Semana Santa in Cuenca

Semana Santa – Holy Week, which is celebrated in March or April, depending on the lunar calendar. It is one of the most important religious and cultural events in Cuenca, which has been declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest. During this time, numerous processions take place, in which brotherhoods and confraternities participate, carrying heavy altars with figures of Christ and Mary on their shoulders. One of the most famous and characteristic processions is the Procession of the Way of Calvary, also called Las Turbas, which takes place on Good Friday.




Then crowds of faithful play drums, trumpets and clarinets, creating a noisy and chaotic atmosphere, which aims to imitate the mockery and ridicule that Jesus suffered on the way of the cross. At the same time, the Semana de Música Religiosa, or Week of Religious Music, also takes place, which is also recognized as a Festival of International Tourist Interest. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious sacred music festivals in Spain, which brings together outstanding artists and groups from the country and abroad. The main venue for concerts is the cathedral, but music also resounds in other churches and halls of the city.

Feria y Fiestas de San Julián in Cuenca

Feria y Fiestas de San Julián – Fair and Festivals of St. Julian, which are celebrated in the last week of August. They are the main patron saint festivals of the city, which commemorate St. Julian, bishop and martyr, who is considered the advocate against plagues and diseases. During this time, the city is full of life and joy, organizing various events and attractions for residents and tourists.




There is no lack of the traditional cabalgata, or parade, with floats and dance groups, which passes through the city center and ends at the fairground. There are numerous stalls, carousels, stands and stages, where concerts, shows and displays take place. An inseparable element of the festivals is also the feria taurina, or bullfighting cycle, which takes place at the local arena. Among them stands out the corrida goyesca, or bullfighting in the style of the 18th century, during which the bullfighters and the audience dress in costumes from the era of Goya.

Fiesta de San Mateo in Cuenca

Fiesta de San Mateo – Feast of St. Matthew, which is celebrated on September 21. It is one of the oldest and most traditional festivals in Cuenca, which has been declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest. On this day, the victory of King Alfonso VIII over the Muslim armies, which led to the conquest of the city in 1177, is commemorated.




According to legend, after the battle, the king organized a great feast and party for his soldiers and inhabitants, which lasts until today. During this time, the city is decorated with flags and garlands, and people dress in costumes from the Middle Ages. The main point of the festival is the procession with the figure of St. Matthew, which leaves the cathedral and passes through the streets of the city, stopping at each of the four castles, which symbolize the old city gates.




At each of them, a symbolic tribute is paid to the saint by representatives of different social and professional groups. The procession ends at the Spanish Square, where the act of handing over the keys to the city by the mayor to the king takes place. After the procession, there is a party, which lasts until late at night, with music, dancing, eating and drinking.