Events

Mojacar Celebrates 38 Years of Moorish and Christian Festival with Grand Parade

Published 16 June 2026 | Events

TL;DR: Mojacar’s Moorish and Christian festival returned with a vibrant parade featuring 1,200 participants, historic costumes, and 22 music bands, captivating thousands of visitors during four days of celebrations.

Mojacar Celebrates 38 Years of Moorish and Christian Festival with Grand Parade

A Tradition Rooted Deep in History and Community

For the 38th time since its revival in 1988, Mojacar came alive with the vibrant Moorish and Christian festivities, a tradition that draws crowds from across Spain and reflects the town’s rich historical heritage. Only a pandemic-related break interrupted the annual continuity of this event, making this year’s celebration especially significant for longtime participants and newcomers alike. The festival embraces Mojacar’s historic town centre, filling it with colours, music, and the spirit of shared cultural identity.

The Spectacular Grand Parade Draws Massive Crowds

The highlight of the four-day festival was the Grand Parade held this Sunday, marking an unforgettable display of history and entertainment. Around 1,200 people took part, including troops dressed in striking period costumes and musicians who brought the atmosphere alive. As they marched through the narrow streets of Mojacar’s old town, onlookers were thrilled by the carefully choreographed sequences that brought the centuries-old conflict between Moors and Christians to life through drama and pageantry.

Music and Costumes Transform the Historic Centre

Integral to the parade’s success were the 22 bands providing a rich soundtrack featuring traditional Moorish and Christian marches. These musical ensembles underscored the tension and triumph depicted in the parade, enhancing the emotional impact on the audience. The participants’ elaborate costumes stunned spectators with their intricate designs and dazzling details, including banners and standards that added authenticity and grandeur to the spectacle. Together, these elements turned Mojacar’s cobbled streets into a living theatre, where history was felt as much as seen.

Celebration Beyond the Parade: Four Days of Festive Spirit

While the Grand Parade was the focal point, the festival comprised a full programme of events spanning four days. Visitors enjoyed a rich blend of historical reenactments, social gatherings, and cultural activities anchored in Mojacar’s longstanding traditions. This continuity reinforces the festival’s role as a vital part of community life, fostering a sense of belonging while also attracting tourism to this charming town on Almeria’s coastline.

Looking Ahead: Keeping the Tradition Alive

As the 2026 festivities drew to a close, the energy and excitement left no doubt that the Moorish and Christian festival remains a cornerstone of Mojacar’s cultural calendar. Its ability to bring together locals and visitors in joyful celebration of shared heritage ensures that this colorful and compelling tradition will continue to thrive in the years to come. Those planning a trip to Almeria might consider timing their visit to coincide with this unique and unforgettable event.

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Events

Virgen del Carmen Processions Cause Traffic Delays in Almeria Sunday

Two Virgen del Carmen processions in Almeria city centre and El Alquian on Sunday evening will cause street closures and traffic delays from 7pm onwards.

Evening Virgen del Carmen procession through Almeria city streets with people and historic buildings

Published 18 July 2026 | Events

TL;DR: Traffic will be disrupted this Sunday evening as two simultaneous processions honour the Virgen del Carmen in Almeria city centre and El Alquian neighbourhood, with street closures and detours in effect from 7pm until late.

Sunday Traffic Changes for Virgen del Carmen

Two simultaneous processions planned

On Sunday, 19 July, Almeria will hold two religious processions to celebrate the Virgen del Carmen, one in the city centre and another in the El Alquian district. Both events will take place during the evening hours, causing temporary traffic interruptions across several streets. The city hall has issued guidance to help residents and visitors navigate the affected areas.

City centre route and schedule

The procession in the city centre, known as the Procesion de Alabanza de Nuestra Senora la Virgen del Carmen, is scheduled to run from 7pm to 9pm. It will begin at the Parish of San Sebastian and follow a route through Alcalde Munoz, Gonzalez Garbin, San Leonardo, and Santos Zarate streets. The procession will then pass through Plaza Santa Rita before continuing along Alcalde Munoz, Argollones, Murcia, Huerfanas, and Granada streets. It will loop back through Plaza San Sebastian and Alcalde Munoz, ending back at the church.

El Alquian procession details

The second procession starts around 8pm in the El Alquian neighbourhood, beginning from Plaza Obispo Casanova. The route includes Mazorcas, Granados, Avenida de Los Pinos, Plataneros, Marinero, and Bulevar Manuel del Aguila. Participants will continue via Narciso Yepes, Luis Mariano, Currican, Virgen del Carmen, and Industrias streets. The procession will complete its circuit by returning to Bulevar Manuel del Aguila Ortega, finishing at Magallanes street before heading back to Plaza Obispo Casanova to enter the church.

Traffic management and advice

The local police will oversee traffic diversions and gradually reopen roads once the processions have passed. Drivers are encouraged to plan routes ahead of time and use alternative peripheral roads to avoid delays. Temporary no-parking signs will be placed along the procession routes in advance to facilitate smooth movement of the events. Awareness of these adjustments will help minimise inconvenience on the day.

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Events

Mario Park Adds Balinese Beds and Online Reservations

Mario Park in Roquetas de Mar introduces Balinese beds, online reservations, and facility upgrades to enhance comfort and convenience this summer.

