Published October 25, 2025 | Category: Events

TL;DR: The Almeria International Film Festival 2025 (FICAL) runs from November 14–23 with a record number of film submissions, tributes to acclaimed filmmakers, and events that reaffirm Almeria’s status as Spain’s capital of cinematic landscapes.

Almeria International Film Festival 2025: FICAL Marks Its 24th Edition with Record Submissions and Global Guests

The Almeria International Film Festival (FICAL) returns this November for its 24th edition, transforming the Andalusian capital into a meeting point for filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals from across the world. From November 14 to 23, 2025, Almeria will once again showcase its deep connection with cinema — a bond that dates back to the golden age of Westerns filmed in its desert landscapes.

Table of Contents

• Festival overview
• Competitions and awards
• Program highlights
• Venues and screenings
• Almeria’s film heritage
• Practical info & sources

Festival overview

Organised by the Diputación de Almeria, FICAL was founded in 2003 under the name “Almeria en Corto.” What started as a regional short film competition has evolved into one of Spain’s most dynamic audiovisual festivals. According to the organisers, the 2025 edition will emphasise the theme of “Cinema as cultural identity and tourism engine”, underlining how Almeria’s landscapes have shaped global film history.

The festival’s official aim, stated by the Diputación, is to “promote the province of Almeria through its historical links with the audiovisual industry.” FICAL has become not only a cultural highlight but also a strategic pillar of Almeria’s off-season tourism economy, drawing international visitors in November each year.

Competitions and awards

FICAL 2025 will once again feature several competitive sections. The flagship contest, “Almeria en Corto”, remains one of Spain’s leading short film competitions. This year, more than 1,400 entries from over 60 countries were submitted — a record figure that highlights the festival’s global reach. According to the official rules published on Movibeta, all entries must have been produced after January 1, 2024 and must not exceed 30 minutes in length.

The festival awards more than €24,000 in prizes, including €7,000 for Best International Short Film and €6,000 for Best Spanish Short Film, along with recognition for Best Director, Screenplay, and Cinematography. These prizes are designed to support new voices in cinema and to encourage filming projects in the province.

In addition to the short film competitions, FICAL 2025 also includes sections for feature films, TV series, and digital content, reflecting how storytelling has evolved across new formats.

Program highlights

The full program, to be unveiled in early November, will include screenings, masterclasses, exhibitions, and open-air events. As in previous years, the opening gala will take place at the Auditorio Maestro Padilla, followed by the traditional red carpet ceremonies and the closing awards night at Teatro Cervantes.

Among the expected guests are Spanish filmmaker Isabel Coixet, who will receive an honorary award, and several emerging directors whose films have been shot in the Almeria region. The festival will also host round-table discussions on the future of the Andalusian film industry, co-productions, and sustainable filmmaking.

For visitors, the open-air screenings along the Paseo de Almeria and Plaza Vieja are among the most popular activities, often featuring restored classics and documentaries about the province’s cinematic past.

Venues and screenings

The festival extends across the city, combining cultural landmarks and modern auditoriums:

• Teatro Cervantes – Closing gala and award ceremony.
• Auditorio Maestro Padilla – Opening night and competition screenings.
• Museo de Almeria – Hosts the exhibition “Almeria on Screen.”
• Casa del Cine – Industry panels and meet-the-filmmaker sessions.

Many of these locations are within walking distance, turning central Almeria into a week-long open set for movie lovers.

Almeria’s film heritage

For decades, Almeria has been known as Europe’s natural film studio. Its desert plains and coastline have hosted over 500 productions, from Lawrence of Arabia (1962) to Sergio Leone’s iconic Westerns and more recent series such as Game of Thrones and Black Mirror. FICAL keeps this legacy alive by honouring both international and local creators who continue to choose the province as a filming destination.

The Almeria Film Office plays a vital role in connecting filmmakers with local resources and permits, while the festival’s “Filming Almeria” section specifically rewards productions that contribute to the province’s cultural and economic development.

Practical info & sources

Dates: November 14–23, 2025
Edition: 24th (XXIV)
Organiser: Diputación de Almeria
Total prize fund: €24,200
Official site: festivaldealmeria.com
Competition rules: Movibeta – FICAL 2025 Rules
Festival profile: Festhome
Organizer institution: Diputación de Almeria
Tourism info: Spain.info

For more updates from across the province, visit our Events category.

Published October 15, 2025 | Category: Latest News

TL;DR: Aemet issues a new alert for Almeria Weather as rain and storms return this week. Showers are expected across most of the province until Saturday, with the heaviest rainfall in Berja, Albox, Vera, and Almeria city.

Aemet warns: Almeria Weather turns unstable again

The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued a new warning for Almeria Weather. After a few calm days following DANA Alice, a new cold air mass at high altitude is set to bring rain and thunderstorms back to the province starting Wednesday afternoon and continuing through Saturday, October 18.

