Pulianas: History, Churches and Festivals

History

In Pulianas, the origins can be traced back to Roman times through archaeological remains of agricultural villas near Granada. The finds attest to the early agricultural use of the area. During the Nasrid period, Pulianas supplied Granada with food; from the mid-15th century onward, the town experienced an economic upswing. The town's history is therefore closely connected with its agricultural importance and the supply of Granada.

Culture

The Casa de la Cultura “Maestro Dióscoro Galindo” is a versatile cultural venue for theatre, music, conferences, cinema, exhibitions and workshops. Its programme therefore encompasses different forms of public culture, from stage events and music to educational and exhibition offerings. It is named after a former teacher from Pulianas who was killed during the Spanish Civil War together with the poet from Granada, Federico García Lorca.

Churches

The Church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios in Pulianillas originated as a former monastery built in 1531; the present-day complex is called Huerto de San Antón. An old mill has also been preserved within this complex. The Virgin venerated there is the patron saint of Pulianillas. The site thus combines its former monastic use with the preserved name of the present-day complex and local veneration.

The parish church of San José in Pulianas dates from the 18th century and has a magnificent altarpiece. It houses the images of the Virgen de los Dolores, Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno and the Virgen del Rosario; during the corresponding processions, they are carried on Good Friday or during the patron-saint celebrations in August, respectively. The church interior therefore includes both the altarpiece and the three images that appear in public during various religious occasions.

Vía Crucis

At Camino Viejo, the Vía Crucis contains a group of three stone crosses dating from the 16th century. Jesus Christ is carved into the stone on the central cross; the people of Pulianas venerate this Christ as the Cristo de la Era.

The Vía Crucis of Pulianas consists of numerous stone crosses around the town centre, as well as additional crosses and bas-reliefs on building façades; it was followed during Holy Week. The religious representations are therefore not limited to a single location, but can also be found in the town centre and on house façades.

Festivals and Food

Celebrations are held in Pulianas on the third weekend of August. Alternately, a procession takes place on Saturday or Sunday featuring the image of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios or that of the Rosario. The two aforementioned images alternate in the procession.

The La Candelaria festival includes a traditional bonfire at which Saladillas, ham and wine are shared. After the procession, traditional Roscas are distributed to conclude the festival. In addition to Hornazo, Jueves Lardero traditionally also includes “meceor” songs. The festival traditions therefore include both sharing food and wine as well as specific baked goods and traditional songs.

Landscape

The north and northwest of Pulianas are characterised by gentle hills and low rises on the slopes of the Sierras de Alfacar, Víznar and de la Yedra. The south and southwest are almost flat, with only gentle slopes. The municipality therefore combines hilly areas on the aforementioned Sierra slopes with the flatter landscape in the south.

Transport

Bus routes 105 and 305 connect Pulianas with Granada.

Other Destinations

Other destinations for your own research: Bácor, Picena, Los Balcones, Dúdar, Alpujarra De La Sierra, Montejícar, Castilléjar, Diezma

To the higher-level travel overview: Granada.