Enjoy our festivals
The Three Kings Parade
Date: 5th January
Organized by the “Giraldilla” charitable association, the colourful “Three Kings” parade passes through the streets of the town provoking excitement among all the children watching the spectacle. The Three Kings also visit local orphanages and convents giving out presents to the children there.
La Giraldilla Association:
Carnival
Date: February
A very popular festival ever since it was revived in 1984 after the censorship it suffered under the Franco dictatorship. It has become important especially because the provincial association of carnival groups holds its annual competition here, where street entertainers (“murgas”, “comparsas”, “chirigotas” and “cuartetos”) all of exceptional quality compete…
Holy Week
Date: March-April.
In the days of Holy Week Carmona is transformed into an exceptional stage through which the religious processions pass. Its narrow streets, peaceful squares, steep inclines or the impressive, historical and imposing Gate of Seville fortress all combine to transform the processions into a unique combination of sobriety, devotion and beauty. There are eight brotherhoods which hold their processions from Palm Sunday until Good Friday.
>> See video
Council of Religious Brotherhoods:
Las Mayas
Date: 1st May
On this day, the younger population “invade” the streets of Carmona carrying crosses covered in flowers. There is a “Mayas” contest where painstakingly prepared smaller versions of the Holy Week floats are carried in mini-processions by young people in what is an event well worth seeing. This competition is organized by the “La Giraldilla” Association.
>> See video
The spring fair
Date: Third Week of May.
It is particularly noteworthy for the size and sumptuousness of its permanent pavilions – as opposed to the colourful marquees which are set up only for the period of the fair. Worthy of mention is the time-honoured custom of women dressing up in traditional flamenco dresses, which gives the festivity a colour and atmosphere which is very similar to that found in the April Fair in Seville.
The fair of Carmona dates to 1466, when king Henry IV of Castille conceded the privilege of holding an annual cattle fair to the town of Carmona
>> See video
Friends of the Guitar Association:
Corpus Christi
Date: May-June
On this day the Holy Sacrament is carried around the town in the splendid silver monstrance created by Francisco de Alfaro (1579-84), escorted by Civil Guards and members of the local town council, as well as representatives of all the local religious brotherhoods. On some stretches of the route the streets are carpeted with reed and flower petals and altars are placed along the sides of the streets.
Pilgrimage in honour of the Virgin Grace/Virgen de Gracia
Date: First Sunday of September
A long-standing and hugely popular pilgrimage which goes from the town to the Virgen de Gracia hermitage, located about a kilometre outside Carmona.
>> See video
Brotherhood of the Virgen de Gracia:
Local festivities
Date: From 8th to 16th September.
The “Novena” is held in honour of the town patroness, the Virgin Grace, the Virgen de Gracia. It is one of the most popular festivities here among people originally from Carmona, but who live away from the town, and who return to their hometown roots for a few days. A wide range of cultural and sporting activities, children´s games and concerts take place.
The Pilgrimage of Saint Matthew/San Mateo.
Date: 21st September.
The commemoration of the conquest of Carmona by the Christian king Fernando III (“the Saint”) in 1247 is celebrated on this day and takes place in area surrounding the San Mateo hermitage, built on the outskirts of the town.