Feast of Saint Cecilius
On the first Sunday of February Granada climbs to the Sacromonte to honour its patron saint, Saint Cecilius, with mass at the Abbey, dancing and free broad beans, salaíllas and cod.
When
Next: Sunday, February 7, 2027.
On the first Sunday of February. When that Sunday falls on 1 February, it coincides with the saint's day.
What it is
Saint Cecilius is the main patron saint of Granada. His feast day is 1 February, but the city celebrates him on the first Sunday of that month with a pilgrimage to the Sacromonte Abbey, on the hill that rises opposite the Alhambra, on the other side of the river Darro.
The festival has two sides. On the one hand there is the civic and religious ceremony: the City Council climbs in official procession to the Abbey, with mace-bearers and ceremonial dress, attends the solemn mass and lays flowers in the Holy Caves. The preparations follow an old ceremonial, with courtesy visits between the commissioners of the City Council and those of the Abbey in the preceding weeks.
On the other hand there is the popular pilgrimage: thousands of people from Granada walk up the Camino del Monte and the slopes of the Sacromonte and spend the day on the esplanade of the Abbey, among regional dances, stalls and food.
Where
At the Sacromonte Abbey and its esplanade, at the top of the Sacromonte district. The traditional way up is on foot along the Camino del Monte and the slopes leading to the Abbey. On that day private vehicles are banned from the Abbey area.
Customs and traditions
The most typical part of the festival is the free distribution of fresh broad beans from the Vega, salaíllas (salted bread cakes) and cod, organised by the City Council. After mass, the Municipal Regional Dance Group and dance groups from residents' associations perform on the esplanade.
The Municipal Music Band takes part in the religious service, and the authorities go down to the catacombs of the Abbey to lay flowers for the martyrs.
FAQ
When is the Saint Cecilius pilgrimage held?
On the first Sunday of February. The saint's day is 1 February.
Where is it held?
At the Sacromonte Abbey and on the esplanade in front of it.
What is handed out at the festival?
Fresh broad beans from the Vega, salaíllas and cod, free of charge.
Who is Saint Cecilius?
The main patron saint of the city of Granada.