Festivals in Medina Sidonia
Discover the main festivals and traditions of Medina Sidonia, around the historic town, Plaza de España, its churches and Prado de la Feria.
Local festivals in Medina Sidonia
The Medina Sidonia fair and festivities are usually celebrated for five days between late May and early June. Prado de la Feria hosts fair tents, rides, performances, local food and community activities from Wednesday to Sunday. The Town Council, clubs, tent organisers, associations, families and visitors take part alongside the Bovisidonia cattle fair, a show with a particular focus on Retinta cattle whose livestock origins date back to the thirteenth century.
Holy Week in Medina Sidonia
From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, the brotherhoods process for eight days through the steep streets of the historic town from churches including Santa María la Mayor and Santiago. Religious floats, penitents, bands and saetas accompany the processions; the Town Council, Local Council of Brotherhoods and Peña Flamenca Juanito Berrocal work with the brotherhoods and saeta singers.
Other celebrations: Carnival and pilgrimages
Carnival usually lasts for more than a week in February, with an opening address and singing groups in Plaza de España, a children's parade, costumes, piñatas and food tastings in the centre. In May, San José de Malcocinado holds the San Isidro pilgrimage, while the outlying settlements also maintain festivities such as San Fermín in Los Badalejos, with the involvement of residents and the Town Council.