Villa Ciscarejo Country house between orange groves in Gádor (Almería)

Celebration of Saint Sebastian

Around January 20th, the town of Gádor celebrates its winter patron saint festival in honor of San Sebastián and, as every year, the people of Gádor take to the streets to show their love and devotion by carrying the image of the patron saint in procession to thank him for the benefits he has granted that year. The religious acts in honor of Saint Sebastian begin with a solemn mass in the parish church of Santa María de la Villa de Gádor, where the parish priest reminded the numerous people in attendance in his homily that Saint Sebastian's witness of faith and spirituality remains an example to be emulated even today, while encouraging them to invoke the protection and care of the patron saint and to thank him for their achievements. At the end of the Holy Mass, the sound of rockets and the ringing of bells announced the start of the solemn procession of praise with the image of the patron saint. Accompanied by government officials, members of brotherhoods and fraternities, the Gádor Music Association, and the town's inhabitants, the image of Saint Sebastian descended from the church toward Calle del Barranquillo until reaching the Plaza de la Ermita. There, they stopped to pray to him and invoke the patron saint's protection and shelter for all the town's children. Immediately afterwards, the Gádor Music Association sang the hymn to Saint Sebastian, and the parish priest, accompanied by the town's mayor, laid a bouquet of flowers at the foot of the monument to Saint Sebastian that dominates the square. The solemn procession then continued toward Calle La Paz, ending at Avenida Andalucía, heading toward Plaza de la Constitución, and from there, returned to the temple, where the image of Saint Sebastian will remain until next year. The people of Gádor continued to enjoy the winter patron saint festivities this weekend, which reached their most playful aspect this Sunday with the traditional Migas festival, which every year brings together Gádor residents and visitors at the Paraje Zorracana municipal picnic area (Mirador del Andarax) to spend a lively day full of conviviality around a good paella de migas.

Festival of the Day of the Orange

Every year, Gádor celebrates its traditional Orange Day. This event recognizes the importance of oranges in local culture and the economy. Various activities are organized during Orange Day, including the installation of a large juicer connected to a fountain in the Plaza de la Constitución that produces around 6,000 liters of orange juice. There are also stalls selling traditional orange recipes, free orange juice tastings, and exhibitions of products made in Gádor and the surrounding area. The town is known as the "Villa of the Orange" due to its significant orange production, particularly the "Blancas" variety used for juice, and the "Navel" variety for fresh consumption. Gádor is also the leading producer of organic oranges in Spain. The celebrations highlight the historical and cultural importance of oranges in the region, which dates back to the Arab introduction of the orange tree to Europe via southern Spain in the 10th century .

Fat Thursday (Jueves Lardero)

Fat Thursday in Gádor is a traditional festival that takes place the week before Ash Wednesday, just before the Carnival festivities. The people of Gádor meet in the 'Las Chimeneícas' area, on the Rambla de las Balsas, to spend a day in good company, enjoying plenty of food and drink with a distinctly Almerían character. This holiday is eagerly awaited and is one of the most important in the city. The people of Gádor come together to eat and drink (always in moderation) and to participate in games and conversations among neighbors. The most notable traditional dish is the hornazo, a bread roll soaked in olive oil with a hard-boiled egg in the center, which is a must in the Fat Thursday celebration. The celebration of Fat Thursday is passed down from generation to generation in Gádor, and the mayor of Gádor advocates continuing to cultivate this ancient tradition, which must not be forgotten or lost.

Carnival

Gádor's Carnival is a colorful and joyful celebration, with the local residents actively participating and enjoying the various activities and parades in costumes and masks. In recent years, the municipality has hosted carnival group competitions, in which groups from Gádor have participated and won prizes. Gádor's Carnival festivities also include the traditional celebration of Fat Thursday, a local festival deeply rooted in the municipality, celebrated during the week before Ash Wednesday.

Reenactment of the Passion of Christ (La pasión viviente)

The live reenactment of the Passion of Christ is a traditional event in Gádor, held during Holy Week. This performance, which has been running for over 80 years, brings together 100 actors who become protagonists of the Passion story on seven stages in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the Plaza de la Ermita, El Barranco Aguilera, and the surrounding streets and squares. The live reenactment of the Passion of Christ is a religious and cultural event that attracts thousands of people each year, both locals and visitors, and has become one of the hallmarks of Holy Week in Gádor.

Easter Week (Semana Santa)

Holy Week in Gádor is one of the most important festivals of the year and is characterized by the high level of participation of the residents in religious and traditional events. During the week, six processions take place, each organized by different brotherhoods and fraternities of the town. Among the most notable events is the live reenactment of the Passion of Christ, which, despite an interruption, has been held for over 50 years. Holy Week in Gádor begins with the Reenactment of the Living Passion, which takes place at 9:00 p.m. on the Saturday before Palm Sunday in the Plaza de la Constitución. The exact dates of Holy Week vary each year and depend on the first full moon of the vernal equinox, falling between March 22 and April 25. Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem: Procession that takes place on Palm Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Holy Burial: One of the highlights of Holy Week, when the Virgin of Solitude walks alone through the streets of Gádor, followed by a large number of people accompanying her. Holy Week in Gádor is an event that brings together thousands of people every year who are impressed by the drama, realism and spectacularity of the live representation of the Passion of Christ.

The May Cross (Cruz de Mayo)

No specific information regarding the May crosses in Gádor is provided in the available background documents. However, May Crosses are a popular tradition in many cities and towns in Spain, where crosses made of flowers are placed on streets and squares.

Fair in honor of the Virgin of the Rosary (Feria de la Virgen del Rosario)

The Virgen del Rosario celebrations in Gádor are celebrated annually in honor of the city's patron saint. The festivities typically begin on Thursday, around October 12, and culminate in the offering of flowers to the Virgin of the Rosary on Saturday. Activities include concerts, contests, masses, and parades that fill the town with life and joy for four days. On Friday, children can enjoy a ride on the tourist train and a pet costume contest. On Saturday, in addition to the floral offerings, there will be a Sevillanas competition and a float parade. The final day of the festivities features a procession in honor of the Virgin of the Rosary, followed by a Eucharist and a flower petal ceremony on La Paz Street. These festivities are an opportunity for Gádor residents and visitors alike to enjoy tradition, music, and conviviality in a festive and unique atmosphere.

Christmas, New Year's Eve, Three Kings (Navidad, Nochevieja, Reyes)

Christmas Eve (December 24): It is traditional to sing Christmas carols and eat a special menu that usually includes seafood, turkey, or ham. Typical sweets include nougat, marzipan, and polvorones. Christmas Day (December 25): Nativity scenes and Christmas trees are common in homes, usually made of plastic due to the lack of natural trees. New Year's Eve (December 31): It is celebrated by eating twelve grapes with each stroke of the clock. Afterwards, people say "Happy New Year" and toast with cava. Kings Day (January 6): The Three Wise Men, Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar, bring gifts to the children, which they leave in their shoes while everyone sleeps. January 6 is celebrated with the eating of Roscón de Reyes, a cream cake with a surprise inside.