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The fiesta of Pilar in Granada is one of the most important of Spain's celebrations

Last weekend was the Fiesta of Pilar in Granada.

Actually the day of Pilar is on the 12th October, but here in Granada the whole weekend nearest to the 12th is filled with one long celebration.

Most of the activity centres around the Plaza Bib Rambla near the Cathedral. This is where stalls and amusements are set out and adults and children of all ages are entertained, amused and fortified by delicious food and drink. The celebrations last from Friday evening through until Monday night. And the atmosphere is electric...

The fiesta del Pilar is a big day for three reasons..

The first reason concerns the Virgin of Pilar.

The celebrations for The Holy Virgin of Pilar date from the year 40 A.D. when Saint James, after entering Spain with the intention of "converting" the pagan peoples into christianity, was in Zaragoza in the north eastern part of the country. It was there that he experienced a vision. In the vision he saw The Virgin Mary standing on a pillar of Marble.

belly dancer celebrating fiesta del Pilar Granada joss stick seller the Angel fortune teller
Three faces of the fiesta Pilar in Granada



The Holy Virgin asked Saint James to build a church on the place where he was standing. This he eventually did. The original building was a small chapel, but since that time it has been added to and rebuilt over the years until now the site boasts the Basilica del Pilar. Inside you can see the actual pillar on which the Virgin Pilar was seen standing. Part of the pillar is exposed, which allows the hundreds of pilgrims entering the chapel each day to kiss and respect it.


The second reason for the importance of the fiesta del Pilar is
the date, 12th October.

Co-incidentally the 12th October is also Spain's National day (Día de la Hispanidad). This day actually commemorates the day America was "discovered" by Columbas (Cristobal Colon) in 1492. This day became a National holiday in 1918. Of course, we all realise that America was never "lost" and so it was never really discovered, but this was the day attributed to the landing and charting of the America's by Columbas

chestnut seller on the fiesta Pilar Granada image of Pilar on a pillar plenty to eat
Plenty to eat and the symbol of the fiesta of Pilar in Granada

The third reason that 12th October is a "big" day concerns all the people who have the name "Pilar".

Pilar translates into the word "Pillar" which symbolises the unity between heaven and earth and represents a person who is solid and dependable.

In Spain everyone has the enjoyment of celebrating two "birthdays". The first celebration day is their date of the birth. The second, and just as important, is the day of their name's saint. And so on the 12th October all those called Pilar are kissed and congratulated on their name-sake and, if they went out to celebrate, it would be tradition that Pilar would pay the bill!


The fiesta del Pilar of Granada is one of the most special weekends of the year. Just go to Bib Rambla during the weekend and you will find
  • Street entertainers doing just that - entertaining!
  • Artisans selling hand crafted goods of allsorts - candles, jewellery, belts, drums, and books.
  • Plenty of good food to eat - spit roasted suckling pigs, spare ribs, beef burgers, sausages, morcillas, wood oven baked breads, candy floss and hand made cakes and sweets of all kinds and flavours.
  • Lots to drink - coffee, beer, wine, soft drinks and water to quench the thirst.
  • Amusements for the children that include bicycle powered roundabouts and "old age" games.
  • Fortune tellers and tarot readers to foretell the future.
  • Plenty more to entertain and amaze.
The fiesta of Pilar in Granada is one of those not-to-be-missed weekends. If you are lucky enough to be in Granada in early October, make sure you make the time to come and enjoy the fiesta.

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