The main Mayos weekend in Alhama de Murcia is the first in May  

Alhama de Murcia celebrates its annual Los Mayos fiestas at the beginning of May, combining local traditions with entertainment and fun for the whole family, and this year once again a full version of events is scheduled and the atmosphere is guaranteed to be as festive as ever!

The roots of May Day celebraions lie firmly in the pagan past, heralding the arrival of spring and of a period of fertility and abundance, although over time it was gradually absorbed into the Christian faith as it became more widespread. The May celebrations in Alhama de Murcia are called Los Mayos and were declared as being of National Tourist Interest in 2019 due in part to the unique traditions at their core, and every year they attract thousands of visitors including many expats, who enjoy the vibrancy and range of activities.

Las Cruces de Mayo

In Pagan times rituals focused on the feminine and the female figure of fertility, Mother Nature or the Earth Goddess: flowers represented fertility and abundance and were used to adorn sacred places where people made offerings and gave thanks for the fruitfulness of the earth.

In many parts of Europe these traditions were adapted to celebrate the Virgin Mary and in some areas of Spain she is honoured today with the Cruces de Mayo, crosses dressed with flowers, plants and religious tokens. This is an important part of the Alhama celebrations and decorated floral crosses are proudly displayed in homes and public places throughout the town. 

The Crosses remain in place until the end of the fiestas.

La Plantá, the "planting" of figures

Another tradition with roots. Representative figures are made of a variety of materials and messages are added which can be ‘cleansed" at the end of the festival as an act of renewal and regeneration. This is common worldwide and in Alhama the act of creating figures evolved into a tradition which dates back at least to the early 20th century and probably much further.

Figures are made from fabric, stuffed mainly with straw, dressed and set in scenes which represent everyday life, and all around the town displays are created which show residents involved in traditional activities; sitting sewing outside their houses, working in their gardens, or just chatting to one another.

These homely tableaux often poke fun at local political figures, confront topical issues and put across a point of view about social subjects, airing them in a way which makes an otherwise uncomfortable subject a point of discussion.

The displays are hidden away from the public until the day of the "Plantá" on the Saturday, and then Sunday is dedicated to visiting them on foot, on board the tourist train or even by bicycle.

Maps can be picked up from the tourist office, where tickets are on sale for just 1 euro for the tourist train (which runs in a continuous loop from outside the tourist office).

Tickets can only be purchased on the day of the Mayos and the train stops running for lunch.

The Corremayos

A third pagan element:the young men of a town used to go out early and dress the homes of the girls with flowers, roaming around together on May Day and generally causing havoc.

In Alhama this tradition has evolved into the Corremayos, who dress in harlequin jester costumes as they visit the “planted” figures. As in most fiestas, they carry out a “Pasacalles” musical parade, although in this case there are two, on the Saturday night and the Sunday morning. It’s well worth going along to see the explosion of colour as they fill the streets with noise and celebration. Don’t worry about costumes - there are usually a few on sale for those who don't have one!

Locations

The Plaza de la Constitución is the centre of most activities and is also home to the tourist office and Town Hall. Opposite them is the Parque La Cubana, in the centre of which is the Auditorio Municipal (an open-air auditorium).

The main fairground is now located on in the western edge of Alhama in the Nueva Espuña area: click for map.

There is parking beneath the Plaza del Ayuntamiento but it’s likely to be busy: often it’s easier to park behind the Parque de la Cubana and walk through it.

The full program of events during the 2026 Los Mayos fiestas in Alhama de Murcia is as follows:

Friday April 24

19.00: The fairground attractions open in the Recinto Ferial Nueva Espuña until midnight (late opening until 3.00 am on Fridays, Saturdays and on the eve of major events). The fair remains in place until May 10.

19.30: Opening of the “Mayeando con los Corremayos Mayores” exhibition at the Casa de la Cultura, displaying all of the honorary “Corremayos Mayores” of recent times and photographs of the festivity. The exhibition can be visited until May 3 on weekdays from 17.00 to 21.00 and at weekends from 11.30 to 14.00 and from 17.00 to 21.00.

