Festivities of Our Lady of Sorrows (Virgen de las Angustias)
In September Granada honours its patron saint: a flower offering on the 15th in the Carrera de la Virgen and a large procession on the last Sunday of the month.
When
Next: Sunday, September 26, 2027.
During September: the flower offering on the 15th and the procession on the last Sunday of the month.
Last time: Sunday, September 27, 2026.
What it is
The Virgen de las Angustias (Our Lady of Sorrows) is the patron saint of Granada and of its archdiocese. Her image is venerated in the basilica that bears her name, in the Carrera de la Virgen, and her sacramental brotherhood organises the services in her honour every September.
The festivities have two key dates. On 15 September, the day of Our Lady of Sorrows, thousands of people queue in front of the basilica to hand in bouquets, which are used to make a great floral tapestry on the façade; the City Council opens the offering with a basket of flowers. On the last Sunday of the month the image goes out in procession through the centre, after a novena and the solemn service attended by the City Council on the Saturday before.
Every 26 December the city also renews its vow to the patron saint for having spared it the effects of the earthquakes of 1884 and 1956.
Where
The Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows stands on the Carrera de la Virgen, the boulevard linking Puerta Real with the Paseo del Salón. The flower offering takes place there, and it is usually the starting point of the procession, which goes through the streets of the historic centre.
Customs and traditions
The flower offering is one of the most popular scenes of the year: families, associations and neighbours bring their bouquets throughout the day and the façade of the basilica ends up covered in flowers. During these days stalls selling seasonal fruit and nuts are set up in the centre.
The typical sweet is the torta de la Virgen, a sugary cake eaten at this time of year. The procession on the last Sunday draws thousands of devotees to the Carrera de la Virgen and the streets along the route.
FAQ
When is the procession of the Virgen de las Angustias?
On the last Sunday of September.
When is the flower offering?
On 15 September, in front of the basilica on the Carrera de la Virgen.
What is the torta de la Virgen?
A typical Granada sweet eaten during the patron saint's festivities in September.
What is the vow to the Virgen de las Angustias?
A religious service held every 26 December, in which the city renews its vow to the patron saint for having spared it the effects of the earthquakes of 1884 and 1956.