The barrio of Torrecuevas Almuñécar hosts the Fiestas de la Chirimoya to celebrate the harvest of the chirimoya (a custard apple), in honor of the Virgen Madre. The Chirimoya Festival of Barrio Torrecuevas usually includes 3-4 days of celebration, activities, music, dancing, eating, and drinking. The Fiestas de la Chirimoya usually takes place around the 12th of October, which is also Día de la Hispanidad (Hispanic Heritage Day) and Fiestas de Pilar.

What is a Chirimoya or Cherimoya?

Chirimoyas are a popular fruit in Spain, mainly grown in the southern province of Granada, in Costa Tropical. Chirimoyas are also called “cherimoyas” or Custard Apples in English and are delicious tropical fruits. They are native to South America (Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador), but Spain has them too!

Chirimoyas are grown on trees and are green heart-shaped fruit, with bumps on the outside. Once it is slightly soft to the touch, it is ripe, and time to cut open. Inside you will find a white, juicy flesh, with a soft custard-like texture and large black seeds. Many people love them and they are full of health benefits too! Find out all about the chirimoya calories, nutritional data, and health benefits here.

Chirimoya Arbol / Chirimoya Tree

Throughout Costa Tropical, you will see many chirimoya trees growing in our unique microclimate. The fruit is available to purchase and eat from October through the winter in Spain. When you travel to Spain, make sure to taste these tasty treats and know they likely came from Costa Tropical.

Who is the Virgen Madre?

The Torrecuevas Chirimoya Festival of Almuñécar is a celebration in honor of the Virgen Madre (Virgin Mother), which has been celebrated since the 1960s. The Virgen El Pilar is the name given to Mary for the time when the Apostle Saint James was praying on the banks of the river in Zaragoza Spain. At this moment, the Virgin Mary is supposed to have appeared to him on a marble pillar and asked him to build a church on the land upon which he was standing.

Initially, a chapel was built around the pilar followed by ever grander churches over the centuries. Today the magnificent Basilica del Pilar which was designed in 1681 stands on this spot. Major alterations took place in the 18th century and the Basilica’s towers weren’t completed until the 20th century. Read more about the Virgen el Pilar or Virgin Mary here.

Día de la Hispanidad (October 12)

There is some interesting information on this national holiday in Spain. It is also known as Fiesta Nacional de España. Read more about the history of this Spanish holiday and how it has changed meanings over the years and even become a combination of holidays.

Dates for the Fiestas de Torrecuevas y Fiesta de la Chirimoya en Almuñécar

October 09-12 (Friday to Monday)

Fiestas de Torrecuevas (Chirimoya Festival) Location

The neighborhood of Torrecuevas is located in the valley leading up to Jete and Otivar from Almuñécar. Right along the road, just above the river, you will see a portion of the Roman Aqueducts and a playground. Check the city bus schedule to get there (bus line 5).

Program 9-12 October, 2026
54th Fiestas de Torrecuevas y
Fiesta de la Chirimoya en Almuñécar

The neighborhood of Torrecuevas celebrates the Chirimoya Festivities in Honor of the Virgin Mother. It’s the Fiestas de Torrecuevas, and it will be centered at Plaza de Luciano Rodríguez, the hub of the festival. The weekend will be filled with fun activities, games, and a foam party for the kids. Opening day is in Plaza de Luciano Rodríguez (Torrecuevas Aqueduct).

Download the full schedule from the tourism site.

FIESTAS TORRECUEVAS

FRIDAY, 09 October

14:00 Opening of the festivities and opening of the official booth. Organized by the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Neighborhood Association
14:00 Paint your neighborhood, organized by the Arcos de Torrecuevas School
16:00 Free bouncy castle for one hour. Gift from the Virgen Madre Brotherhood.
17:00 Candy shower, Gift from the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Neighborhood Association
17:15 Bingo, Organized by: “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Neighborhood Association
18:15 Subtropical fruit contest. Organized by the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Neighborhood Association
18:30 – 20:30 Children’s crafts. Organized by the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Residents’ Association
21:00 Flamenco show by the Paola Almodóvar Flamenco School
22:30 Performance by Dario and Nahuel
01:00 Local DJ

SATURDAY, 10 October

10:00 Gymkhana and Bicycle Ribbon Race, In collaboration with Club Showtime
12:15 Free Bouncy Castle for 1 hour, Gift from the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Residents’ Association
12:30 Candy Shower, Gift from the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Residents’ Association
13:00 Foosball Tournament, Organized by the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Residents’ Association
14:00 Free Cabbage Stew, Offered by the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Residents’ Association
16:45 Tribute to the Oldest Resident, Offered by the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Residents’ Association
17:00 Bingo. Organized by the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Residents’ Association
17:15 Fritters. Proceeds benefit the Spanish Association Against Cancer.
17:30 Paulo Tournament, Organized by the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Residents’ Association
17:30 Greasy Pole Game, Organized by the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Residents’ Association
18:00 Magician Pablo Romon Performance
21:15 Election of the Avocado King and the Custard Apple Queen, youth and senior. Organized by the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Residents’ Association
21:30 Tribute to Melendi. Followed by a local DJ

SUNDAY, 11 October

8:30 Registration for the Solidarity Hike. In benefit of the Spanish Association Against Cancer. (€8 for a t-shirt and race number while supplies last)
9:30 Start of the Solidarity Hike, In benefit of the Spanish Association Against Cancer.
10:00 Registration for the Color Run. Organized by the Arcos de Torrecuevas Parents’ Association
11:00 Start of the Color Run
11:15 Table Tennis. Organized by C.T.M. of Almuñécar
12:30 Foam Party. Organized by the Arcos de Torrecuevas Parents’ Association
13:00 Foosball Tournament, Organized by the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Residents’ Association
13:30 Candy Shower, Gift from the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Residents’ Association
14:00 Free Paella Tasting, Offered by the Almuñécar Town Hall
16:00 Gastronomic Competition of Desserts and Custard Apple Desserts. Prize for the three best desserts
17:00 Futsal Tournament, Organized by the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Residents’ Association
17:30 Free bouncy house for 1 hour. Gift from the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Residents’ Association
17:30 Women’s Chinchón Championship, Organized by the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Residents’ Association
18:00 Free Waffle Tasting. Organized by the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Residents’ Association
18:15 Horse Race. Organized by the Costa Tropical Equestrian Association
18:30 – 20:30 Face Painting (Brighten Up Your World). Organized by the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Residents’ Association
21:30 Musical Performance: Indara. Followed by a local DJ

MONDAY, 12 October

12:15 Free bouncy house for 1 hour. Gift from the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Residents’ Association
12:30 Candy Shower, Gift from the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Residents’ Association
13:30 Awards Ceremony, with the board of the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Residents’ Association
142:00 Free Migas (a traditional Spanish dish) for attendees. Offered by Convergencia Andaluza Andalucistas
15:30 Fandango Cortijero, Association of Friends of the Fandango Cortijero of Almuñécar and La Herradura
16:00 Chirimoya (Custard Apple) Tasting, Organized by the “El Acueducto de Torrecuevas” Residents’ Association
17:30 Celebration of Holy Mass in Honor of the Virgin Mother. In the School Chapel.
Immediately following, solemn procession along the usual route, accompanied by the Our Lady of the Incarnation Musical Association
22:45 Grand Fireworks Display and Final Fireworks of the festivities
Immediately following, music by the Orchestra