Saturday April 25

10.00: Guided visit in English “Gebas, landscape and culture”. Free tour in English around the village of Gebas. Prior booking required at the tourist office (968 633 512) or online. Starting: Salón Social, next to the Gebas church. Click for further details.

18.00: Guided visit in Spanish “Gebas, paisaje y cultura”. Free tour in Spanish around Gebas. Prior booking required at the tourist office (968 633 512) or online. Starting: salón social, next to the Gebas church. Click for further details.

21.30: The 42^nd National Folk Music Festival begins at the church of San Lázaro. Taking part are the Grupo Folclórico Ciudad de Cartagena from La Palma, Asociación Folklórica Renacer from Badajoz, Grupo de Coros y Danzas Doña Urraca from Zamora and the local Grupo Folklórico Villa de Alhama. Free admission.

23.00: DISKORDIA 25th Anniversary Concert. Free admission. Recinto ferial Nueva Espuña.

Sunday April 26

10.00: The jury tour the town to judge the street, balcony and window decorations competing for prizes.

11.00 to 14.00: Children’s badge-making workshop in the courtyard of the Casa Amarilla in Plaza de las Américas.

CHILDREN’S DAY AT THE FAIRGROUND ATTRACTIONS from 19.00 to midnight, attractions at 1.50 euros.

Wednesday April 29

19.00: MUSIQUEANDO, a musical performance by students from Juan José Robles’ Trasteo Academy in Jardín Miguel de Cervantes.

Thursday April 30

20.00: Children’s Shrek tribute, “OGRO, EL MUSICAL”, at the church of San Lázaro. Free admission.

22.00: “Canto a la Cruz de los Mayos”. Traditional musical tribute to the May Crosses, performed by the Grupo Folklórico “Villa de Alhama” at Calle Alfonso X el Sabio 35.

Friday May 1

9.30: Open women’s self-defence training session. Venue: Adolfo Suárez Sports Hall.

10.45: ‘Judo for the Family’ exhibition. Adolfo Suarez Sports Hall.

11.00: The Los Mayos Artisan Market opens in the Plaza de las Américas until May 3. Opening time: from 11.00 to 21.00:

12.00: ‘Los Mayos’ Judo Kata Tournament. Venue: Adolfo Suarez Sports Hall.

18.00: Free guided tour of the competing May Crosses on the tourist train, starting at the bus stop opposite the Public Market. Prior booking required at the Oficina de Festejos in the Casa de la Cultura (968 631 985).

“AUROROS GATHERING”

The Auroros (or bands of Auroros) are traditional groups of religious folk music in Spain

17.00: Reception at the Casa de las Américas, followed by a visit by the Auroros to the crosses entered in the competition. The participating groups are Hermandad de Auroros Ntra. Sra. Del Rosario from Santa Cruz, Hermandad Nuestra Señora e la Aurora from Lorca and the local Aurora de Alhama.

20.00: Mass sung by the Auroros, in the Church of San Lázaro. At the end of the mass, a short performance by each Aurora group in the church.

21.30: 25th annual Alhama en Concierto Folk music festival features the groups EL NIDO and EL PONY PISADOR. Venue: the atrium of the Church of San Lázaro. Free admission.

Saturday May 2

10.00: The jury visit the May Crosses competing for prizes. Crosses can then be visited during the afternoon.

10.30: Free guided tour of the competing May Crosses on the tourist train, starting at the bus stop, opposite the Public Market. Prior booking required at the Oficina de Festejos in the Casa de la Cultura (968 631 985).

15.00 to 18.00: The Mayos tableaux are set up in the streets, squares and parks of Alhama de Murcia. See them while they are being created and enjoy the tradition first hand, or leave it till later – they’re there all evening and all night!

The tourist train rides also begin at 15.00, starting at the Bus Stop in Avenida Juan Carlos I, and continue until 20.00: Price 1 euro.

