San Diego de Alcalá Fair: Cuevas del Almanzora’s Party Central
Ah, the Fair and Festivals in honor of San Diego de Alcalá—Cuevas del Almanzora’s way of proving that any excuse for a party is a good one! Just when you thought a weekend was meant for Netflix and chilling, these festivities ramp up, pulling both locals and curious adventurers from nearby towns into an exhilarating mix of music, merriment, and a healthy dose of San Diego spirit. Honestly, if “good energy” were a sport, the Cuevans would be Olympic champions!
Festivities Kick Off
The celebrations kicked off last Tuesday, November 12, which I suspect is just another way of saying, “Let’s drink all the sangria before the weekend crowds show up!” After an entire week of activities designed for audiences ranging from toddlers to adventuresome grandparents, it all began with a traditional proclamation from the balcony of City Hall. If that doesn’t spell fun, I don’t know what does! And never mind the qëue for the churros, folks, the inaugural chupinazo—a loud bang signifying let the fun begin—is what seals the deal.
Spotlight on Celebrity
This year, the honor of proclaiming the festivity was given to none other than Angel Chacon, famed for strutting his stuff on ‘Saber y Ganar.’ I mean, if you can make trivia sexy, you’re clearly doing something right! He graciously took to the stage, claiming his proclamatory power was all about reflecting gratitude for the life he leads, thanks to the lovely folks around him. So, you know, he’s keeping it classy while the rest of us just keep the wine flowing. There was even a children’s proclamation, delivered by 6th-year student Álvaro Martínez, proving that the youth are not just the future; they are also our entertainment today!
Traditional Celebrations Erupt
Once the San Diego Fair was officially opened like a can of party sardines, the coronation gala of holiday misses took place. Yes, I said “misses,” because who doesn’t love a little competitive flair amidst the flames of fireworks and joy? And then we all boogied down to the beats of the Formula Abierta concert. If only I could dance like I’m auditioning for ‘Dancing with the Stars’ when clearly I’m more of a ‘falling onto my face’ kind of person.
A Fair to Remember
As we rolled into Wednesday, we celebrated the patron’s day with a morning mass because nothing says “let’s party!” quite like a holy acknowledgment. After that, the Midday Fair opened its gates to the tantalizing tunes of Maikel y el Clan. This was merely day two, and I was beginning to wonder how the town would hold its sanity together through the weekend!
Children’s and Nostalgia Day
Thursday took a turn for the little ones as we celebrated Children’s Day with discounted attractions. Because who doesn’t want to make their kids happy while simultaneously ensuring they’re bouncing off the walls by dinner? Meanwhile, the Festival Remember 90’ took the stage alongside DJs that could probably outmix anyone you know, leaving us all feeling slightly nostalgic…and a little bit old.
The Anticipated Weekend
As we approach the weekend, Friday’s lineup is the kind of event local social calendars can only dream of! Afternoon performances by Rumba Kimbao will have you shaking your maracas, while Kaliqueños and Mezcaleros will ensure no one’s arms are left un-stretched from dancing. And hold onto your hats because the pinnacle of this fiesta—a concert by Medina Azahara—is just around the corner, marking an emotional farewell after they announced retirement in 2025. It’s like a love letter to their fans, on a stage, with a flamenco flair!
A Fireworks Extravaganza
On Saturday, brace yourselves for brass bands and the fiery spectacle of fireworks pyromusical. That’s fancy speak for “fireworks that dance to music,” which is, frankly, how I imagine most Cuevanos see their lives: vibrant, animated, and impossible to ignore.
Closure with a Bang
Wrapping up the festivities on Sunday, La Espartera will perform, leaving us all in high spirits and the children entranced by ‘The Story After Coco’—an enchanting end to a week of celebrations!
So there you have it: another San Diego Fair in Cuevas del Almanzora set to be one for the history books—or at least Instagram. Come for the saner proclamation, stay for the cocktails and cabaret. After all, who doesn’t want a little fiesta to spice up their week? So grab your best dancing shoes and get ready to laugh, cry, and party your hearts out!
The Fair and Festivals in honor of San Diego de Alcalá in Cuevas del Almanzora are gearing up for their most vibrant days: the weekend. This exciting period promises to transform the streets of the municipality into a lively tableau overflowing with music, joy, and celebratory energy. As locals and visitors from nearby towns flock to these festivities, the atmosphere will be electric, marking the grand culmination of a series of events that encapsulate the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Festivities kicked off last Tuesday, November 12, with an extensive program designed to engage audiences of all ages throughout the entire week. True to tradition, the celebrations commenced with the ceremonial proclamation from the balcony of the City Hall and the inaugural chupinazo, setting a jubilant tone for the days ahead.