According to Aemet, “an anticyclone over the British Isles is sending cold air to Spain, which, when combined with humid easterly winds, will create unstable conditions and storms across the eastern peninsula and the Balearic Islands.” This setup will once again affect large parts of Almeria, with a high probability of rainfall across multiple towns.

Rain forecast across Almeria

Showers are expected this afternoon between 12:00 and 18:00 across nearly the entire province. Aemet’s forecast map shows a rain probability of 95% to 100% for municipalities such as Berja, El Ejido, Almeria city, Laujar de Andarax, Ohanes, Abla, Nacimiento, Gérgal, Velefique, Bacares, Bayarque, Serón, Macael, Albox, Huércal-Overa, Oria, Taberno, Tabernas, Níjar, Gádor, Viator, Enix, Sorbas, Carboneras, Mojácar, Vera, Garrucha, Los Gallardos, and Lubrín.

These midweek showers are only a prelude. Aemet forecasts that Thursday and Friday will remain unstable, though with fewer areas experiencing significant rainfall. Rain will mainly affect inland and northern parts of the province, including Berja, Laujar de Andarax, Ohanes, Abla, Fiñana, Serón, and Bayarque.

Weekend outlook: Almeria Weather to improve by Saturday

According to Aemet, occasional showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected on Thursday and Friday, especially in mountainous areas during the afternoon. On Saturday, October 18, rain is forecast mainly along the Mediterranean coast and inland areas in the morning. The probability of rain will range between 40% and 50%, gradually decreasing later in the day.

Residents are advised to stay updated through Aemet’s official forecast for real-time alerts and local updates on Almeria Weather.

Source: Official data from Aemet (State Meteorological Agency of Spain)

For more updates from across the province, visit our Nature & Environment category.

Published October 15, 2025 | Category: Community

TL;DR: The 2025 Huercal Overa Fair begins today and runs until October 21. The program includes concerts by Medina Azahara, Lérica, King África, and Se Llama Copla, children’s activities, fireworks, and local traditions that make this one of Almeria’s most anticipated autumn events. Huercal Overa’s biggest week of the year brings music, tradition, and Andalusian flair to every corner of the town

Huercal Overa Fair 2025: Full Week of Festivities, Music and Family Fun

The municipality of Huercal Overa officially opens its 2025 Fair today, October 15, marking the beginning of one of the most anticipated events in the province of Almeria. The fair, which runs until Tuesday, October 21, transforms the town into a vibrant hub of music, food, and tradition — a celebration that unites residents and visitors alike.

This year’s festivities will be inaugurated with an opening speech by Blanca López Gómez, the elder sister of the Paso Negro brotherhood, who will deliver the proclamation at 8:00 PM at the Villa de Huercal Overa Theater. Following the speech, the mayor and local authorities will lead the traditional lighting ceremony to officially open the Fairgrounds.

Concerts, Fireworks and Major Performances

The 2025 edition promises an exceptional lineup of concerts and performances. Among the main attractions are renowned Spanish artists such as Medina Azahara, Lérica, King África, and Se Llama Copla. Local rock bands, DJs, and dance groups will also perform daily in the municipal booth and Youth Area.

Saturday night will feature one of the fair’s most anticipated moments: a spectacular fireworks display by Pirotecnia Valenciana, followed by a late-night concert by the pop group Lérica. On Sunday, the rock legends Medina Azahara will take the stage for a highlight performance that will close the weekend in style.

Activities for Families and Children

The fair is known for being one of the most family-friendly events in Almeria. A dedicated children’s playroom will be open in the Municipal Sports Pavilion from Thursday to Monday between 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM, offering games, workshops, and entertainment for kids of all ages. The fairgrounds will host Children’s Day on October 15 and again on October 21, with rides at reduced prices. Two “quiet” sessions with reduced sound and steady lights are scheduled for October 17 and 21 to ensure accessibility for children with sensory sensitivities.

Tradition and Community Spirit

Beyond the concerts and amusements, the Huercal Overa Fair remains deeply rooted in local tradition. On Sunday, October 19, a mass and floral offering will be held at the Parish Church of the Assumption in honor of the town’s patron saint. The festivities also include parades of giants and big-headed figures, classic fair games, and performances by flamenco schools such as the Ría Pita Dance School.

Mayor Domingo Fernández emphasized the social importance of the event, stating: “The Fair is a unique moment to gather with friends and family; some even return home from other towns to celebrate these days together. It is a time to share joy and strengthen our community bonds.”

Highlights by Day

• Wednesday, Oct 15: Opening speech by Blanca López, lighting of the fair, and live rock by Essencial Rockband.
• Thursday, Oct 16: Breakfast with local elders, afternoon concerts by Kaliqueños, and DJ Wili.Illiw in the Youth Zone.
• Friday, Oct 17: Children’s bull run, quiet afternoon at the fairground, and a headline concert by King África.
• Saturday, Oct 18: Fireworks and concerts by Lérica, Selow Flow, and JAP.
• Sunday, Oct 19: Floral offering, flamenco show, bullfighting exhibition, and concert by Medina Azahara.
• Monday, Oct 20: Family musical Los Muñecos de la Tele and the show Se Llama Copla.
• Tuesday, Oct 21: Final day celebrations and reduced-price rides for children.

