Almáchar

What to See in Almáchar

The monument par excellence of this locality is the San Mateo parish church in the urban centre. It was built in the sixteenth century on late Gothic architectural lines, which are mixed with Renaissance features as can be seen in the arch ribbing of the central vault. In its lateral naves are found the Dolorosa and the Cristo del Corazón de Jesús statues. Each occupies its own rococo "camarín" (small chapel). In the centre and crowning the altarpiece of the main altar is the Cristo de la Banda Verde, which is venerated by the Almachareños and to which they are very devoted (see "Legends"). The church exterior is dominated by a square Mudéjar-style tower.

Considering that 90 per cent of Almáchar’s residents derive their livelihood directly or indirectly from raisins, it is logical that the municipality has dedicated a museum to this product. It is located at 5 Santo Cristo Plaza (Telephone: +34 952 512 002). A collection of utensils and implements that were traditionally used-and some of them continue to be used at the present time- is on display in this old two-story house that reflects the kind of architecture that was popular in this area in years past.

The procedure for harvesting grapes and turning them into raisins is explained in a simple but informative manner, and to this is added a display of a very diverse collection of nineteenth and early twentieth century tools of the trade. Admission to the museum is free and the opening times are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., from Monday through Friday throughout the year. On weekdays group visits are allowed, but appointments in advance are required. Contact the Tourist Office (+34 952 512 002).

While except for the parish church there is no other structure in Almáchar that, strictly speaking, can be considered a monument (the afore-mentioned Museo de la Pasa is very interesting but is not itself a monument), its quintessentially Moorish urban layout presents the visitor with some distinctive features worthy of note. One such example is Mártires Street, which goes around the San Mateo church. By an architectural solution that is as basic as it is original, it is connected to one of the neighbouring houses by means of a barrel vault.

A walk through its oldest quarter is also very interesting. Besides the Museo de la Pasa, here are to be found Santo Cristo Plaza and the neighbourhood of Las Cabras with its endless number of winding streets, very steep due to the sloping terrain. They show clear Moorish and Arabic influences, and stairways, portals, narrow passageways and the mixture of colours formed by the whitewashed walls and the dazzling tints of flowers in pots on the sidewalks and balconies create a typically Andalusian scene.

On this stroll we will also come across the "El Forfe" gardens. This landscape has been restored for tourists and provides an interesting panoramic view of the southern part of the municipality and the bordering River Almáchar. From here the entrance to the Cueva del Moro (Cave of the Moor) can be seen. According to legend this cave guards a treasure that a Moor placed there before leaving due to the Christian invasion.

The visitor should keep in mind that due to the special characteristics of the town it is impossible for cars to enter its streets, so they must be parked at the main entrance and the entire trip done on foot. That is part of its charm

Almáchar’s Fiestas and Gastronomy

On the first weekend in May the fiestas in honour of the Santo Cristo de la Banda Verde (Holy Christ of the Green Band) are celebrated. This is an image to which the Almachareños appealed for protection during the wave of earthquakes that shook the region in the mid-eighteenth century. Since not a resident of the town perished as a result of the seismic disturbances and the town’s houses were scarcely damaged, this Christ was, by popular acclaim, declared the protector of the locality.

As well as the religious functions, which include a mass and the bearing of the image in a procession through the central streets of the town, various musical performances, dance programs, fireworks displays, sports competitions and traditional verbenas (street parties) are held throughout the weekend.

The fair in honour of Nuestra Señora del Amparo

Even considering the deep and indisputable traditional roots of these fiestas, Almáchar’s most famous celebration is the Ajoblanco Fiesta (first Saturday in September), which has been designated as of National Tourist Interest in Andalusia. Thousands of outsiders flock to the town and are treated to a free sample of this genuine Almachareño dish.

In parallel with the gastronomic events of the day, the town becomes a colourful showcase where items of great historic and artistic value are displayed, and there are even traditional scenes acted out by means of dolls or mannequins dressed in the style of a century ago. The performances of "pandas de verdiales" (fandango-like musical groups), Rocío choirs and flamenco in all its variants complete Almáchar’s "big day".

Other very popular fiestas and events include the Concurso de Pastorales (a pastoral music event during the second two weeks in December), the Noche Vieja (New Year’s Eve) celebration on the Plaza de España, the Cabalgata de Reyes (Three Kings’ Cavalcade on 5 January), the carnival in February and the Semana Cultural (Culture Week in June, which includes an extensive programme of activities).

Many years ago, Almáchar started holding the Noches con Encanto during the summer months, specifically in July and August, a programme of cultural events such as live music shows featuring a wide range of styles and genres. The concerts take place in traditional sites in town and in different local bars.

In 2008, Almáchar kicked off a series of music cycles titled Reviso Flamenco, which revisits flamenco culture in all its variants, "cante" (voice), "toque" (guitar) "baile" (dance)… Reviso Flamenco opens with conferences and talks and closes with a renown flamenco artist receiving a recognition award. This music cycle starts off in May and ends in June, featuring one performance a month.

(Our Lady of Protection), patron saint of Almáchar, takes place in late July. It lasts three days and includes a great variety of festive, sporting and cultural events. The San Isidro pilgrimage, in mid-May, is another well-established and popular celebration in Almáchar. Almachareños take the festival to the countryside, where they organise different activities such as ribbon races or "corros de la rueda," accompanied by pandas de verdiales (traditional music bands).

More Information About Almáchar 

Legends About Almáchar

While there is a lack of adequate documentation, there are some legends that enrich the tradition of this locality. One of them speaks of a fabulous treasure that the Spanish Moors buried in a cave near the River Almáchar when they were fleeing from the Christian invasion. Nothing is known about the treasure buried in a cave whose entrance has been covered over by dirt with the passage of the years, but the legend has survived, being passed from father to son for generation after generation. Another, more pious, legend tells how the Cristo de la Banda Verde, who inspires great devotion from the people of the municipality, saved some sailors from certain death after the ship in which they were travelling sank. The sailors sought the image of the Christ in all the towns until they found it in Almáchar, and to show their gratitude the shipwreck victims made a gift to it of two silver lamps.