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 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.
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What is a Chirimoya or Cherimoya?
Chirimoyas are a popular fruit in Spain, mainly grown right here in the southern province of Granada, in Costa Tropical. Chirimoyas are also called “cherimoyas” or Custard Apples in English, and are a delicious tropical fruit. They are native to South America (Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador), but Spain has them too!
Chirimoyas are grown on trees and are a 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
All through Costa Tropical you will see many chirimoya trees growing 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 have a taste of these tasty treats and know it likely came from Costa Tropical.
Who is the Virgen Madre?
The Torrecuevas Chirimoya Festival of Almuñécar are celebrations in honor of the Virgen Madre (Virgin Mother), has been celebrated since the 1960’s. The Virgen El Pilar is the name given to Mary for the time when 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 became a combination of holidays.
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).
Fiestas de la Chirimoya 2020 Cancelled
Due to covid-19 all festivities for 2020 have been cancelled.
Fiestas de la Chirimoya 2019 Program
The neighborhood of Torrecuevas celebrates the Chirimoya Festivities in Honor of the Virgin Mother from October 11 to 13, 2019 (Friday through Sunday). It’s the XLIX edition of 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 Friday , October 11, in Plaza de Luciano Rodríguez (Torrecuevas Aqueduct) at 13:00.
Friday, October 11
- 13:00 Opening ceremony
- 14:15 Free food – Migas (Crumbs is the translation, but it is a dish of fried flour and sometimes other items)
- 15:15 Chirimoya tasting
- 16:30 Contest de Paulo!
- 17:30 Gifts for the kids
- 17:35 Women’s competition
- 19:00 Sweets for the kids
- 19:15 Bouncy house free for 30 min
- 20:15 Night hike through the valley
- 20:20 Inauguration
- 21:30 Flamenco Concert
- 23:30 Music and Entertainment
Saturday, October 12
At night there will be a procession to honor the Virgin Mother and finishing with fireworks.
- 09:00 Good morning sound rockets
- 09:45 Petanque contest at rambla (dry riverbed)
- 10:30 Color Run! Torrecuevas color race organized by the ampa of the Torrecuevas school and the association of neighbors.
5€ for fundraiser and the cost of colored powders. Don’t miss it! - 12:45 Foam Party for the kids!
- 13:40 Gifts for the kids
- 13:45 Bouncy house free for 30 min
- 14:15 Free food – Puchero de Coles (Garbanzo & cabbage stew)
- 15:30 Chirimoya tasting
- 17:30 Celebration of the Holy Mass in honor of the Virgen Madre
- 18:15 Solemn procession
- 22:45 Fireworks
- 23:00 Music & Entertainment
Sunday, October 13
- 09:30 IV Trail Running Torrecuevas
- 11:15 XII Fútbol championship
- 11:30 Pastry Contest!
- 12:15 Treats for the kids
- 12:20 Zumba
- 12:35 Gymcana (scavenger hunt on bikes for kids)
- 13:00 Subtropical fruit contest & exposition
- 13:30 Kids bike race (slow 15 m)
- 14:15 Free food – Paella gigante (big paella)
- 15:00 Flamenco
- 16:15 Tasting of vanilla waffles
- 17:45 Awards
- 18:30 End of the fiestas!
More Things To Do in Almuñécar
If this wasn't enough for you or you want more adventurous activities, please review our full list of Things To Do in Almuñécar, including 1/2 day and full day trips from Almuñécar. 
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Fiestas de la Chirimoya 2018 Programma? You have 2019?
The 2019 program will be available from the Ayuntamiento in early October 2019, events are always around the 12th of October.