18.00 and 19.30: Guided tour in Spanish “Cultura y Color en la Fiesta de los Mayos”. Free panoramic tour to the main cultural sites of the city centre and some Mayos and May Crosses. Prior booking required at the tourist office (968 633 512) or online. Starting from the tourist office.

18.00: Guided tour IN ENGLISH “Culture and Colour at Los Mayos Festival”. Free panoramic tour to the main cultural sites of the city centre and some Mayos and May Crosses. Prior booking required at the tourist office (968 633 512) or online. Starting from the tourist office. Click for further details.

18.35: Corremayo make-up and balloon twisting workshops for children in Avenida Juan Carlos I, next to the Public Market building.

18.45 to 20.45: Mayos 2026 badges are given out outside the tourist office, as well as maps showing the locations of the mayos and May crosses.

19.30: Dance performances by the Paso a Paso dance academy in the Avenida Juan Carlos I, next to the Public Market building.

21.00: Presentation of the Corremayo Mayor (the head Corremayo), an award given this year to JOSÉ MARÍA CÁNOVAS VERA. Venue: Avenida Juan Carlos I (next to the Public Market building)

21.15: The CORREMayOS PARADE is accompanied by live music from MALVARICHE, withthousands of people dressed in their colourful jester outfits. Route: Avenida Juan Carlos I (next to the Public Market), La Feria, Corredera, San Francisco Javier, Constantino López, Colón, Calle La Perdiz, Calle Fuente del Sol and the Recinto Ferial Nueva Espuña fairground.

23.45: Los Mayos concert by the band “CELTAS CORTOS” at the fairground Recinto Ferial Nueva Espuña. Free admission. Click for further details.

1.00: MayFEST, Los Mayos DJ festival at the fairground with two stages:

- TNH STAGE: Ian Ludvig, TreceMonos, Tachman, Sevilla, Alberto Ruiz and Marromboy..

- MAIN STAGE: Dingy DJ and Jungleo.

Sunday May 3, Los Mayos Day

This is the day on which all of the tableaux are already “planted” in the squares, streets and parks of Alhama de Murcia.

10.00: THE MayOS TRAIN: the tourist train offers tours of the Mayos around the town throughout the day from 10.00 to 20.00, starting at the Bus Stop, next to the Public Market building. Price 1 euro.

10.00: The tourist office opens until 18.00 to provide information, maps, posters, programs and the Los Mayos 2026 badges (while stocks last).

10.00, 12.00 noon and 17.00: Guided tour in Spanish “Cultura y Color en la Fiesta de los Mayos”. Free panoramic tour to the main cultural sites of the city centre and some Mayos and May Crosses. Prior booking required at the tourist office (968 633 512) or online. Starting from the tourist office.

10.00 and 17.00: Guided tour IN ENGLISH “Culture and Colour at Los Mayos Festival”. Free panoramic tour to the main cultural sites of the city centre and some Mayos and May Crosses. Prior booking required at the tourist office (968 633 512) or online. Starting from the tourist office. Click for further details.

10.00: The judges tour the MayOS to decide on the winners.

10.30: The Los Mayos Cuadrillas (folk music and dancing groups) arrive and set out from the Avenida Juan Carlos I (next to the Public Market) to visit the Mayos during the morning. The groups taking part are from La Costera, El Berro, Aledo, Molina de Segura and la Zarzadilla de Totana.

11.00: The Corremayos set off for another parade around the Mayos, on two simultaneous routes, accompanied by the musical charangas (brass bands) of "El Escabeche” and “La Hucha”. The parade starts in Avenida Juan Carlos I (next to the Public Market), and along the route invitations will be handed out to Corremayos dressed in costume to be given priority during the scrum for free paella at lunchtime!

12.00 and 13.00: Children’s dance performances, with Mayos music, from ALHANZA dance academy, in the Avenida Juan Carlos I (next to Public Market).

14.30: A giant paella is prepared and consumed in the Plaza de Abastos (Public Market building), with priority being given to those in Corremayo costume during the parade.

16.00 to 18.00: Jump on the bouncy castle and inflatables at the atrium of the church of San Lázaro and at Plaza de Las Américas.

