Tradition holds that some cloth merchants arrived at a hermits' cave and that one of the fabrics bore the image of a crucified Christ, which they gave to the anchorites. Admiration for this image grew among the townspeople, and a sanctuary was built for it. Ever since, the people of Valdepeñas have travelled there on the first Sunday of May to attend the procession of the Image and spend a festive day, a blend of heartfelt spirituality and wholesome enjoyment, surrounded by scenery of incomparable beauty.

This pilgrimage has been held for many years and is one of the most cherished in the entire province. Given the date on which it falls, the first Sunday of May, it is one of the most beautiful pilgrimages one can attend. As tradition dictates, a Mass is usually held, after which the Holy Christ is taken back to his hermitage, followed by a lovely, relaxed day spent with family or friends. Many groups organise themselves throughout the area to hold picnics and enjoy a wonderful day surrounded by nature, since the area boasts abundant vegetation, water, mountains and camping spots.
 

For three days, Valdepeñas de Jaén travels back to the 15th century, bringing the customs of the period back to life in its streets and squares.

September's arrival marks the end of summer, but what better way to bid it farewell than with a big fair. Valdepeñas de Jaén is a land defined throughout its history by rich folklore, and these festivities in honour of the Santísimo Cristo de Chircales are a fine example, featuring a wealth of activities open to anyone who wants to take part.

The festivities begin on the night of 31 August with the switching-on of the lights and a big celebration at the Caseta Municipal, featuring musical performances and finally the presentation of Miss and Mister Valdepeñas de Jaén.

That night of 31 August doesn't end there — it is one of the most eagerly awaited nights for many locals of Valdepeñas, known as the "fiesta de las migas", when people gather in groups and spend the whole night celebrating.

Traditionally, migas were made on this night, hence the name, with the celebration running through until the following morning, when everyone ends up meeting in the Plaza de la Constitución, where two competitions are held among those present: one for the most original T-shirt, and another, steeped in tradition, the "migas" competition, awarded to the most soot-covered person.

During the night of 30 September, migas are cooked in a frying pan over an open fire, and the smoke sticks to the pan, producing the soot later used to blacken the body for the competition. Afterwards, everyone joins the marching bands and the "giants and big-heads" in a parade through the whole town, in a curious celebration full of singing and dancing along the way.

On the first of May, the pilgrimage of the patron saint takes place, drawing numerous riders and pilgrims on floats to the Hermitage of El Gavellar, five kilometres from the city, to collect the Virgen de Guadalupe and bring her to Úbeda, where she remains until September.

During the last days of September and the first days of October, Úbeda holds its patron saint festivities. The patronage of San Miguel comes from the fact that the city was reconquered by Ferdinand III on 29 September 1233. Alongside bullfighting shows and top-quality musical performances, the patron saint festivities also feature the Autumn Theatre Showcase, with performances by renowned theatre companies, the La Loma Trade Fair, and the Agricultural Machinery Fair — events whose reach extends well beyond the province, drawing greater interest and larger crowds
every year.

Segura de la Sierra has San Vicente Mártir as its patron saint, celebrated on 22 January, in whose honour bonfires are lit outside the town walls, around which young men usually sing, dance and prepare grilled cured pork products over the embers and ashes of these fires.

With the arrival of the first days of October, on the eve of San Francisco, the 4th, the prelude begins to the festivities the people of Segura dedicate every year to their patron saint, Nuestra Señora del Rosario. Until the 8th of that month, a series of festive events take place, the most moving of which is undoubtedly the procession of the patron saint, carried on the shoulders of the women of Segura. During these days, colourful and traditional bullfighting events are held in the town's distinctive square bullring, including the young men running the young bulls through Segura's streets.

During July, festivities are held in various villages of the municipality. In Miller, in honour of Santa Isabel, around the 8th.

Special mention should go to the Medieval Market held in Pontones since 2010. The square of Pontones goes back to the Middle Ages thanks to activities and performances such as street parades, theatre, magic, storytelling and welcoming stalls selling craft products.

Gastronomic activities and a popular open-air dance are also held. In past editions, the Medieval Market coincided with the Livestock Fair; however, from 2015 onwards, it has been held during the early May bank holiday weekend.

In May, taking advantage of the arrival of good weather, we begin celebrating the Feast of Santa Quiteria, specifically on 22 May, when each household takes its “hornazo”, a kind of cake with a boiled egg baked into the centre, to eat with friends and family out in the countryside.

For some years now, Santiago de la Espada has also held the Pilgrimage of Santa Quiteria: early in the morning, the pilgrimage sets off from the Church of Santiago Apóstol towards La Carreña, with people bringing their horses and dressing in Andalusian or mountain costume; on arrival, a Mass is held in her honour, followed by celebrations at the river to mark the feast of Santa Quiteria, with the return of Santa Quiteria to the church taking place in the afternoon. 

The tradition of eating hornazo on the feast of Santa Quiteria dates back to the 16th century, when a plague epidemic left the survivors in poverty, and the town council took charge of distributing a bread cake to every household.