Events

Almeria International Film Festival 2025: FICAL Celebrates Two Decades of Cinema in Andalusia

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.

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.

Events

Arboleas Christmas Lights 2025 | Switch-On Ceremony in Plaza de España

Published December 6, 2025 | Category: Events

TL;DR: The Arboleas Christmas Lights 2025 will be officially switched on this Monday, 8 December, at 17:45 in Plaza de España, in front of the Town Hall, with a short festive presentation open to the community.

Arboleas Christmas Lights 2025: Switch-On This Monday

The Arboleas Christmas Lights 2025 will be officially switched on this Monday, 8 December, at 17:45 in Plaza de España, right in front of the Town Hall. The event marks the formal start of the festive season in this Almanzora Valley village.

The Town Hall has invited residents and visitors to join a short evening programme, including a Christmas-themed presentation, a brief appearance by a representative of local associations and, of course, the moment when the town’s festive lights are illuminated across Arboleas.

According to the official announcement published by the Arboleas Town Hall, the switch-on ceremony is open to everyone, and families are encouraged to come along and enjoy the start of the Christmas atmosphere in the heart of the village.

People planning to attend are advised to arrive a little early to find a good spot in the square and enjoy the build-up before the lighting countdown begins.

Want to discover more events, fiestas and things to do across the province? Browse the latest updates in our Events section.

Events

Things to Do at Christmas in Mojacar: Lights, Markets & Family Fun

Published December 5, 2025 | Category: Events

TL;DR: Looking for things to do at Christmas in Mojacar? The town offers over 30 hotels open, festive lights, markets, flamenco and family-friendly events along the Almeria coast.

Things to Do at Christmas in Mojacar

There are many things to do at Christmas in Mojacar — from seaside sunsets to flamenco nights in the old town. One of the reasons this destination stands out in December is that more than 30 hotels remain open with around 10,000 beds available. If you are planning a festive getaway, our main guide to Christmas in Mojacar is a great starting point for background information and inspiration.

According to the tourism information published by the Town Hall on the official Mojacar website, the town keeps its tourism infrastructure active throughout the winter, so visitors can enjoy the holidays with the same comfort and services as in summer — just with more lights and fewer crowds.

Be There When the Lights Come On

One of the most popular things to do at Christmas in Mojacar is to be in town when the Christmas lights are switched on. The promenades, squares and old town streets fill with colour and sparkle, creating the perfect atmosphere for an evening walk. For dates and practical details, you can also check our dedicated update on the Mojacar Christmas Lights.

Enjoy the Christmas Market in the Old Town

From December 20, the hilltop old town hosts the Christmas Market, where you can taste traditional sweets, browse local crafts and listen to live music in a unique setting. Walking through the narrow streets decorated with lights, with views down to the Mediterranean, is one of the most atmospheric experiences of Christmas in Mojacar.

Experience Flamenco Christmas Nights

If you enjoy Andalusian culture, another essential thing to do at Christmas in Mojacar is to attend one of the flamenco events. On December 21, the first Gran Flamenco Zambomba brings guitars, clapping and Christmas carols to the town. On December 27, the group “Chanqueños pa’ Belén” continues the celebrations with more rhythm, music and local flavour.

Find Family-Friendly Christmas Activities

Families looking for kid-friendly Christmas activities in Mojacar will find plenty on the festive calendar. Disney characters will appear on selected days to meet children in the streets and squares. The Children’s New Year’s Eve offers a special countdown with sweet chimes, music and entertainment so that the youngest ones can celebrate the new year in their own way.

For a broader overview of what is happening across the festive period, you can browse our event roundup on Mojacar Christmas 2025, which highlights key dates and activities.

End the Holidays with the Three Kings Parade

On January 5, one of the most memorable things to do at Christmas in Mojacar is to watch the traditional Three Kings Parade. The streets fill with drums, lights and excitement as Melchior, Gaspar and Baltasar arrive, greeting children and throwing sweets to the crowd. It is a magical way to close the festive season by the sea.

