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Top 10 festivals... Do you agree?
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Andalucia is a land rich in folklore and traditions.Its cultural manifestations are an international tourist attraction and it becomes one of the ultimate destinations during its festivals. The region mixes Pagan events with religious ones, and both attract crowds of people year after year who come to experience these celebrations up close. Make a note in your diary of the most famous dates and events in Southern Spain and plan your getaway. You won't regret visiting these 20 Andalucia festivals we present here.

1. Cruces de Mayo in Granada

The Cruces de Mayo (May Crosses) in Granada is one of the most famous festivals in Andalucia. In early May, the city's neighbourhoods, streets and squares put up their flower adorned crosses in a space where they also gather traditional embroidered shawls, local pottery and items made using marquetry, a traditional craft of Arabic origin from the Alhambra. The women wear Flamenco dresses and the men wear shorts, and on the "day of the cross" visitors can enjoy the best wine, the best folkloric dance and lots of laughter.

2. Patios de Cordoba

In May, the Caliphal city of Cordoba is decked out to the nines with flowers. Locals take great care to adorn their balconies and courtyards in a tradition dating back to the Arabic era, when entrance halls and cobblestone courtyards were covered in vegetation to humidify and refresh the first hot months. Today, the custom remains and a famous contest is even held each year to select the prettiest decoration. You really should visit Cordoba on this date so you can stroll its beautiful streets and enjoy some delicious tapas accompanied by a good local wine.

3.El Rocío in Almonte (Huelva)

The road to Rocio is one of the most famous pilgrimages in Spain, alongwith the road from Santiago. La Blanca Paloma, or Dove, as the Virgin of Rocio is known, waits in her hermitage in Almonte, Huelva for pilgrims to arrive to take her out in a procession on Pentecost Sunday. This pilgrimage is one of the most popular religious manifestations in Andalucia. Decorated carts, horses and cars come from all over the region to see the Virgin. The women wear Flamenco dresses and the men wear shorts, and the pilgrims are accompanied by Spanish guitar and flamenco singing. This important Andalusian folkloric event is not to be missed.

4. Feria de Abril de Sevilla (Seville April Fair)

Lanterns, polka dots, and above all, an abundance of colour: make sure you visit Seville so you can enjoy its April Fair. The stands fill up with people dancing sevillanas, a traditional local dance, and drinking the finest wine. The ham and cheese dishes play as important a role as the flamenco outfits. Horses also pass through the alleys and the festive, joyful atmosphere rubs off on everyone. It is definitely one of the most fun days to be had in Spain and has managed to attract international attention.

5. Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Malaga

Religion is one of the most important facets of Andalusian tradition. One of its most solemn and respectful, but no less spectacular, celebrations is Semana Santa. If you come to Malaga, don't miss one of the most important events of the year. The locals take their most venerated images out on a procession accompanied by musical bands and nazarenos (penitents dressed in cloaks with their faces covered). The adornment of the thrones and the artistic wealth of the compositions make this one of Malaga's most special weeks. In addition to the artistic value, make sure you catch the traditional singing of this celebration, the seata, which is closely linked to Flamenco.

6. Cadiz Carnivals

The fun and cheeky nature of the people of Cadiz makes its presence known more than ever during the city's carnival. Considered one of the most famous in Spain, the Gran Teatro Falla is the nerve centre of all the parties. It hosts the famous chirigotas contest, where, through music, sceptical and ironic critiques are made of the highlights of the year's news. A visit to Cadiz during carnival should be on your agenda. The atmosphere in its streets and the colour of each corner mixed with the joy and friendliness of its people is the best reason to spend a few days' holiday there.

7. Feria de Agosto de Málaga (Malaga August Fair)

The Malaga Fair stands out from others celebrated in Andalucia for its extensive daytime and night-time activities. From the morning, the streets of the centre start filling up with people dancing sevillanas and drinking sweet wine to the beat of clapping. When the sun sets, the fair site opens its doors to let people in to enjoy concerts, music, kids' attractions and a long list of other activities. Shooting games are interspersed with the famous tombola and delicious candy floss. Make sure you dress Flamenco style and visit this fair to experience the joy that fills the people of Southern Spain.

