Carol singing in the streets, Christmas markets, theatre and film screenings for children, or even funfairs, are among the activities that have become Christmas traditions, adding a leisure option alongside other long-standing distinctive customs. Among these, one of the most iconic is represented by the 'Campanilleros' of Vilches, who have preserved carols from an age-old oral tradition, with both religious and secular lyrics, revived on successive night-time walks from the feast of the Immaculate Conception until Epiphany.

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.

The aim of this culinary festival is to preserve, promote and spread the gastronomic traditions of the Sierra Sur de Jaén region, as well as to promote the region's agri-food products.

Holy Week in Úbeda takes on extraordinary grandeur and emotion. The processions of the eighteen brotherhoods that take part, some dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, are of incomparable solemnity and splendour.

The Brotherhood of Nuestro Señor en la Columna and María Santísima de la Caridad leads one of the most spectacular processions. Also worth admiring is the beautiful band of Roman soldiers accompanying the Cristo de la Humildad and Nuestra Señora de la Fe, along with the night-time procession of the Brotherhood of the Santísimo Cristo de la Buena Muerte. The Brotherhood and Benevolent Society of Bricklayers of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad Magdalena carries out its swift ascent, on shoulders, up the Cuesta de la Merced.

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.

This is the quintessential gastronomic event of the city of Úbeda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From January to April, close to a dozen restaurants take part in this culinary event, known for reviving recipes, some of them original to the 16th and 17th centuries. This gastronomic festival is joined by the Olive Grove and Oil Interpretation Centre, offering free tastings of the province's finest EVOO.

The Olive Grove and Oil Interpretation Centre is a modern, interactive space for education and outreach, where visitors can learn, through audiovisual displays, about olive oil production, olive varieties, gastronomy, uses of the oil and its health benefits...

Directed by Úbeda-born producer and musician Paco Ortega, this festival is a window onto artists who move between the most classic flamenco and the newest, emerging approaches. An event that proves flamenco, like Úbeda itself, is also a form of World Heritage.