From 31 August to 5 September, Priego celebrates its Real Fair. Some fairs are enjoyed in passing, and others are worth staying for. The Real Fair of Priego de Córdoba belongs to the latter: six days of casetas, sevillanas, concerts and traditions preserved since 1842, in a town that is also one of the jewels of Andalusian Baroque.
This year it will take place from Monday, 31 August, to Saturday, 5 September 2026, keeping its traditional dates. And it arrives with more than twenty performances and a programme that blends the classics —the Gigantes y Cabezudos parade, the Livestock Fair, the Trovos Contest— with names like Lérica, Mojinos Escozíos or No Me Pises Que Llevo Chanclas.
We tell you everything: schedules, day‑by‑day highlights, what to do, what to eat and where to stay.
Dates of the Real Fair of Priego 2026
From 31 August to 5 September 2026 · Priego de Córdoba
The City Council is keeping the traditional dates, the usual ones. Although the fair officially begins on Monday, 31 August, activity starts earlier: there is a full previous week with sports and social events that are already part of the celebration.
Previous Week
- 24 to 30 August: XXXIV Real Fair Tennis Open, organised by the El Campo Tennis Club
- 25 and 26 August: visits by the municipal Corporation to residences and senior centres, with music and gifts
- 29 August, 18:00 h: VI Petanque Championship, at the Carlos Machado Sports Complex
Essential events
- Gigantes y Cabezudos (Mon 31, 20:30 h) and lighting ceremony (22:00 h)
- Flamenco Dress Day (Thu 3, from 15:00 h)
- Bullfighting event (Fri 4, 19:00 h)
- Livestock Fair and fireworks (Sat 5)
Where the fair takes place and what the fairground is like
The Real Fair has been held since 1993 in the Niceto Alcalá‑Zamora Urban Park, just a short walk from the town centre. Its origin dates back to 1842, when it was primarily a livestock trading market attended by travelling merchants, circuses and conjurers. Everything else came later — the lanterns arrived afterwards.
Today it is considered the major fair of southern Córdoba, welcoming neighbours from across the region, from the aldeas and from the cortijos. The fairground operates with two very different municipal environments, plus the traditional casetas, the youth area, the mechanical attractions and the classic stalls.
Municipal Caseta
The main stage. This is where the big night concerts take place and where the Flamenco Dress Day contests are held. It’s where Lérica, Mojinos Escozíos and most of the lineup will perform.
Caseta “La Alegría”
Traditional dancing. Duos, trios and orchestras playing the timeless hits, starting around 23:30 h. If you prefer dancing close rather than reggaeton, this is your place.
Casetas and youth area
The traditional casetas run by peñas and local groups are the social heart of the fair, and in Priego they’re open: you walk in without an invitation. The youth area gathers the late‑night crowd.
Attractions and stalls
Mechanical attractions for all ages, children’s casetas, game stalls, food stands, nougat sellers and the inevitable churro stalls.
Programme of the Priego Fair 2026, day by day
Monday 31 August · Opening
Parade 20:30 h · Lighting ceremony 22:00 h
The fair opens at 20:30 with the traditional Gigantes y Cabezudos parade, accompanied this year by the Dílar (Granada) charanga Llena que nos vamos. At 22:00 comes the lighting of the extraordinary illumination — the most photographed moment of the week.
The City Council moved the parade and the lighting ceremony forward a few editions ago precisely for this reason: before, people reached the fairground close to midnight and the children were already exhausted. Now the first day goes much further.
Sole Siles performs at 22:30 h in the Municipal Caseta, followed by Planeta 80 at 00:15 h. In “La Alegría”, the night opens with Dúo Alcalá at 23:30 h.
Tuesday 1 September · Children’s Day
Free snack at 19:30 h · Special‑price rides
A day designed for families, with special prices on rides from morning to night. One practical detail worth noting: conditions and ticket sales depend on each attraction, so it’s best to ask at each one.
At 19:30 h, free children’s snack at the Municipal Caseta, accompanied by a face‑painting show. At night, Antonio Romero (22:30 h) and Mesalla (00:15 h) perform in the Municipal Caseta, and Pedro Santiago (23:30 h) takes over “La Alegría” with the timeless hits.
Wednesday 2 September · Inclusive Fair
Quiet period from 19:00 to 21:00 h
One of the most notable details of the programme. Between 19:00 and 21:00, both the attractions and the casetas lower their sound during the so‑called quiet period, making it easier for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and those with higher auditory sensitivity to take part.
It’s a measure Priego has kept for several editions, turning that time slot into the calmest moment of the entire fair — also ideal for anyone attending with very young children. At night the tone changes completely: Con Más Flow and their reggaeton set at 23:00 h, followed by the long‑awaited live show of No Me Pises Que Llevo Chanclas at 00:45 h. In “La Alegría”, Musical Abril from 23:30 h.