8. Feria del Caballo de Jerez (Jerez Horse Fair), Cadiz

Every May, Jerez de la Frontera gets ready to host the Horse Fair, one of the most outstanding of its kind in Spain. Examples from all corners of the country and all breeds are brought to the city to be valued and watched. The animals parade through the main streets of the town, their magnificence mixing with the Flamenco singing, fine wine and traditional regional dress. Don't miss this chance to enjoy the beauty of one of Spain's most symbolic animals at this incredibly beautiful festival.

9. Columbus Festivals of Huelva

The annual celebrations that take place in the city of Huelva to commemorate the different historical events related to the discovery of America are known as the Columbus Festivals. Early August is when this celebration marking the departure of Christopher Columbus from Palos de la Frontera to the New World takes place. Each year the festivals are dedicated to some Spanish city, Ibero-American country or special event for the locals.

10. Motorbike circuit in Jerez (Cadiz)

This is not a traditional Andalusian festival, but it has become a real tradition. The Jerez motorbike circuit hosts national and international competitions and brings together thousands of motorcycle lovers. Since it is held in a valley, the track benefits from the mild climate and particular beauty of the Andalusian landscape. It is surrounded by hills on which large stands are mounted to provide a magnificent vantage point for the 250,000 plus spectators that can gather on the circuit. If you like sport, don't miss this event if you are visiting Andalucia.

11. Horse races of Sanlúcar

As it has happened for more than 150 years, the town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Cádiz, becomes the center of attention due to a particular festivity that takes place at its beaches: the horse races. Visitors can watch the show for free right from the sand and even place some bets.

The horse races take place in August. They are celebrated in two alternate weeks, each event lasts three days. The action starts at sunset, taking advantage of the space cleared by the receding tide.

It currently is the oldest horse race in Spain and one of the oldest in Europe. It was declared an International Tourist Interest Festivity in 1997.

12. Matanza Vegetal de Calabazares (Vegetable Slaughtering of Calabazares) (Huelva)

Famous for the Iberian pig traditional slaughtering, the Sierra of Huelva celebrates an ancient rite in Calabazares. Every two years, the "Vegetable Slaughtering" takes place; born as a homage to the farmers and as a way to preserve the traditional collection, processing and bottling of vegetables, as it was done in the past.

Displays of basic farming tools and implements, conferences, performances, in addition to demonstrations of tomato bottling and guided tours to the fertile orchards of the village are all part of an anticipated program at the Sierra.

13. Wine Night in Cómpeta (Malaga)

At mid-August, day laborers from the towns of Axarquía used to get together to ask the Virgin of the Assumption for a good grape harvest. They celebrated before making their way to the country properties from which they did not return until October, with grapes and raisins already squashed or packed. From that celebration the "Wine Night" of Cómpeta was born, one of the traditional festivities of the Costa del Sol that takes place during the summer.

Respecting the tradition, each August 15th the music of the fandangos from Cómpeta plays as well as that from the pandas de verdiales. In addition, a complete activity program takes place and migas are eaten.

actividades y se comen migas.

14. Dancing, the main attraction in Villablanca (Huelva)

Sitting on a square of a white town in Andalusia and enjoying dances as unknown as the African rhythms, the Aztec beats or transporting yourself to the Far East through music are real possibilities in Villablanca, in the province of Huelva.

This small town celebrates its most important festivity during the last week of August, honoring the Virgin of La Blanca, which is taken out into procession on the last Sunday of the month, accompanied by the traditional and popular Danza de los Palos.

15. Corpus Christi in Granada

The entire city smells like Corpus and dresses as Corpus during these days in which all Granada participates in theater plays, concert and shows. You will find everything you need to enjoy one of this city's most joyful traditions to the fullest.