17.00: The Cuadrillas Festival begins in the Plaza de la Concepción with the following performances:

17.00: Cuadrilla de El Berro.

17.30: Cuadrilla de la Zarzadilla de Totana.

18.00: Prizes are awarded for the best Mayos, May Crosses and streets and balcony decorations.

18.30: Cuadrilla Alegría Huertana de Molina de Segura..

19.00: Cuadrilla de La Costera.

17.00: Los Mayos en Bici, a bike ride around the Mayos on display, organized by the Club Ciclista Sierra Espuña, starting in Plaza de las Américas. Get in the saddle and enjoy a healthy end to the fiestas!

Monday May 4

CHILDREN’S DAY! From 19.00 to midnight the price of fairground attractions at the Recinto Ferial Nueva Espuña is just 1.5 euros.

Thursday May 7

CHILDREN’S DAY returns! From 19.00 to midnight the price of fairground attractions at the Recinto Ferial Nueva Espuña is just 1.5 euros.

Friday May 8

The weekend of the 34^th ANNUAL LOS MayOS CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE RALLY begins at the fairground Recinto Ferial Nueva Espuña, with the collaboration of the Alhama Town Hall.

Admission to the event and concerts are free of charge. Registered participants receive a series of improvements to the rally.

13.00: Official start of the event. Free entry. Registration is available. Opening of the Custom drinks bar and Luismi food stall tents, camping area at the Sierra Espuña State School Hall, registration and information stand, motorbike parking area and market area.

22.30: Concert on the main stage, free entry. POP TOUR featuring performances by the Spanish legendary bands that enjoyed huge success in the 80’s and 90’s: “BANDA DEL CAPITÁN INHUMANO”, “GATOS LOCOS”, “EL NORTE” and “JOAQUÍN PADILLA” (singer with Iguana Tango and from the Antena 3TV programme La Ruleta de la Suerte).

After the concert, DJ session by Pepe Medina in the marquee, until 4 am.

Saturday May 9

9.00: “5th Los Mayos Rhythmic Gymnastics Tournament”, school and inter-club categories at the Adolfo Suárez Sports Hall.

THE 34^th ANNUAL LOS MayOS CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE RALLY continues at the fairground Recinto Ferial Nueva Espuña

10.00: Bars open and visitor reception.

17.00: Presentation of novelties from the legendary Harley Davidson brand and other brands.

18.00: Tourist motorcycle route of the town. Visit to the Primafrio logistics centre.

22.00: Free concerts: MALDITO DUENDE (tribute to Héroes del Silencio) and LOS REBELDES After the concert, DJ session by Pepe Medina in the marquee, until 4 am.

Sunday May 10

THE 34^th ANNUAL LOS MayOS CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE RALLY continues at the Recinto Ferial Nueva Espuña fairground.

9.00: Bars and market open.

12.00 noon. Performance by the band LOS HAPPYS.

16.00: Official closing of Mayos Custom 2026.

Thursday May 14

17.00: The DEPORTIMayOS party begins, featuring traditional games, bouncy castles and numerous activities. Venue: Calle Paraguay (next to the indoor pool and sports pavilion).

Saturday May 16

10.00: Guided visit IN ENGLISH “El Berro, the gateway to Sierra Espuña”. Free tour around the village of El Berro in Sierra Espuña. Prior booking required at the tourist office (968 633 512) or online. Starts at the car park opposite the Sierra Espuña campsite. Click here for further details.

16.30: 14^th “Sincromayos” artistic swimming display held by Club Sincro Alhama at the indoor pool.

18.00: Guided visit in Spanish “El Berro, la puerta de Sierra Espuña”. Free tour of the village of El Berro. Prior booking required at the tourist office (968 633 512) or online. Starts at the car park opposite the Sierra Espuña campsite.

18.05: MayOS METAL LIVE, featuring performances by VHÄLDEMAR, AZRAEL, AJO ZERO, PHUNK and PROYECTO AMENAZA. Venue: Espacio Joven La Estación. Tickets in aid of D’Genes: advance €12, on the door €15.

