January 24 to 26 Folk and Cuadrillas festival in the Caravaca village of Barranda

A feast of music coinciding with the local Fiestas de la Candelaria in Barranda

Over the weekend of 24^th to 26^th January 2025 the village of Barranda in the municipality of Caravaca de la Cruz will be welcoming thousands of people to the 45^th edition of its annual Festival de Cuadrillas and folk festival.

This is the largest and most important gathering of traditional “cuadrillas” in the region, sharing and enjoying traditional folk music which has been passed down verbally for generations. In addition to the music and dancing, the village hosts a market of countryside traditions which celebrates not only the crafts and skills passed down from one generation to another, but also the gastronomic traditions of Murcia, with workshops, crafts, demonstrations and plenty to eat.

The dates of the festival coincide with the Fiestas de la Candelaria, the patron saint of Barranda, and it was given the status of “National Tourist Interest” in January of 2011.

It should be noted that Barranda has a strong musical tradition and is home to the Ethnic Instruments Museum, one of the network of 6 establishments funded by the regional government of Murcia.

The program for the Folk and Cuadrillas festival in 2025 includes the following:

Friday January 24

21.00: Official opening and presentation of the festival in the Centro Cultural Pepe Salcedo.

21.30: The Barranda folk festival begins with a concert by El Pantorrillas in the Centro Cultural Pepe Salcedo. Admission free of charge.

Saturday January 25

19.30: The Barranda folk festival continues with a double bill featuring Karmento and Zas!! Candil Folk at the Centro Cultural Pepe Salcedo. Tickets 20 euros.

Sunday January 26, the LA FIESTA DE LAS CUADRILLAS

9.30: Choral Mass with the Animeros of Cehegín.

10.30: Official reception of participating groups outside the church of Barranda.

11.30 to 14.00: Traditional music and dancing with the groups performing in the streets of Barranda.

16.30: More music in the Calle Mayor.

18.00: The dancing continues in the Centro Cultural Pepe Salcedo

For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Caravaca Today.