The festivity starts on the Monday before the Thursday of Corpus Christy and ends on the following Sunday. You will enjoy the procession of one of Andalusia's most beautiful protectors. All of Granada moves to a place in the outskirts of the city where there are stands and attractions of all kinds, a place to drink, eat, dance and have a great time amongst fun-loving people.

16. Quema de los Juanillos (Burning of Juanillos)

The festivity with mystical reminiscences known as the "Quema de los Juanillos", or the Burning of Juanillos, marks the arrival of the summer. The celebration starts on the previous day's afternoon, that of the 23 rd. The bonfires are set with dolls that symbolize famous characters or important events that turn out particularly funny. The original dolls burn at nightfall during what is known as the Quema de los Juanillos. During said burnings with certain ritual vibes, the idea is to leave the past behind by burning everything you wish to forget.

17. Marine Processions in Honor of the Virgin of Mount Carmel

On July 26 th, the festivity in honor of the Virgin of Mount Carmen takes place. That Saturday, fishermen decorate their boats and sound their horns across the bay to honor their patron saint. The festivity of their Virgin is usually celebrated in most of the municipalities with fishing traditions along the coast of Andalusia.

The Virgin of Mount Carmel festivity is a fishermen's tradition that is experienced with great devotion and emotion. There are countless towns that have large sea processions to honor this Virgin. Her images are moved from the churches to the ports or beaches. There, she is taken aboard to travel the coast accompanied by recreational boats decorated and filled with devoted followers.

18. Romería de la Virgen de la Cabeza (Hermitage of the Virgin of the Head)

It is considered the oldest hermitage of Spain. Every year, the hermitage of the Virgin of the Head in Andújar gathers half a million people in the sanctuary of El Cerro del Cabezo, in the Sierra Morena.

19. Saint Luke in Jaen.

It is the last of the large festivities of Andalusia. It takes place mid October, as well as the last bullfighting festival of the season. The fairgrounds of La Vestida welcome thousands of visitors during the week it lasts.

20. Feria de Pedro Romero (Pedro Romero´s Fair) and Corrida Goyesca (Goyesque Style Bullfight).

During the first week of September, Ronda celebrates the Fair and Festival of Pedro Romero, the only fair in the world dedicated to a bullfighter.

The inhabitants of Ronda now have a new style of festivities to enjoy, with greater emphasis on the fair, which takes place by day in the center of the city. The main attraction of the Pedro Romero Fair in Ronda is the traditional Goyesque Bullfight. The Goyesque Bullfight combines the unique show of this particular bullfight with the unparalleled setting the Maestranza de Ronda (Bullring of the Royal Armory of Ronda).

If you are planning a getaway, don't forget about these popular festivals that enrich the beautiful corners, magnificent gastronomy and heat of the Andalusian people even more. This is a region with a vast culture and folklore that can further enrich your holiday.

WHERE TO STAY

With your diary open and a list of all the cultural places and events to visit, make sure you choose a good place to stay. Fuerte Hotels is the best option for you to plan a perfect holiday. You can find these amazing hotels in Marbella, Conil. Grazalema, El Rompido, Estepona and Torrox, which are close to the action of all these traditional Andalusian celebrations.

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Andalucia Festivals, The 20 festivals you can't miss in Andalucia

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Andalucia is a land rich in folklore and traditions.Its cultural manifestations are an international tourist attraction and it becomes one of the ultimate destinations during its festivals. The region mixes Pagan events with religious ones, and both attract crowds of people year after year who come to experience these celebrations up close.

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Watch this video and do the exercises to practice Future Tenses

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We have different ways of talking about the future. We often use going to (+ infinitive), the present continuous (to be + -ing) or will (+ infinitive). The structure we use depends on the function of what we want to say, whether we are talking about arrangements, plans, predictions, etc..
I thought will was the future tense in English.

It's one of the ways of talking about the future, but there are a few others. Let's look at will to start with. We use will / won't (= will not) + the infinitive for predictions about the future.
Oliver'll be back soon.
Wewon't be ready.
Do you think it'll rain this afternoon?
We also use will when we decide something at the moment of speaking.
(The doorbell rings) I'll get it.
So, you sometimes use the verb think before will?

