4 Aug, 2026 @ 10:43
3 mins read

Spain’s festival season calendar: Holy Weeks in Murcia and Albacete are standouts

Fiestas de Vendimia

THE festival calendar is packed with celebrations throughout the year. The wonderful climate, combined with the appeal of the festivals and cultural events, offers the chance to enjoy the Wine Route from a different perspective.

Among the most notable festivals, Jumilla’s Holy Week stands out; it has been declared of International Tourist Interest, boasts over 600 years of history and is characterised by its artistic richness and colour.

Similarly, Hellín’s Holy Week has been certified as being of National Tourist Interest.

No less important is the famous Tamborada de Tobarra, declared by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2018. In Ontur, the festivities in honour of Saint Joseph, held in March, shine with a light of their own.

Finally, worth mentioning is the Grape Harvest Festival in Jumilla, which culminates in the grand Wine Parade in August, as well as the patron saint’s festivals in the various towns that make up the Wine Route.

Jumilla calendar

AUGUST

  • August 13: Exaltation of Wine (Exaltación del vino)
  • August 15: Wine Fair
  • August 14–15: Sonovin Monastrell
  • August 14–23: Patron Saint Festivals of Regional Tourist Interest
    • National Folklore Festival
    • Grape Harvest Festival
    • Children’s Parade
    • Offering of grapes and the first must
    • Traditional Parade
    • Grand Wine Parade
  • Cañada del Trigo district festivals in honor of the Virgin of Remedies (Virgen de los Remedios)
  • Torre del Rico district festivals in honor of the Virgin of the Rosary (Virgen del Rosario)

SEPTEMBER

  • September 26 & 27: World Tourism Day (event to be determined)
    • Music Among Wines (Música Entre Vinos)
  • September 12 & 13: Román district festivals in honor of Santa Rita
  • September 19 & 20: La Estacada district festivals

OCTOBER

  • Beber con Ojos (Drink with Your Eyes) photography Contest
  • October 24 & 25: Matavendimia (End of Harvest Celebration)

NOVEMBER

  • Date to be determined: Presentation of the Golden Badge of the Jumilla Wine Route
  • Santa Cecilia
  • Full Month: Gastronomic Days
  • Full Month: “Drink with Your Eyes” Photography Exhibition
  • November 7 & 8: European Day of Enotourism (event to be determined)

DECEMBER

  • Barbudo Sky Race (mountain race)
  • Christmas Fun Run (Carrera popular Navideña)
  • December 30: Pre-uvas (New Year’s Eve rehearsal celebration)
  • Festivals of the Virgin of Loreto in the Old Town
  • Christmas Proclamation (Pregón de la Navidad)

Year-Round Events: Guided and/or theatrical tours are offered every month of the year (dates still to be finalized). Wine tastings at the Wine Museum are also available every month of the year.

Turismo de Hellin – Cine Proad

HELLÍN CALENDAR

  • July 30 to August 2: Las Minas district festivals in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua.
  • August 7 & 8: Station Neighborhood (Barrio de la Estación) Festivals.
  • August 22 to 27: Agramón district festivals in honor of Saint Joachim.
  • August 27 to 30: Nava de Campaña district festivals in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.
  • September 4: Commerce and Hospitality Festival. El Rabal – Múevete II.
  • September 26 to October 4: Hellín Fair in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary.
  • October 12 to 25: Main Patron Saint Festivals in honor of Saint Raphael (San Rafael).
    • Monday 12 at 12:45h: Transfer of Saint Raphael from his Hermitage to the Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption.
    • October 15 to 23: Solemn Novena in honor of Saint Raphael. At 20:00h at the Assumption Parish.
    • Friday 16 at 20:30h: Opening of the 41st International Painting Competition of the city of Hellín and awards ceremony at the Holy Week Museum.
    • Saturday 17 at 17:00h: Traditional release of brave bulls/heifers in the Bullring and adjacent streets.
    • Friday 23 at 20:00h: Opening Proclamation (Pregón) of Saint Raphael.
    • October 23 to 25: Traditional Medieval Market.
    • October 23 to 25: II Tobías Tapa Route.
    • Saturday 24 at 12:00h: Solemn Eucharist in honor of Saint Raphael. Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption.
    • Saturday 24 at 19:30h: Saint Raphael Procession, from the Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption to his Hermitage.
    • Saturday 24 at 23:30h: Panorama Orchestra at the Fairgrounds.
    • Sunday 25 at 12:00h: San Rafael Choir Concert at the Franciscan Convent.
  • November 14 to 20: V International Film Festival of Hellín.
  • December 12: II “City of Hellín” Christmas Gala.
  • December 17 to 27: Christmas Train.
  • December 18 to 21: Hellín Christmas Fair.
Ayuntamiento de Ontur

ONTUR CALENDAR

  • August 1:Mi pueblo en mí. The ‘Pueblo en Mí’ Rural Festival in Ontur (Albacete) takes place on Saturday 1 August 2026. This ‘Rural Spain’ event offers a full day of live music (featuring King África), Jumilla PDO wines, local cuisine and summer activities in the school playground.
    • Date: Saturday, 1 August 2026.
    • Venue: School playground (Ontur, Albacete).
    • Artists: King África, DJ Oscar C, David Vaquero (La Isla de las Tentaciones), Cherry & The Ladies, Andrés Vecina and Álex Moya.
    • Activities: Music, cuisine, local tapas and wines from the Jumilla Wine Route.

Click here to read more Travel News from The Olive Press.

Disclaimer: This article was provided by an advertiser and published as sponsored content. The Olive Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the claims or opinions expressed.

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