Tíjola prepares for Almería’s most colourful festival

The streets of Tíjola in the Almanzora Valley will be brought to life in more ways than one on Sunday, May 10, when the town celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima.

A deeply rooted religious tradition

The Feast of Our Lady of Fatima has been celebrated for generations, marking the Virgin’s symbolic arrival in Tíjola during its pilgrimage through the Diocese of Almería. The event holds strong religious significance for the community, reflecting both devotion and local identity. Recognised as an event of cultural interest in Andalucía, it continues to draw visitors from across the region each year.

Vibrant sawdust carpets transform the streets

As is tradition, locals will gather to decorate the roads through the town in intricate and vibrant artwork. These colourful sawdust carpets will stretch for more than 1.5 kilometres, transforming the streets into a multi-coloured tapestry and creating a striking visual illusion from start to finish of the parade route. Residents of all ages take part, spending hours carefully crafting detailed patterns, religious imagery and geometric designs that are admired before being gently walked over during the procession.

Procession and community celebration

The parade is set to depart from the San Cayetano chapel after morning Mass, with the procession route following the colourful path. The statue of Our Lady of Fatima will be carried through the streets, accompanied by worshippers, music and local participants dressed for the occasion. In addition to joyful spectators, the streets will fill with the scent of gunpowder, as rockets and firecrackers are released to mark the celebration, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Photography contest captures the spirit

In an attempt to immortalise these beautiful designs, Tíjola is also hosting a “Colours of Fatima” Photography Contest. The photographer who best captures the essence and spirit of the festival could win up to €150 in prize money. The competition encourages both locals and visitors to document the fleeting beauty of the sawdust carpets and the emotion of the day.

Blending faith, artistry and community spirit, this unique festival continues to grow in popularity, offering a memorable experience rooted in tradition.