Yes, that's very common. We also use: don't think, expect, be + sure.
I'm sure you'll have a good time.
You said will is used for decisions made at the moment of speaking. What about decisions made before the moment of speaking?

Then we can use either the present continuous or going to (+ infinitive).
Amy's coming round.
We're going to watch a film - want to join us?
Whatare you doing this evening?
Is there a difference between them?

We use the present continuous more for arrangements with other people and be + going to + infinitive for intentions. Sometimes it's important to choose the right structure, but often we could use either because many events are both arrangements and intentions.
Amy's coming round. (= arrangement between Amy and Daisy)
Amy's going to come round. (= Amy's intention)
I'm going to clean my room tonight. (= intention)
I'm cleaning my room tonight. (not an arrangement)
So could I say 'I'm going to go to the cinema with Alex'?

Yes, that's correct. But we usually avoid saying going to go, just because it doesn't sound very elegant. We normally use the present continuous with go.
I'm going to the cinema with Alex.
And 'I will go to the cinema with Alex'?

No. We don't use will for arrangements or intentions if the decision was made before the moment of speaking.

Oh, yes, you told me that before. Anything else?

Yes, there's another use of going to. We use it for predictions too, especially when you can see something happening or about to happen.
Look out! You're going to spill that coffee.
Can you use going to for other predictions?

Yes, sometimes both will and going to can be used.
I think the Green Party will win the election.
I think the Green Partyare going to win the election.
OK, and one last thing! Is it correct to say, 'When's the race?' That's present simple, isn't it?

Yes. You can use present simple for timetabled events.
My plane leaves at 4pm tomorrow.
The match starts at 8pm.
Phew! So sometimes you can use going to or the present continuous and sometimes you can use will or going to. And you can also use present simple for timetabled events. I'll never understand the future!

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Oliver and Alfie decide to enter a bike race.

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See to scaffolded versions of a letter from the editor

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Ready for more? Here are some additional texts on the Unit

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Scaffolded texts on different Festivals in India and UK

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2018 is the year of the Bechdel test

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25 May-3 June, Victoria Park, E3
25 May-3 June, Victoria Park, E3
Who Björk, LCD Soundsystem, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Father John Misty, the xx, Lorde, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Beck, the National, Patti Smith, the War on Drugs, Warpaint
What You need to come packing a pretty big lineup to turf Field Day, Lovebox, Citadel and Mighty Hoopla off east London's Victoria Park, but the inaugural All Points East is your mum's flashy new boyfriend who insists on you calling him "Uncle Steve", has a vintage sports car and showers you with random gifts. A 10-day-long extravaganza - with free entry for its midweek community events - All Points East brings to the UK the combination of eclecticism and mega names that Barcelona's brilliant Primavera Sound nails year upon year. Sure, it's a bit 6Music: The Musical, but any festival that puts Nick Cave and Patti Smith on the same bill deserves to come back in 2019.
Does it pass the festival Bechdel test? It's so frightfully middle class that of course it bloody well does; Alison Bechdel has probably curated one of its stages.
See also British Summer Time, Citadel, Meltdown

Field Day
1-2 June, Brockwell Park, SE24

Who Erykah Badu, Loyle Carner, Earl Sweatshirt, Madlib, Princess Nokia, Fever Ray, the Comet Is Coming, Thundercat
What More wilfully esoteric than ever before, Field Day is largely shunning big-hitting headliners in favour of a more chin-stroking, I-spend-all-my-spare-time-rifling-through-the-racks-at-Sounds-of-the-Universe-and-weeping-to-Madvillain aesthetic. If you love J Dilla more than your firstborn, this is the festival for you. As previously mentioned, for the first time since its inception in 2007, Field Day won't be taking place in its spiritual home of Hackney/Tower Hamlets. Instead - like most hipsters these days - it's gone south of the river, to Brockwell Park, Herne Hill.
Does it pass the festival Bechdel test? It does! One of the few fests out there to boast a female headliner - step forward the marvellous Ms Badu - there's an impressive balance between male and female artists, none of which seems like tokenism, but instead about getting the best talent around. In fact, you could get through the whole weekend without watching a dude twiddle his knobs onstage once, thanks to a bill brimming with good shit from Charlotte Gainsbourg, IAMDDB, Helena Hauff, Nao, Yazmin Lacey, Sassy 009 and loads more.
See also Lovebox, Bestival, Parklife, Dot to Dot