A Winter Escape by the Mediterranean

Peaceful beaches, open hotels, and a full festive programme mean that there are always interesting things to do at Christmas in Mojacar. Whether you visit for a weekend or a longer holiday, the mix of Mediterranean scenery, Moorish charm and Christmas atmosphere makes this corner of the Almeria coast a special place to spend the holidays.

Want to discover more events, fiestas and things to do across the province? Browse the latest updates in our Events section.

Events

Christmas in Albox Begins with Return of Monumental Nativity Scene

Published December 5, 2025 | Category: Events

TL;DR: Christmas in Albox officially began yesterday with the return of the Monumental Nativity Scene “Enrique Miras” and the switch-on of festive lights in Plaza de San Francisco.

Christmas in Albox Begins with Monumental Nativity Scene

Christmas in Albox started yesterday evening as the Monumental Nativity Scene “Enrique Miras” was inaugurated once again in Plaza de San Francisco. Hundreds of residents gathered to enjoy the first major event of the town’s festive programme, celebrating the start of the holiday season together.

From 6:00 p.m., children enjoyed the free inflatable Christmas village in the square, and by 7:30 p.m. the Christmas lights were officially switched on, bringing a warm glow to the heart of Albox. Immediately after, the tent hosting the spectacular nativity scene opened to the public, showcasing the traditional figures and detailed scenery that have been carefully assembled in recent days.

The nativity scene — a symbol of Christmas in Albox for decades — disappeared in 2016, leaving a gap in one of the town’s most beloved traditions. Thanks to the dedication of the “Friends of the Three Kings” association and especially local resident Enrique Miras, the tradition returned in 2023 and continues even stronger this year.

Local volunteers and community groups helped restore many of the pieces so that residents could once again enjoy their monumental nativity scene. After the inauguration, the Misas del Gozo Choir performed Christmas songs, adding to the festive atmosphere in the plaza.

Want to discover more events, fiestas and things to do across the province? Browse the latest updates in our Events section.

Community

Mojacar Christmas Lights Switch-On Makes History with Record Visitor Numbers

Published December 4, 2025 | Category: Events

TL;DR: The 2025 Mojacar Christmas Lights Switch-On attracted more than 7,000 visitors to the old town, marking a record-breaking start to the festive season and confirming its status as a true “Ferrero Rocher Village”.

Mojacar Christmas Lights 2025: Record Crowds Celebrate a Magical Switch-On

Mojacar has officially kicked off its Christmas 2025 celebrations – and this year’s switch-on will be remembered as one of the most spectacular the town has ever seen. According to local media reports in Diario de Almeria and La Voz de Almeria, the day attracted thousands of visitors, with more than 7,000 people gathering in Mojacar Pueblo for the official lighting ceremony.

The celebrations began early in the day with Disney Day, an immersive experience that transformed the narrow streets of the old town into a magical world of characters, workshops, and activities. Local coverage estimated that more than 5,000 visitors enjoyed the morning festivities alone, filling the white-washed lanes with families and Disney fans from across the province.

In the afternoon, the Disney Concert performed by the Mojacar Municipal Band brought even more people into the heart of the town. But the real highlight came just after sunset, when the Christmas lights illuminated plazas, balconies, and alleyways – earning cheers and applause from thousands of spectators.

Mayor Francisco Garcia called the day “magical” and expressed enormous pride in the town’s ability to keep raising the bar each year. Mojacar has long embraced its reputation as a Ferrero Rocher Village, and this historic turnout shows that its festive charm continues to shine brighter every season.

The switch-on marks the start of a full festive programme running through early January. Highlights include:

20 December – Christmas Market opening in Mojacar Pueblo
21 December – Flamenco Christmas Zambomba
27 December – Zambomba “Chanqueños pa’ Belén”
31 December – Children’s New Year’s Eve
5 January – Three Kings Parade

With concerts, workshops, characters and surprises throughout December, locals and visitors alike can look forward to a Christmas full of light, tradition and unforgettable moments in Mojacar.

Want to discover more events, fiestas and things to do across the province? Browse the latest updates in our Events section.