La Candelaria
On 2 February, a festival in which the custom of lighting “lumbres” (bonfires) survives, around which people sing, dance and drink.
On 2 February, a festival in which the custom of lighting “lumbres” (bonfires) survives, around which people sing, dance and drink.
The name's origin lies in the old tradition whereby every 8 May the Virgen del Campo was brought from her hermitage to the parish church, where she remained until 8 September, when she returned once again to her hermitage. These dates were changed in 1968, moving to the last Sunday of May and the last Sunday of August respectively, to make it easier for emigrant torreños to attend the festival.
Traditional bull runs are held, following mountain custom, in honour of the Virgen del Campo. This festival stems from the tradition known as “el ocho de Torres”, whereby every 8 May the Virgen del Campo was brought from her hermitage to the parish church, where she remained until 8 September, when she returned once again to her hermitage.
Held on the last Sunday of May. During the festivities, the Virgin is taken up to her hermitage to spend the summer there. Then, at the end of summer, she must be brought back to the town in another pilgrimage held on the last Sunday of August, so that the Virgin can remain in her church during the festival held in early September.
Torreperogil holds its patron saint festivities in the second week of September. Highlights include the bull runs, the morning "toro del aguardiente", the fire bulls (a man disguised as a bull covered in fireworks who chases attendees), and flamenco and rock festivals.
It has been marked in the municipality since time immemorial. This tradition has never ceased to be celebrated, and features the “mascarote”, a character dressed in old rags who taunts onlookers, becoming the most genuine figure of the carnival.
Held on 26 and 27 September. Legend has it that the people of Torredonjimeno turned to the physician saints, San Cosme and San Damián, to free them from a plague epidemic.
Once their prayers were answered, they were named patron saints of the town. These festivities are notable for their night-time open-air dances, attracting people from across the province.
Among the sporting events, the Torredonjimeno Classic Cycling Race stands out, held in April, unique in the whole of Andalusia, and counting towards the Spanish Cup.
On the first weekend of May, the May Crosses Competition is held in the streets of Torredonjimeno, decorated with typical Eucharistic and ornamental elements. These installations, created by local residents and various groups (associations, brotherhoods…), have great craft value and make these days ideal for strolling through the streets.
Held on the second weekend of September, spanning both the city's streets and the Hermitage of the Virgen de Consolación, a Gothic and Baroque building located one kilometre from the town. It dates back to 1458, the year the Virgin appeared and Christian forces placed themselves under her protection in their fight against the Moors. Following their victory, she was named Patron Saint of the city. These festivities begin at the end of August with the transfer of the Virgin from the hermitage to the Church of Santa María.
Held on the first Sunday of May, considered one of the most enjoyable and well-attended pilgrimages in the province. On this day, practically the whole town gathers at the Cerro Miguelico, where the hermitage housing the patron saint stands. A Rocío-style Mass is held, and the patron saint is carried in procession around the hill. It has been declared of National Tourist Interest. During the pilgrimage of Santa Ana, townspeople climb up to see the patron saint and her child image, the Virgen Niña. Many set up stalls on the hill alongside family and friends to enjoy a few days of togetherness with the patron saint. Many people from outside the town also come to enjoy the pilgrimage atmosphere, the music, dancing and joy experienced during these days. As tradition dictates, many families cook kid goat for lunch on pilgrimage Sunday.