The Teatro Principal in Andújar will once again fill with laughter thanks to Guelmi, with his easy-going charm; David Navarro, returning to his home region with his trademark sharp irony; El Brujo, a master of the spoken word and improvisation; and Santi Rodríguez, an eternal storyteller who connects with every kind of audience.

Each will bring their own style, rhythm and way of looking at the world, turning the festival into a journey through every facet of comedy. A line-up that promises memorable nights and an audience devoted to shared laughter.

The competition pays tribute to the legacy of Luis Aldehuela, a favourite son of the city and a key figure in local painting and stage design. His creative spirit remains present in every edition, encouraging participants to see Andújar with fresh eyes and discover nuances that only emerge when art is experienced live, right out on the street.

With 15 prizes and a total prize fund of 15,000 euros, the competition reaffirms the Town Hall's commitment to a culture that fosters togetherness, identity and opportunity.

That period, marked by the kingdom's split into rival factions, placed Andújar in a decisive position within the defensive system of the Upper Guadalquivir. The city, loyal to the Crown, established itself as a strategic outpost within the network of towns upholding the monarch's legitimacy. Its geographical position, combined with the strength of its defensive structure, allowed it to control the routes linking the countryside with the Sierra Morena, as well as to resist incursions and military movements that threatened the stability of the territory.

“Andújar 1466” revives this crucial moment in local history, turning it into a living experience: a space where heritage, memory and community participation come together to bring back to the streets the atmosphere, political tension and daily life of a city that firmly defended its loyalty and identity.

Aldeaquemada thus becomes a space where memory is celebrated around the table, where visitors discover customs that have endured — such as the tradition of painting Easter eggs — and where every dish tells a fragment of the history that shaped these lands. A gathering that honours this Enlightenment legacy and invites people to enjoy, learn and savour the past in a festive, welcoming atmosphere.

Guests cross the threshold of the castle as if stepping into another century. Lit torches, banners fluttering in the wind, and characters dressed in period costume welcome diners, guiding them through rooms that were once the setting for alliances, intrigue and celebrations of the Order of Calatrava. Each room tells a story, and every gesture from the actors reconstructs a fragment of medieval life.

The dinner takes place in a grand hall, where the warm light of candles illuminates tables dressed in rustic fabrics, tableware inspired by the period, and aromas evoking ancient recipes. Between courses, the theatrical performance comes alive: knights, ladies, squires and messengers burst in with scenes mixing humour, tension and emotion. The audience doesn't just watch — they take part, react, are surprised, and become part of the story.

Throughout these days, the streets of the town centre and the castle hill are decorated with banners, standards and garlands, while a bustling market brings together craftspeople, taverns and food stalls. The atmosphere is completed by a continuous programme of activities: entertainment shows, jousts, concerts and children's activities that fill particularly lively nights with life.

The centrepiece of the celebration is the historical re-enactment. The period encampments — such as the peasant tavern, the Nasrid military camp, or the castle inhabited by the Calatravos — allow the public to step into medieval life. Alongside these, various re-enactments of battles and clashes between armies are held, most notably the Assault on the Town of Alcaudete, one of the most eagerly awaited moments for its spectacular staging.

Firmly established as one of the most important medieval events in Andalusia, the Fiestas Calatravas combine heritage, history and community participation, strengthening the town's cultural identity.