Balinese beds and family pool area at Mario Park water park in Roquetas de Mar under Mediterranean sunlight

Published 18 July 2026 | Events

TL;DR: Mario Park in Roquetas de Mar enhances visitor comfort with new Balinese beds, online reservation options, and ongoing facility improvements, making summer visits easier and more enjoyable.

New Comfort Features at Mario Park This Summer

New Balinese Beds for Relaxation

This summer, Mario Park in Roquetas de Mar has introduced a dedicated area of Balinese beds next to the family pool. Designed for visitors seeking extra comfort, this new space offers a chance to alternate between fun and relaxation. Since opening, the Balinese beds have received a warm welcome from guests who appreciate having a reserved spot to rest throughout their visit. This addition reflects the park’s increasing focus on comfort alongside entertainment.

Planning Ahead Made Simple

Mario Park has expanded its online services to improve the visitor experience starting before arrival. Through the park’s website, guests can now organize their trip in advance, securing spaces such as the popular Balinese beds or preferred and VIP areas. Many of these spots, especially the Balinese beds, tend to sell out quickly, sometimes well before the visit day. This system ensures that late arrivals no longer have to worry about finding a good place, allowing visitors to begin their day with peace of mind.

Continuous Upgrades to Facilities

Alongside new seating areas, Mario Park continues to invest in upgrading its infrastructure. This includes refurbishing various installations, enhancing landscaping, and maintaining high water quality standards. These improvements help create a more pleasant environment from arrival to closing time. The park’s commitment to these details aims to support a comfortable and hassle-free visit for families seeking both excitement and relaxation.

Balancing Fun and Comfort

Mario Park’s approach goes beyond adding new attractions season after season. The emphasis this year is on ensuring each family member can enjoy the day in their own way—whether kids are splashing in the pools, thrill-seekers are on the slides, or parents and companions unwind in the shaded, reserved rest areas. This balance is part of the park’s ongoing effort to respond to visitors’ evolving needs and preferences, making each summer at Mario Park a more memorable experience.

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Events

Estival 26 Brings Culture and Heritage Talks to Antas Square

Estival 26 returns culture and heritage to Antas Square with expert talks on archaeology, aerospace, sports, ornithology, and local history through summer.

Evening cultural talk at Antas historic square during Estival 26 festival.

Published 18 July 2026 | Events

TL;DR: Estival 26 brings culture and heritage back to Antas ’ historic square with talks by experts in archaeology, aerospace, sports, ornithology, and local history through July and August.

Culture and Heritage at Antas Estival 26

Diverse Programme Opens with Archaeology

The new festival Estival 26, initiated by the Antas Town Hall and cultural association Argaria, aims to breathe life back into the town’s historic centre. It kicks off on Wednesday, 22 July, with a presentation by Margarita Sánchez Romero. Sánchez Romero, an archaeologist and professor from the University of Granada, will share insights from her latest work, *Lo que el cuerpo nos cuenta*. As vice-rector of University Extension, she brings academic depth to the festival’s opening event.

Local Talent and Sporting Achievement

The festival continues through August, highlighting Antas’ connection to contemporary achievers. On Tuesday, 18 August, a conversation entitled *Un antuso en la carrera espacial* will feature Javier Irigaray, the festival director, alongside René Molina, a young engineering student from Antas. Molina is part of the Faraday Rocketry team at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, which holds the national university altitude record for rocket launches and won the European University Rocketry Challenge in Portugal last October.

A few days later, on Friday, 21 August, Estival 26 turns to motorsport. José Antonio Aznar from Cuevas del Almanzora, one of Spain’s most decorated rally and mountain race pilots, will share stories from his remarkable career. His impressive trophy collection includes multiple Spanish Mountain Racing Championships and Andalusian Asphalt Rally titles, underscoring his prominence within the national motorsports scene.

Nature and Heritage on Display

The festival also explores the natural environment on Tuesday, 25 August, when ornithologists Enrique Fernández and Miguel Ángel Gómez discuss the rich birdlife of the Levante Almeriense region. Their talk covers the variety of species that live and migrate through both inland areas and the coastline, illustrating a lesser-known but vital aspect of local heritage.

Finally, on Tuesday, 2 September, the programme concludes with a historical perspective from Antonio Rubio, an archaeologist affiliated with the University of Granada’s bioarchaeological research group, Memolab. Rubio will focus on El Garcel, an archaeological site near Antas first studied by Luis Siret and later by Pilar Acosta and Manuel Pellicer in the 1970s. Although their research was never fully published, the site remains crucial for understanding the area’s past.

Building Knowledge and Community

Estival 26 embraces a broad definition of heritage, weaving together the historic past, present excellence, and future potential. Javier Irigaray emphasises the festival’s mission to highlight various dimensions of Antas’ identity—from ancient sites and natural surroundings to local figures making national and international impact. The goal is not only to entertain but also to foster an informed, thoughtful community.

Pedro Ridao, mayor of Antas, expressed pride in the town’s commitment to cultural offerings and heritage preservation. He noted that initiatives like Estival 26 and ongoing events such as *Los Jueves del Museo* enrich summer evenings while cultivating more knowledgeable and engaged residents. This festival supports Antas’ reputation as a place where culture and history are valued and actively preserved for future generations.

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