Saturday May 16 and Sunday May 17

15.00: FMRM SPANISH MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP, categories: Elite-MX1, Elite-MX2 and MX125. Organised by Moto Club Alhama. Venue: Las Salinas Motocross Circuit in Parque Industrial Alhama.

Saturday May 16 at 17.00: and Sunday May 17 at 9.30 h: “Memorial Óscar Sánchez Andreo” Athletics children’s championships are held at the Complejo Deportivo Guadalentín

Sunday May 17

19.00: “El País de los Sonidos”, a live concert for the whole family performed by the group Malvariche at the Teatro Cine Velasco.

Wednesday May 20

17.30: Bajo Guadalentín Futsal Children’s Competition with Lorca, Mazarrón and Alhama teams in the Adolfo Suárez Sports Hall.

Thursday May 21 to Sunday May 24

“4^th CANI Memorial”, Paddle Tennis Tournament held by Club Pádel Alhama at Polideportivo El Praíco.

Saturday May 23 and Sunday May 24

2026 Los Mayos Tennis Tournament at Polideportivo El Praíco, held by Club Raqueta Alhama.

Saturday May 23

18.00: “JAVI GAMBÍN MEMORIAL” under-10s and senior HANDBALL matches at the Adolfo Suárez Sports Hall.

Sunday May 24

9.00: 3rd Valverde Team Schools Exhibition (cycling) at the Recinto Ferial Nueva Espuña fairground.

Sunday May 30

9.00–14.30: Regional JUDO KATA and ENBU Judo Championship (Judo and Adapted Judo) at the Adolfo Suárez Sports Hall.

17:30. Futsal event for the hearing impaired: Alhama FS Primafrio at the Adolfo Suarez Sports Hall

Saturday 13 June

“AGAINST CANCER – JOSÉ KUBALA MEMORIAL” football tournament at the Complejo Deportivo Guadalentín.

EXHIBITION “MayEANDO CON LOS CORREMayOS MayORES”

April 24 to May 3 at the Casa de la Cultura, displaying all of the honorary “Corremayos Mayores” of recent times and photographs of the festivity. Monday to Friday 17.00 to 21.00: Weekends 11.30 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 21.00:

6 th LOS MayOS WINDOWS-DRESSING COMPETITION

April 27 to May 10. All businesses in Alhama who wish to participate may do so. There are 3 prizes of 300, 250 and 200 euros and 15 runners-up prizes of 50 euros. The jury will visit the shops on April 27 from 17.30: Registration at the Centro de Formación y Empleo (868 92 10 84).

3^rd MayOS BURGER FEST

April 16 to 19 at the Recinto Ferial Nueva Espuña fairground. Thursday April 16, from 19.00 to midnight. Friday April 17 from 19.00 to 1.00. Saturday April 18, from 19.00 to 2.00. Sunday April 19, from 19.00 to midnight. Come to taste all kind of hamburgers you can imagine and enjoy music performances and food challenges!

LOS MayOS 2026 ARTISAN MARKET

May 1 to 3 in the Plaza de las Américas. Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11.00 to 21.00.

FAIRGROUND ATTRACTIONS

April 24 to May 10 at the fairground Recinto Ferial Nueva Espuña. Opening times: from 19.00 to midnight. Late opening until 3.00 am on April 24, 25 and 30, May 1, 2, 9 and 10 (but without music from midnight.

NOISELESS HOURS: From 19.00 to 20.00 there will be no music and noise will be kept to a minimum at the fairground attractions in consideration of people with autism-related conditions.

CHILDREN’S DAY. April 26, May 4 and 7, from 19.00 to midnight the price of fairground attractions at the Recinto Ferial Nueva Espuña is just 1.5 euros.

MayOS TOURIST TRAIN

Saturday May 2 and Sunday May 3. The tourist train offers tours of the Mayos around the town throughout the day and also stops at the new fairground. Saturday from 15.00 to 20.00. Sunday from 10.00 to 20.00.

Starting at the bus stop in Avenida Juan Carlos I (next to the Public Market building). Price 1 euro.

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