Benalúa de las Villas: Festivals, History and Olive Oil

Culture and Festivals

Benalúa de las Villas celebrates the religious festival of its patron saint, San Sebastián, on 20 January; the local festivities take place on the last weekend of July. The San Sebastián festival programme includes a parade with giant figures and big-head figures, street parades, concerts, activities for children and sports competitions. At the San Sebastián festival, the Toro de Chispas tradition consists of a young man carrying a structure filled with rockets and firecrackers. At the end of April, Benalúa de las Villas holds a procession in honour of the Virgen de la Cabeza. The Fiesta de las Cruces takes place on 3 May, with decorated crosses and a festive atmosphere in the streets. Las Banderas is an intangible cultural heritage tradition in Benalúa de las Villas, featuring festive rituals and a pilgrimage.

The festival calendar spans several seasons: San Sebastián in January is followed by the procession at the end of April and the Fiesta de las Cruces on 3 May; the local festivities take place on the last weekend of July. Las Migas follows its own schedule after the olive campaign and is scheduled primarily according to rainfall.

Cuisine

The Las Migas festival takes place after the olive campaign has ended, on a Sunday between the beginning and end of March. The date varies from year to year and depends above all on rainfall. At the Las Migas festival, groups of women prepare various pans of migas; people gather around tables in the village square to sample them. S.C.A. Conde de Benalúa offers the reservable “Visita la Almazara” experience in Benalúa de las Villas. The publicly accessible shop of Amarga y Pica in Benalúa de las Villas offers olive oil tastings with explanations from specialist staff.

History

Archaeological finds in the area around Benalúa de las Villas suggest that the site was inhabited by the Iberians. Roman remains found in the area include some coins and a bust of Emperor Trajan. During the Arab period, Benalúa de las Villas gained importance due to its strategic location between the kingdoms of Granada and Jaén. Remains of an Iberian settlement were found at the Cerro del Cántaro archaeological site. The Cerro del Cántaro archaeological site is considered the most significant historical monument in Benalúa de las Villas. The parish church of Nuestra señora la Encarnación is located in Benalúa de las Villas.

More destinations

More destinations: Santa Fé, Trevélez, El Ventorrillo, Alfacar, Lopera, Bácor, Zújar, Orce

Activities

The El Mendrugo cycling route includes Benalúa de las Villas in its itinerary. In the wider regional surroundings of Benalúa de las Villas, the El Mendrugo cycling route runs through the Montes Orientales along the river corridors of the Cubillas, Fardes and Aguas Blancas.

To the main travel overview: Granada.