Mighty Hoopla
3 June, Brockwell Park, SE24
Who TLC, Lily Allen, Belinda Carlisle, Melanie C, B*Witched, Vengaboys, Betty Who, Louise, DJ Luck and MC Neat.
What The most fabulous of all the fests, Mighty Hoopla is a queer, pop-focused celebration of trash, camp and drag. Kind of like those tours that take 1990s pop stars to play at Rochester Castle on a damp August evening, but not deeply awkward and embarrassing. The ever-entertaining Sink the Pink collective are hosting a stage, while the supergroup you never knew you wanted, Boyzlife - made up of Boyzone's Keith Duffy and Westlife's Brian McFadden - will also be in attendance.
Does it pass the festival Bechdel test? All the headliners are female and most attendees will be wearing a shit-ton of makeup and enough weave to power RuPaul's Drag Race until 2068. It's a solid pass from us.
See also Brighton and Hove Pride, BBC Music's Biggest Weekend

Download
8-10 June, Donington Park, nr Derby
Who Guns N'Roses, Ozzy Osbourne, Marilyn Manson, Corrosion of Conformity, Body Count, Avenged Sevenfold, Bad Religion, the Hives
What At some point in the early 2000s, the classic Monsters of Rock festival - known for its fondness for Hawkwind, Iron Maiden, AC/DC and flying projectiles heavy with real ale-augmented piss - decided to have a bash at the millennium and returned with a MySpace-worthy rebrand. Fifteen years later, and Download is stuck with its oh-so-2003 name, but it's also one of the most joyous festivals in the UK, home to one of music's last staunch tribes: the mighty metaller. Expect to see the casual wearing of triple denim, epic consumption of Snakebite and Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull queuing up to watch the Wall of Death in the fairground field. Probably.
Does it pass the festival Bechdel test? There's a lot of long, luscious hair being headbanged across Donington Park this June, but hardly any of it belongs to women. Metal isn't generally known for its strong female presence and though the likes of Rolo Tomassi, Marmozets and the Pink Slips are fronted by women, the only all-female acts we can spot on the entire bill are Babymetal and L7. For the love of God, book Heart next year.
See also Bloodstock, Rebellion festival, 2000trees, ArcTanGent

Wireless
6-8 July, Finsbury Park, N7
Who J Cole, Stormzy, DJ Khaled, Wiley, Migos, J Hus, Giggs, Rae Sremmurd, Lil Uzi Vert
What Starting life in 2005 as much more of a general indie bash in the Reading & Leeds mould - its first headliners were Kasabian, Keane, Basement Jaxx and New Order - Wireless has since become hip-hop's big weekend out after ditching the guitars and bad haircuts in 2012 and exchanging them for R&B superstars Rihanna and Drake. Now grime rules the roost, with Stormzy's only UK festival set happening here this summer. Wireless also boasts one of the youngest crowds on the festival circuit, and as such the energy levels will likely put to shame anyone over the age of 25.
Does it pass the festival Bechdel test? Ah, lol - no it does not. For a massive three-day festival, Wireless only has a pitiful four women on its entire bill: Mabel, Lisa Mercedez, Raye and Ms Banks. We like you a lot, Wireless, but you're going to have to do much better next year.
See also Parklife, Notting Hill Carnival, NASS festival, Lovebox

Latitude
12-15 July, Henham Park, nr Southwold

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Two of Latitude's pink sheep. Photograph: Jen O'Neill

