outdoor processions. The Granada weather by month guide has March/April climate data.
Corpus Christi Fair (Feria del Corpus) in Granada
Held 60 days after Easter Sunday (typically June), this week-long festival transforms the city. The fairground (recinto ferial) sets up at Almanjáyar with carnival rides, casetas (decorated tents) serving food and drink, and flamenco performances. The main religious procession on Corpus Christi Thursday morning carries the monstrance from the Cathedral through decorated streets.
The city is carpeted with rosemary and flowers along the route. Bullfights run at the Plaza de Toros (Granada bullring) each afternoon of the fair week (tickets EUR 30-200). The fair is most active in the evenings from 9:00 PM until 3:00 AM. June weather: 31°C (87°F) days, 14°C (58°F) nights, only 2 rain days. Wear light clothing and stay hydrated.
International Festival of Music and Dance (Granada)
Running late June through mid-July, this prestigious festival programs classical music, ballet, and flamenco performances. The main venues are the Alhambra’s Palace of Charles V (outdoor courtyard, 1,200 seats) and the Generalife Theatre (outdoor amphitheater within the Alhambra walls). Ticket prices: EUR 25-80 for most performances.
The program is announced in March and tickets go on sale in April through the festival website (granadafestival.org). The open-air setting in the Alhambra at night is as memorable as the performances. Book early: high-profile classical artists and flamenco shows sell out within days. July evenings at the Alhambra are warm (25-28°C/77-82°F at showtime) and dry.
DÃa de la Cruz (Day of the Cross) in Granada
May 3 each year, the city celebrates with elaborately decorated crosses placed in plazas and patios. The AlbaicÃn and Realejo districts compete for the best cross decoration with flowers, ceramics
traditional elements. The crosses are accompanied by music, dancing, and food stalls. The competition runs throughout the day and into the evening. It’s a local rather than tourist-oriented event, providing authentic street culture. Free to walk around and view. The AlbaicÃn’s narrow squares host the most atmospheric displays.
Granada International Jazz Festival
Europe’s oldest jazz festival, running since 1980, takes place in November (typically the first three weeks). Venues include the Isabel la Católica Theatre, the Alhambra, and various clubs around the city. Tickets: EUR 15-40 per show. The program is announced in September. The festival brings international jazz artists and a dedicated audience. November weather: 16°C (61°F) days, 5°C (41°F) nights, 7 rain days. Venues are indoor and heated.
For help finding accommodation during festival periods, check our where to stay in Granada guide. For transport and practical information, see our Granada travel tips and FAQ.
