Benalúa de las Villas: Las Banderas, Festivals and History

Las Banderas is an intangible cultural heritage tradition in Benalúa de las Villas. This custom includes festive rituals and a pilgrimage.

For a holiday apartment in Benalúa de las Villas, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on accommodation listing pages. For travel planning, you can weigh the focuses on festivals, culture, olive oil and cycling routes separately.

More town pages

You can also access the town pages for Otura, Darro, Tózar, Guájar-Alto, Albuñuelas, Belerda, Alfornón and Cortes De Baza.

Culture

Archaeological finds in the area around Benalúa de las Villas suggest that the town was inhabited by the Iberians. Roman remains found in the area include several coins and a bust of Emperor Trajan. During the Arab period, Benalúa de las Villas gained importance because of 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 site is considered the most significant historical monument in Benalúa de las Villas. The parish church of Nuestra señora la Encarnación is also located in Benalúa de las Villas.

Festivals and Local Cuisine

The religious festival of the patron saint San Sebastián is celebrated in Benalúa de las Villas on January 20; the popular festivities take place on the last weekend of July. The San Sebastián programme includes a parade with giant figures and big-head figures, street parades, concerts, children's activities and sports competitions.

During the San Sebastián festival, the Toro de Chispas tradition involves a young man carrying a structure filled with rockets and firecrackers. At the end of April, a procession in honour of the Virgen de la Cabeza takes place in Benalúa de las Villas. The Fiesta de las Cruces takes place on May 3, with decorated crosses and a festive atmosphere in the streets.

The Las Migas festival takes place after the olive campaign has ended, on a Sunday between the beginning and end of March; the date depends on the particular year and, above all, on rainfall. Groups of women prepare various pans of migas, while people gather around tables in the village square to sample them.

The publicly accessible Amarga y Pica shop offers olive oil tastings with explanations from specialist staff. In Benalúa de las Villas, S.C.A. Conde de Benalúa also offers the reservable "Visita la Almazara" experience.

Cycling Route

For travel planning, you can consider the town connection and the regional route separately. The El Mendrugo cycling route includes Benalúa de las Villas in its route. In the wider area around Benalúa de las Villas, El Mendrugo runs through the Montes Orientales along the river corridors of the Cubillas, Fardes and Aguas Blancas.

For the overarching travel overview: Granada.