Who The Killers, Solange, Alt-J, the Vaccines, Mogwai, Wolf Alice, the Breeders, Benjamin Clementine, Alvvays
What Otherwise known as the one with the ethically painted rainbow sheep. Latitude is where Reading and Leeds attendees go when they're too old to go to Reading and Leeds - ie 19 years old - and where Alt-J seem to headline literally every single year. There's a low-key Britpop theme to this year's event with Sleeper, James and the Charlatans smuggled straight out of 1995 and on to the lineup. But the real winner here is the comedy. Bridget Christie, Mo Gilligan, Aisling Bea and QI Live head up a bill of extreme lolz, and even Ed Miliband will be bringing his Reasons to be Cheerful podcast to the site. Laugh along while you feast on vegan tacos from Club Mexicana and pretend the world isn't doomed.
Does it pass the festival Bechdel test? It's certainly not a half-and-half split between male and female artists, but there is a strong showing of lady-led talent across the board, with a powerful collection of sisters doing it for themselves in the comedy, theatre and dance areas.
See also Truck Festival, Kendal Calling, Bluedot

Reading & Leeds
24-26 August, Little John's Farm and Bramham Park

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Skepta. Photograph: Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images

Who Kendrick Lamar, Fall Out Boy, Panic! at the Disco, Kings of Leon, Skepta
What This year has been branded by some exasperated grumps on Twitter as "the worst lineup ever", but we beg to differ. You can keep your Kooks, Wombats and Courteeners: booking the likes of Kendrick, J Hus, Skepta and Brockhampton shows a festival that is willing to break out of its tired rock and indie pigeonhole. Well, mostly ...
Does it pass the festival Bechdel test? It was the overwhelmingly male lineup of Reading & Leeds a few years back that sparked debate about gender diversity on festival bills, as a depressingly sparse mocked-up poster featuring only the female names on the bill was circulated. So, have things changed? Have they fuck. Pop genius Dua Lipa is the only female solo act to grace the main stage and even though the likes of Sigrid, Nadia Rose, Kate Nash, Hinds and Dream Wife are featured lower down the bill - and the quarter-female Wolf Alice headline the BBC Radio 1 stage - there is still a blind spot when it comes to women being invited to play bigger slots.
See also TRMSMT, Isle of Wight, RIZE festival

End of the Road
30 August-2 September, Larmer Tree Gardens, nr Salisbury
Who Vampire Weekend, St Vincent, Feist, Josh T Pearson, Oh Sees, Ezra Furman, Omar Souleyman, Julia Holter, Mulatu Astatke, Lucy Dacus
What Small but perfectly formed, End of the Road has its roots in alt-country, but also welcomes indie big-hitters and experimental folkies. The site is dreamy, with hidden stages in the woods and nonchalant peacocks roaming about the place.
Does it pass the festival Bechdel test? Liverpool guitar-pop trio Stealing Sheep will be bringing a suffragette-inspired marching band procession performance piece to the weekender. Does that answer the question?
See also Green Man, Black Deer, Cambridge folk festival, Woodland Gathering
Topics

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25 May-3 June, Victoria Park, E3 25 May-3 June, Victoria Park, E3 Who Björk, LCD Soundsystem, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Father John Misty, the xx, Lorde, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Beck, the National, Patti Smith, the War on Drugs, Warpaint What You need to come packing a pretty big lineup to turf Field Day, Lovebox, Citadel and Mighty Hoopla off east London's Victoria Park, but the inaugural All Points East is your mum's flashy new boyfriend who insists on you calling him "Uncle Steve", has a vintage sports car and showers you with random gifts.

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Fancy finding out more about festivals? Also check recommendations of The Guardian

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The Festival Calendar - Your No1 Festival Guide For 2018

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UK Music Festival Calendar for 2018, Your festival guide to the biggest and best festivals including Glastonbury, Reading Festival, Leeds, Download Festival, Wireless, SW4 and many more. We're all about the festival in the uk

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Want to practice the grammar and vocabulary of the Unit?