Every May, Almuñécar is filled with joy, devotion, and color to celebrate one of its most beloved festivals: San Isidro Labrador, patron saint of farmers. This festival, deeply rooted in the local identity, is much more than a religious event; it is a living manifestation of popular culture that unites generations and communities. In 2025, the celebration promises to be more special than ever, with a program that combines tradition, folklore, and citizen participation.

Who was Saint Isidore the Farmer?

Saint Isidore the Farmer, born in Madrid in the 11th century, is known for his life of humility, hard work, and deep Christian faith. A farmer by profession, he dedicated his life to tilling the land and helping those most in need. According to tradition, while he prayed, angels guided the plow in the fields, which earned him canonization in 1622. Since then, he has been venerated as the patron saint of farmers and a symbol of rural labor blessed by faith.

A devotion felt in the heart of Almuñécar

In Almuñécar, San Isidro is more than a religious figure: he is a common bond that unites the town with its agricultural and rural history. Although today the local economy revolves primarily around tourism, many families still preserve lands, crops, and inherited traditions. The celebration of San Isidro represents a tribute to those origins, to life in the countryside, to daily effort, and gratitude for the fruits of the earth.

2025 Festival Program

This year, the festivities will begin on Wednesday, May 14th and run through Sunday, May 18th, offering locals and visitors a unique experience of culture, tradition, and coexistence.

•Wednesday, May 14th and Thursday, May 15th: Preparations begin with the traditional novena in honor of San Isidro at the Church of El Salvador. During these days, residents decorate the agricultural vehicles, tractors, and floats that will participate in the pilgrimage, and the streets of the Torrecuevas neighborhood, the epicenter of the celebration, are decorated.

•Friday, May 16th: A night of festivals will be held in Torrecuevas, with live music, traditional food stalls, and a festive atmosphere for all audiences. It is an ideal opportunity to enjoy the Sexitana hospitality and Andalusian folklore.

•Saturday the 17th: The day before the pilgrimage is dedicated to children, with children’s activities, traditional workshops, and folk games in the Torrecuevas square. In the evening, music and dancing take over, bringing together residents and visitors until the early hours.

•Sunday the 18th: The Great Day of San Isidro

The pilgrimage travels along the rural roads of Almuñécar to reach the plain, where a day of country life is celebrated with food, drinks, music, and fellowship. It’s a truly popular festival, featuring traditional dishes such as potato omelette, migas (breadcrumbs), kid in garlic sauce, and homemade sweets.

From early morning, the neighborhood comes alive with the sound of bells, fireworks, and rociero songs. After the rociero mass, the eagerly awaited San Isidro pilgrimage takes place, where the saint’s image is carried on a flower-adorned cart, accompanied by a procession of floats, horsemen, decorated tractors, and hundreds of people dressed in traditional costumes.

A Festival to Experience and Feel

San Isidro Labrador is not only a celebration for believers, but also an opportunity for anyone who wishes to experience the Andalusian identity, the warmth of the people, and the cultural richness of Almuñécar. The festival is open to everyone, and it’s common to see tourists and visitors participating in the activities, enjoying the warm and festive atmosphere.

Tips for Enjoying It to the Fullest

• Dress in comfortable clothing or traditional costume if you decide to take part in the pilgrimage.

• Try the local cuisine, especially during the Sunday picnic.

• Respect the natural environment, as the pilgrimage passes through rural and agricultural areas.

• Participate with joy, but also with respect for traditions and religious observances.

Discover Almuñécar through its festive soul

Come visit Almuñécar during San Isidro because it’s a unique opportunity to experience the town from the inside. Beyond its beaches, monuments, and privileged climate, the true essence of the town lies in its people, its customs, and its ability to celebrate life with passion and joy.

We look forward to seeing you at San Isidro 2025! Experience the traditions, share the festivities, and feel the heart of Almuñécar, the oldest town in Spain on the Mediterranean coast, beating to the rhythm of one of its most authentic festivals.