Andalucia Guide > Destinations > El Rompido > Events Calendar> Provincial events

El Rompido. Calendar of local events

The extrovert and festive character of the people of Huelva province is determined by a understanding of the traditions, fiestas, pilgrimage and fairs that are celebrated at distinct times of the year along the length of the coast of Huelva.

Another factor that also coincides directly with these traditions is the privileged climate of the region: warm in summer, mellow in winter, which means the fiestas can be celebrated outdoors, in the squares and streets of the towns, or also along the tracks and paths that lead to the secluded rural ermitas, hermitages, or chapels.

Tradition, culture and folklore, then, unite in a crucible of fiestas, which may begin modestly in springtime but reach their peak in the summer:

• Festive pilgrimages, such as those of the famous Virgen del Rocío, the Virgen de la Bella or the Virgen del Carmen (and like others throughout the year) are displays of particularly intense religious sensibility for each town or village, and find their expression through the traditions of the region.
  
• Feria de Nuestra Sra. del Rosario. On the first Sunday of October the festival starts and runs for six days, when you can visit the exhibition at the Pabellón (pavilion) de Congresos y Exposiciones, la Feria del Automóvil (car fair), and also enjoy live music performances, events in the public and private 'casetas', marquees, leisure activities and fairground attractions.
  
• Fiesta de "El Rompido". Second fortnight of July. This fiesta is in honour of the Virgen del Carmen, and lasts one weekend, the date set by the fall of surrounding religious festivals. In the morning there is a succession of separate sport activities, such as a fishing competition, a rowing race, various sporting events, and more. In the evening there is live music in a variety of venues. Visitors must not forget to see the magical procession by boat carrying the statue of the Virgen.
  
• Romería (pilgrimage) de San Isidro Labrador. End of May. A fiesta in honour of San Isidro Labrador, lasting a weekend, which begins in a pine woodland close to Cartaya. Late on the preceding Friday, the romeria leaves for the procession led by the Sinpecado, the banner or flag of each local religious fraternity, followed by the faithful on foot, horseback or in carts and other forms of transport. Once they arrive at the romeria meadow, there is a votive offering of flowers to the saint, and a mass.
  
• Since 1964 there has been an agricultural and industrial fair, the Feria Agrícola e Industrial, on a permanent festival site.