Fairs and Festivals in Tarifa

JANUARY

The year begins with the continuation of the Christmas celebrations: New Year’s Eve followed by New Year’s Day and The Feast of the Epiphany are the starting points for the year’s festivities.

FEBRUARY

This is carnival month (marked by the start of Lent), which is celebrated in Tarifa with fancy dress costumes, processions and group competitions all taking place towards the end of the month.

MARCH/APRIL

These months see the Holy Week celebrations, a sample of popular tradition, with famous processions and parades.

MAY

Patron Saint Celebrations in Tahivilla in honour of the town’s patron San Isidro Labrador (Saint Isidore the Farmer). Celebrated the Sunday closest to the 15th of May.

Festivals and Fairs the weekend alter the saint’s day celebrations.

Patron Saint Celebrations in Facinas in honour of the town’s patron San Isidro Labrador (Saint Isidore the Farmer). The last Sunday in May. That weekend a gala is held in municipal tents.

JUNE

 Patron Saint Celebrations in Bolonia in honour of Santa Barbara (Saint Barbara) on the first Saturday of the month.

On the evening of the 23rd Tarifa celebrates the burning of the “Juanillo” and in Facinas in addition to the bonfire, a gala takes place in honour of San Juan (Saint John).

JULY

Focused on the Festival of the Carmen (on the 16th), with a spectacular gala in Tarifa and a maritime procession.

AUGUST

During the week of the 15th of August the fair and festival of the Divina Pastora (the Divine Shepherd) is celebrated in Facinas.

 SEPTEMBER

The Fair and Festival of la Virgen de la Luz (the Virgin of the Light) the town’s patron takes place between the first Saturday and second Sunday of the month.

The first Sunday of the month sees the agricultural procession in which hundreds of participants accompany the patron from the Sanctuary located at 9km from Tarifa to the Iglesia de San Mateo (Saint Matthew’s Church).

During the week the town fair is celebrated, the last Sunday being the traditional pilgrimage to the Santuario de la Virgen de la Luz (Virgin of the Light Sanctuary).