Nigüelas Festivals 2026: tradition, music and summer nights in the Lecrín Valley, September 5-21.
- Christoph Van Daele
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
September is a special month in Nigüelas . Summer slowly begins to say goodbye, the nights become pleasant again, and the town prepares for one of the most anticipated moments of the year: the Patron Saint Festivities of Nigüelas in honor of the Virgin of Sorrows .
This year, 2026, the festivities come with a wide program of music, traditions, cultural activities, gastronomy and popular gatherings.
And if you're thinking of visiting Nigüelas during these days, from Alquería de los Lentos we also have a proposal to complete the experience: our Pizza Nights on September 9, 10, 11 and 16 .
Village parties, pizza among gardens and a few last summer nights to enjoy without too much haste.
September: The whole of Nigüelas takes to the streets
The Nigüelas 2026 festivities are much more than just a few days of partying.
During September we find activities for practically all ages: music, sports, exhibitions, theater, popular gastronomy and events linked to the traditions of the municipality.
The program begins on the first weekend. On Saturday, September 5th, the Fruit and Vegetable Fair will be held, and in the evening, at 10:00 pm, the concert "Your Songs by Moonlight" will take place in the Plaza de la Iglesia (Church Square).
Sunday the 6th starts very early with the Nigüelas Slow March , a solidarity day with routes through the surroundings, followed by activities and a popular rice dish at 2:00 pm.
A great opportunity to discover that Nigüelas is not just a pretty town: it is also nature, community and a privileged gateway to Sierra Nevada.
September 11 and 12: the prickly pears take over Nigüelas
One of the most unique events of this year will be the II International Tuna Competition Balcón del Valle .
On Friday the 11th there will be a parade and a serenading competition starting at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday the 12th the program continues with performances by the student musical groups, a communal meal, and the awards ceremony and final of the competition at 10:00 p.m.
Saturday also features an open house at the Molino La Erilla , a magnificent opportunity to explore the historical heritage of Nigüelas.
Traditions that are still alive
There are festivals that could be celebrated practically anywhere, and others that belong deeply to the people who organize them.
The ones from Nigüelas are clearly among the second group.
Sunday the 13th begins at 4:00 a.m. with the Dawn Rosary procession through the streets of the town. At midday, Holy Mass will be celebrated, and in the afternoon, a floral offering will take place, accompanied by the Granamusic Musical Group and the parish choir.
During the following days there will also be lunch for the elderly, theater, children's Olympics, exhibitions and music.
It is precisely this mix between generations that gives personality to the festivals of the villages of the Lecrín Valley.
From September 18th to 21st: the big days of the Nigüelas Festival 2026
Starting on Friday the 18th, we enter fully into the big days.
Friday begins with the ringing of bells and continues with a grand parade, the opening speech of the festivities, a nighttime play area, the crowning ceremony, fireworks, and music until well into the early hours of the morning.
Saturday the 19th will be one of the most intense days.
There will be a floral parade from 09:00 h, mass in honor of the Virgin of Sorrows, concert by the San Juan Bautista Nigüelas-Lecrín Music Band, concert by Chamán Cover Band , ribbon races and the processional departure of the patron saint.
And the night continues: free playroom, Époka Orchestra , sax, percussion and DJ show and more music until dawn.
Sunday 20th: procession, music and games
The celebration continues on Sunday with religious and traditional events.
At 1:30 pm the Music Band performs again and at 2:30 pm Phoenix Sunday begins, with the Phoenix Trio live.
In the afternoon, the traditional children's games take place, and at 8:00 p.m. the procession of the Virgin of Sorrows begins. The day concludes once again with music in the Church Square.
And on Monday… the traditional burial of the fox
There's still a holiday on Monday the 21st.
In the morning there is a popular day of artistic painting and in the afternoon the traditional Veterans vs. Promises football match.
But one of the most curious moments for those visiting Nigüelas for the first time comes at night.
Starting at 8:30 pm, the vigil for the performance begins, followed by the traditional burial of the fox , then the Fox Dance , music, and finally the firecracker display that brings the festivities to a close.
Local traditions that, precisely because they remain local, are worth knowing.
Pizza Nights at Alquería de los Lentos
And amidst all the festivities, we thought that a place to sit down, eat peacefully, and enjoy the September nights was also needed.
During this period, Alquería de los Lentos will be closed for holidays, but we will open our gardens for some special pizza nights:
🍕 Wednesday, September 9th 🍕 Thursday, September 10th 🍕 Friday, September 11th 🍕 Wednesday, September 16th
Freshly made pizza, something refreshing to drink, and our gardens still with that warm late-summer atmosphere.
It can be a good starting point before going down to the town for evening activities or simply a different way to enjoy Nigüelas during the festivities.
Sleep in Nigüelas and experience the festivities like any other neighbor.
For those coming from Granada, the Costa Tropical or further afield, the festivities are also a good excuse to spend a few days in the Lecrín Valley .
Alquería de los Lentos , located in Nigüelas, allows you to combine festivities with nature, hiking and relaxation.
In the morning, you can explore the Acequia de la Pavilla irrigation channel , hike in the Sierra Nevada mountains, or simply relax in our gardens. In the afternoon, enjoy the village. And when the sun sets, let the festivities decide when the night ends.
Because September in Nigüelas has something special about it.
It is the time when neighbors who live away return, families reunite, the streets are filled with music, and traditions regain their prominence for a few days.
If you haven't yet visited Nigüelas , the September festivities might be one of the best times to do so.
And if hunger strikes amidst processions, concerts, parades, and street parties…
We'll provide the pizza.
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