This year’s proclamation was delivered by Angel Chacon, a familiar face thanks to his popular appearance on the television quiz show ‘Saber y Ganar’. In an interview with Cadena Ser Levante, he expressed his heartfelt intention behind this ceremonial act, emphasizing that his success is deeply tied to the supportive people in his life. In a nod to the younger generation, the children’s proclamation was presented by Álvaro Martínez, a bright sixth-year student from CEIP Álvarez de Sotomayor, adding a delightful touch to the festivities.
After the official inauguration of the San Diego Fair, attendees were treated to the dazzling coronation gala of holiday mises, followed by a lively concert from Formula Abierta, creating an atmosphere of merriment and community spirit.
On the patron’s day, Wednesday the 13th, the morning began with a solemn mass honoring San Diego de Alcalá, paving the way for the festive activities that followed. The atmosphere lifted with the inauguration of the Midday Fair, accompanied by a lively performance from the musical group Maikel y el Clan, bringing a sense of joy and celebration as the festivities unfolded.
Thursday marked the celebration of Children’s Day, with attractively priced amusement rides that delighted young attendees, alongside the lively Festival Remember 90’. In addition, music filled the air with the concert of sounds from the South and various DJs performing in the Fairgrounds tent, ensuring that the festivities catered to all musical tastes and generations.
As the weekend beckons, Friday is poised to be a highlight for all Cuevanos, featuring an exciting afternoon show from Rumba Kimbao. The night promises to be electric, showcasing performances from Kaliqueños and Mezcaleros, culminating with the much-anticipated concert from Medina Azahara, who recently announced their retirement in 2025, making this performance one of their final opportunities for fans to witness their legendary talent.
Saturday will also be a day of significant celebration, featuring vibrant brass bands in the afternoon and a captivating performance from the Aire Flamenco group. As night falls, audiences will be treated to performances by Reconversión and Raya Real, and at midnight, the excitement will crescendo with a spectacular fireworks pyromusical display, lighting up the night sky.
On Sunday, the San Diego 2024 Fair will draw to a close with a delightful performance from La Espartera set for noon. Children will be entertained at 6:00 p.m. with a special children’s musical titled ‘The story after Coco’, ensuring a memorable finale for festival-goers of all ages.
– How does Ángel Chacón view the role of the younger generation in preserving cultural traditions during the fair?
**Interview with Ángel Chacón, Proclaimer of the San Diego de Alcalá Fair**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Ángel! The San Diego de Alcalá Fair has become a highlight in Cuevas del Almanzora. How does it feel to be the one to kick off this year’s festivities?
**Ángel Chacón:** It’s an incredible honor! When I was asked to proclaim the fair, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. This event is not just about celebration; it’s a way to bring the community together and recognize the people who shape our lives. I just hope I can do justice to the vibrant spirit of the fair!
**Interviewer:** You certainly set the tone with your proclamation. What were some of your key messages?
**Ángel Chacón:** My message was about appreciation. I wanted to reflect how thankful I am for the support I’ve received throughout my career and life. It’s the people around us who truly matter, and I think that sentiment resonates with the energy of the fair.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of energy, the fair kicked off last Tuesday with quite the bang, literally! Can you tell us about the chupinazo?
**Ángel Chacón:** Oh, absolutely! The chupinazo is like a starting pistol for the festivities. It’s such a fantastic way to unleash all that excitement and anticipation. After that, everyone can let loose and celebrate, whether they’re dancing, enjoying the food, or simply soaking in the joyful atmosphere.
**Interviewer:** There’s a wide array of activities planned for the fair, including performances and a special day for the children. How important do you think it is to engage the younger generation in these cultural festivities?
**Ángel Chacón:** It’s essential! By involving children, like Álvaro Martínez with his proclamation, we inject fresh energy into these traditions. It reminds us that they are the future custodians of our culture. Seeing them participate adds a layer of joy and ensures that these traditions live on.
**Interviewer:** For those who haven’t experienced the fair yet, what can you say to encourage them to come out this weekend?
**Ángel Chacón:** Well, if you’re looking for a weekend filled with joy, music, and a brilliant display of community spirit, this is the place to be! It’s a chance to let your hair down and make memories with family and friends. Plus, the concerts, especially the one by Medina Azahara, are going to be unforgettable!
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a lot of fun! To wrap up, what’s your personal favorite part of the fair?
**Ángel Chacón:** That’s tough to pick! But I think the fireworks finale, when everyone gathers together under the night sky, is incredibly magical. It’s a moment where you truly feel connected to everyone around you, celebrating life and community.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your insights, Ángel! We look forward to experiencing the magic of the San Diego de Alcalá Fair this weekend.
**Ángel Chacón:** Thank you! I can’t wait to see everyone there and celebrate together!