Thursday 3 September · Flamenco Dress Day
From 15:00 h · The most eye‑catching day
Probably the most beautiful day of the fair, and the one to highlight in red if you’re visiting from outside. The programme starts at 15:00 h, and at 17:30 h the Municipal Caseta hosts both the Sevillanas Dance Contest and the Special Flamenco Dress Contest.
Registrations are made directly with the organisers, and prizes come in ACCA voucher‑euros. Among all participants in both contests, a flamenco dress with mantón is raffled.
The highlight of the day arrives at 19:30 h with Mujeres por Sevillanas, bringing together Las Carlotas, La Soles and María de la Colina on stage. Later in the night, Mi Hermano y Yo at 23:00 h and Rocío Soto at 00:45 h. Dúo Alcalá returns to “La Alegría” that evening. If you have a flamenco dress, this is the day to wear it.
Friday 4 September · Bullfighting event and Mojinos Escozíos
Coso de las Canteras 19:00 h · Municipal Caseta
From 19:00 h, the emblematic Coso de las Canteras hosts the fair’s major bullfighting event. The specific lineup is announced through dedicated posters, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the company’s signage in the days beforehand.
At night, one of the musical highlights of the edition. The prieguense Paula Soleil opens at 23:00 h, and at 00:45 h Mojinos Escozíos take the stage. Expect a full house, so if you want a good spot in the caseta, arrive early. In “La Alegría”, Musical Abril from 23:30 h with their classic hits.
Saturday 5 September · Livestock Fair and closing day
Los Almendros · Fireworks · Lérica
The final day brings back the Livestock Fair for the entire day, held on the municipal plot next to the commercial area of Los Almendros. It’s the very origin of the celebration — the fair was born from this in 1842 — and it’s worth a visit even if you don’t know anything about horses. Go in the morning: that’s when the real movement happens.
From 22:00 h, “La Alegría” hosts the XLVII Concurso de Trovos Feria Real Ciudad de Priego in the former Youth Caseta, one of the most storied and traditional competitions of the entire fair. After the certamen, the night continues with the performance of Streets Cats, que mantiene el ambiente hasta bien entrada la madrugada.
And the final burst at the Municipal Caseta: Los Vynilos at 00:15 h with their repertoire of classic versions, followed by Lérica at 01:30 h, delivering the last big show of the week. The spectacular fireworks display officially closes the Feria Real 2026, poniendo el punto final a seis días de fiesta.
The concerts of the Priego Fair 2026, at a glance
| Day | Municipal Caseta | Caseta “La Alegría” |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 31 August | Sole Siles (22:30) · Planeta 80 (00:15) | Dúo Alcalá (23:30) |
| Tuesday 1 September | Antonio Romero (22:30) · Mesalla (00:15) | Pedro Santiago (23:30) |
| Wednesday 2 September | Con Más Flow (23:00) · No Me Pises Que Llevo Chanclas (00:45) | Musical Abril (23:30) |
| Thursday 3 September | Mujeres por Sevillanas (19:30) · Mi Hermano y Yo (23:00) · Rocío Soto (00:45) | Dúo Alcalá |
| Friday 4 September | Paula Soleil (23:00) · Mojinos Escozíos (00:45) | Musical Abril (23:30) |
| Saturday 5 September | Los Vynilos (00:15) · Lérica (01:30) | Concurso de Trovos (22:00) · Streets Cats |
The 2026 Real Fair poster
The announcing poster is the work of Murcian graphic designer and photographer Rubén Lucas García, winner of the municipal competition among nine proposals submitted.
It takes inspiration from the municipal tourism campaign “Patrimonio Andaluz” and integrates some of Priego’s most recognisable elements: the Church of El Carmen, the Town Hall façade and extra‑virgin olive oil, an economic and gastronomic hallmark of the town. The idea was exactly that — to combine the fair’s traditional festive imagery with the heritage of Priego.
Other signage to keep an eye on: The bullfighting event poster for Friday the 4th is announced separately, with its own dedicated artwork. And the extraordinary Feria Real edition of Adarve —the local bi‑weekly founded in 1952— publishes each year its special issue with the full programme.
What’s typical to do at the Priego Fair
If you’re coming from outside Priego and don’t want to just wander around the fairground, these are the customs that make Priego’s fair Priego’s fair.
Dressing in flamenco attire on Thursday
The Flamenco Dress Day isn’t a tourist gimmick: half of Priego dresses up. Even if you’re not competing, it’s the day when the fairground looks its best and when people dance the most sevillanas.
Watching the lighting switch on from the very beginning
Following the Gigantes y Cabezudos with the charanga all the way to the fairground and waiting for the lighting to switch on. Ten minutes of pure celebration that are worth the whole first night.
