This is Alcaudete's most important fair, held in the second half of September. Among all the activities held, one of the most traditional is a regional fruit competition showcasing the richness of Alcaudete's market gardens. In addition, the livestock fair, flamenco night and musical performances make this a great occasion to visit this town, included on the Route of the Castles and Battles. The title of Feria Real was granted by Royal Decree in 1846.

Alcaudete immerses itself in its medieval past to celebrate its Fiestas Calatravas, which for some years now have been designated of Tourist Interest of Andalusia.

In Alcalá la Real, the morning of Good Friday is experienced in a distinctive way. Characters such as the good and bad thieves, dressed in pointed hoods, or the sayones (soldiers), act out the Passion of Christ. In the streets of this city, where the presence of its Muslim past can still be felt, opening addresses are held in which mime and "rostrillos" (face coverings) distinguish the characters.
Since 1999, it has been designated a festival of Andalusian tourist interest.

The Ethnic Gatherings of the Sierra Sur are a true example of tolerance, community life, enjoyment and cultural enrichment. Founded in 1997, they have grown over the decades in participation, organisation and attendance. Etnosur is, indeed, one of the longest-running festivals in Spain.

What began as an event for a relatively niche section of the public has become a gathering that draws thousands of people who share in multiculturalism and a packed programme of activities and entertainment. Local residents take part spontaneously in these extraordinary community experiences. EtnoSur is not a music festival but a festival with music, and the organisers have scheduled a host of side activities for the whole family, including circus performances, a forum and workshops.

The festivities surrounding the feast of Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, patron saint of Alcalá la Real, are centuries old, dating back to the 17th century. Records survive for centuries of popular celebrations, with theatrical performances, concerts, recitals, games and more. However, to find the roots of the festival in its current form, we must look to the 1970s, following the restoration of the Mota complex for present-day use by the city.

In this special setting, and in others around the old town, such as the Teatro Martínez Montañés, a varied programme of cultural and festive activities takes place every year, made all the richer by the return of those who have moved away and the arrival of numerous visitors.

The town of Alcalá la Real, in the Sierra Sur, is one of the venues hosting some of the activities organised as part of this tour, linked to the towns belonging to the 'Caminos de Pasión' network. Travellers have the opportunity to meet local producers and agri-food businesses related to products such as oils, wines, sweets and cheeses, among many others.

The Procesión de los Hachones marks the start of the traditional patron saint festivities of San Francisco de Paula in Albánchez de Mágina. During it, brotherhood members walk the narrow, medieval streets of this town carrying "hachones", large torches made of esparto grass and pitch.

As the procession passes, bonfires are lit, large piles of firewood and olive branches, sprinkled with salt to make them crackle and block the procession's path. This is a deeply rooted tradition in the town, linked to the protection of the harvests that residents entrust to their patron saint. 

On this day, most households eat the gachas de agosto, made with flour, water, pepper and tomato. Popular belief holds that eating the gachas piping hot in the middle of summer will help you retain warmth throughout the winter, especially during the olive harvest.

According to tradition, anyone who feels the cold during the olive harvest simply didn't eat the gachas on 1 August. Today, a gachas-making competition is held on this day at the Paraje Natural de Hútar, during a festive, communal day for everyone attending who doesn't want to feel the winter cold.

On St John's Eve, a tradition linked to courtship is held. Young men hang decorations at the doors of the girls they court, each type carrying a different meaning: flowers are proof of affection, fig branches mean the girl is somewhat scatterbrained, a grapevine cutting indicates she has been seen drinking wine, and a thistle suggests she has a difficult temperament.

Procession in honour of San Francisco de Paula, patron saint of Albanchez, protector of harvests and bringer of rain. Along the route, residents throw wheat from their balconies onto the platform, as a sign of gratitude for the harvest already gathered and a prayer for the one to come.