How to Visit

The Huercal Overa Fairgrounds are located near the town center, easily accessible from the A-7 motorway and within walking distance of the main hotels and restaurants. Visitors are advised to arrive early for popular concerts and to check local transport schedules, as special shuttles often operate during fair week.

For the official program and municipal updates, visit the Ayuntamiento de Huércal-Overa website.

For more updates from across the province, visit our Community category.

Published October 15, 2025 | Category: Latest news

TL;DR: The Official Gazette of Andalusia (BOJA) has confirmed the Almeria local holidays 2026, covering all 103 municipalities. Below you’ll find highlights with the main celebrations, practical tips, and the complete list to help you plan closures, festivals, and travel.

Almeria Local Holiday: Full Calendar for All 103 Municipalities

Table of Contents

• What are local holidays in Andalusia?
• When were the 2026 dates confirmed?
• Key dates and main celebrations across the province
• How these holidays affect daily life
• Planning tips for residents and visitors
• Complete list: Almeria municipalities & their 2026 local holidays
• Official sources

What are local holidays in Andalusia?

In Spain, workers enjoy a mix of national, regional, and local public holidays. In Andalusia, the framework recognises up to 14 paid, non-recoverable holidays per year, of which two are designated locally by each municipality. Local holidays usually coincide with long-standing traditions such as patron saint days, fairs, or culturally significant festivities. Each City Council proposes its two local dates, which the regional labour authority approves and publishes in the BOJA (the Official Gazette of the Regional Government of Andalusia).

When were the 2026 dates confirmed?

The resolution dated October 6, 2025 from the General Directorate of Labour, Occupational Health and Safety set the basis for 2026 local holidays. The BOJA publication on October 14, 2025 lists the official local holidays for every municipality in Andalusia, including all 103 in the province of Almeria. A previous BOJA on May 19, 2025 confirmed the community-wide public holiday calendar for 2026, to which the two local dates per municipality are added.

Key dates and main celebrations across the province

While every town sets its own two dates, several stand out because of their scale, cultural significance, or popularity with visitors:

• City of Almeria: June 24 (San Juan) and August 29 (Feria de Almeria) — the city’s biggest summer festival with parades, concerts, and fireworks.
• Roquetas de Mar: July 27 (Virgen del Carmen) and October 7 (Fiestas Patronales) — maritime processions and local fairs.
• Vera: June 10 (San Antonio) and September 25 (San Cleofás Fair) — a traditional Levante-region celebration.
• Huercal-Overa: October 16 and October 20 (Festivities of San Fulgencio) — processions, music, and a large fairground.
• Adra: September 8 (Virgen del Mar) and September 10 (Feria de Adra) — religious devotion meets Andalusian fair atmosphere.
• Nijar: January 20 (San Sebastián) and May 15 (San Isidro Labrador) — agricultural and artisan-centred celebrations.
• Carboneras: June 12 and June 13 (Virgen del Carmen) — renowned seaside procession and summer festivities.
• Mojacar: June 12 and August 28 (Moros y Cristianos) — one of the province’s most colourful, touristic events.
• Velez Rubio & Velez Blanco: Early–mid August (Patron Saints Fairs) — music, markets, and local gastronomy in Los Velez.
• Laujar de Andarax: January 22 (San Sebastián) and September 18 (Feria y Fiestas Patronales) — the Alpujarra Alta’s festive heart.

How these holidays affect daily life

On local holidays, municipal services and many businesses may close or operate shorter hours. Schools and public offices in the relevant municipality are usually closed. Essential services (healthcare, transport, emergency services) continue operating, though with possible Sunday or festive timetables. If you commute or travel between municipalities, keep in mind that closures in one town may not apply in a neighbouring town on the same day.

Planning tips for residents and visitors

• Check timetables in advance: Local bus lines and municipal facilities may switch to holiday schedules.
• Book ahead during fairs: Accommodation and restaurants can be busy around major local festivities in summer and early autumn.
• Expect street closures: Parades and fairgrounds sometimes alter traffic patterns. Allow extra time for parking.
• Use it as a cultural opportunity: Many towns showcase their identity during local holidays—great for photos, food, crafts, and family activities.
• Follow official updates: Always consult official notices close to the date to confirm any changes.

Complete list: Almeria municipalities & local holidays & markets

The table below lists the official 2026 local holidays for every municipality in the province of Almeria, as published by the BOJA.

Official sources

For full, authoritative details and any updates, consult the Official Gazette of Andalusia (BOJA): Junta de Andalucía – BOJA website.

For more updates from across the province, visit our Community category.