Visiting the Livestock Fair in the morning
On Saturday, in Los Almendros. Dealers, horses and conversations that have been repeating themselves since 1842. It’s the most authentic part of the fair, and the one least known to visitors from outside.
Listing to trovos
The Trovos Contest is now in its 47th edition. Improvised, sung verse performed live. You don’t need to understand metre to enjoy it.
Going into the traditional casetas
Unlike other Andalusian fairs, you don’t need to be a member or carry an invitation here. You walk in, you order, and you dance.
What to eat and drink at the fair
You’re in the land of salmorejo, flamenquín and the best olive oil in the world. The fair is all about eating and drinking, and it helps to know what to order.
What to drink
- Rebujito: the caseta classic, fino mixed with lemon‑lime soda and lots of ice
- Fino or amontillado from Montilla‑Moriles: the province’s own denomination of origin
- Tinto de verano: more refreshing than sangría, and much more from here
- Water, lots of it: early September in the Subbética is still hot enough to push you.
What to eat
- Cordoban salmorejo, topped with egg and cured ham
- Flamenquín and fried bites, the quintessential caseta tapa
- Scrambled collejas, a true Priego speciality and almost impossible to find outside the area
- Oxtail stew and traditional spoon‑served dishes you’ll find in the village
- Churros at dawn, the fair’s unofficial but traditional closing ritual
The detail that changes everything: almost everything here is finished with extra‑virgin olive oil from the Priego de Córdoba PDO, one of the most awarded oils in the world. A simple slice of bread with olive oil at breakfast explains half of the town’s cuisine.
If you’re going to the Priego Fair with children
Priego’s fair is particularly welcoming for families, and there are three things you’ll want to keep in mind.
Family Plans
- Tuesday 1: Children’s Day, special‑price rides and a free snack at 19:30
- Wednesday 2, from 19:00 to 21:00: low‑noise period across rides and casetas
- Weekend: free municipal playroom at the Pabellón de las Artes
Don’t get lost at the Fair
- Fairgrounds: Niceto Alcalá‑Zamora Urban Park
- Concerts: Municipal Caseta and “La Alegría” Dance Caseta
- Livestock Fair: municipal plot in the Los Almendros area
- Bullfighting event: Coso de las Canteras
- Playroom: Pabellón de las Artes
How to get there and where to stay during Priego’s fair
Priego de Córdoba is just over an hour from Córdoba city, about an hour and a half from Granada, and under two hours from Málaga and Seville. It’s easy to reach by car, which is also the most convenient way to move around the region.
A practical tip: accommodation in Priego fills up during the fair. If you’re planning to come, book as early as possible — especially for the weekend of September 4 and 5, which is the busiest.
Where to stay: Hotel Villa Turística de Priego
Una buena base si quieres combinar feria y descanso: estilo tradicional andaluz, piscina y el restaurante El Piloncillo con cocina local. Y la ventaja de poder volver a un sitio tranquilo después de una noche de caseta, con el Geoparque de las Sierras Subbéticas al lado para el día siguiente.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2026 Priego de Córdoba Fair
When is the 2026 Priego de Córdoba Fair?
From Monday 31 August to Saturday 5 September 2026, with pre‑fair activities starting on 24 August.
Where is the Feria Real held?
The fair takes place in the Niceto Alcalá‑Zamora Urban Park, the municipal fairgrounds of Priego de Córdoba.
What time is the lighting ceremony?
At 22:00 on Monday 31 August, preceded by the Gigantes y Cabezudos parade, which starts at 20:30.
What’s the best day to visit?
Thursday 3 September, Flamenco Dress Day, is the most visually striking. Friday 4 and Saturday 5 bring the biggest concerts and the most crowded, high‑energy atmosphere.
What is the quiet‑hour schedule?
A dedicated slot on Wednesday 2, from 19:00 to 21:00, when rides and casetas lower their sound levels to make the fair more accessible for people with autism spectrum disorder and those with higher auditory sensitivity.
Are there activities for children?
Yes. Tuesday 1 is Children’s Day, with special‑price rides and a free afternoon snack, and during the weekend the free municipal playroom operates at the Pabellón de las Artes.
When are the fireworks?
On the night of Saturday 5 September, as the official farewell to the fair.
Do you need to book accommodation in advance?
Yes — and the sooner, the better. Priego fills up during the fair, especially on the final weekend.
Don’t miss the 2026 Priego de Córdoba Fair.
Six days, two municipal casetas, more than twenty performances and a handful of traditions that have been repeated since 1842. Priego de Córdoba’s 2026 Real Fair is one of those celebrations that works just as well if you come to dance until five in the morning as if you prefer to stroll among lanterns and head home early.
And if you stay the night, a Baroque‑filled town is waiting for you the next morning. Not a bad plan at all.
Official programme provided by the Priego de Córdoba City Council. Activities and schedules may change — please check the updated official programme before your visit. Plan your getaway at villasdeandalucia.com.
