Vera kicks off Moors and Christians festivities with colourful giant parade

Every year, Vera hosts incredible Moors and Christians celebrations, attracting visitors from across Almería. But such notoriety has quite literally given Vera a big head. Before the 2026 edition, Vera celebrated the first day of its annual festivities with a parade that saw big headed giants flood the streets.

Giant figures and big-headed characters fill Vera streets

The parade was made up of two giants and around a dozen big-headed figures that all resemble larger than life marionettes. Each one was made out of papier-mache and depicted a different creature like a witch, a queen and a clown. The colourful procession made its way through Vera’s historic streets accompanied by music, dancing and applause from crowds gathered along the route.

For anyone unaware of what was happening, such a procession was an odd sight, but the locals delighted in the bizarre tradition that first started over 80 years ago.

Families lined the streets while children ran alongside the giant figures, laughing as the oversized characters interacted with spectators throughout the evening. The traditional parade once again highlighted the town’s strong connection to its cultural heritage and festive customs.

Living chess match recreates historic battles

Later in the evening, as the sun was beginning to set, the crowds ditched their enormous heads and made their way to Calle del Mar. There, a game of living chess was being payed. Vera’s school children played chess pieces as they creatively recreated the strategic battle that took place centuries ago.

The performance combined theatre, history and choreography, transforming the street into a giant chessboard. Carefully designed costumes and dramatic narration helped bring the spectacle to life, while spectators followed each move with anticipation. The living chess tradition has become one of the most distinctive and anticipated events of Vera’s annual festivities.

Vera celebrations continue until June 10

The first day of festivities was an epic start to celebrations, full of just as much splendour and theatrics as the main Moors and Christians parade. Organised in honour of the Blessed Virgin of Sorrows, the celebrations will continue until June 10 with concerts, religious events, music, family activities and further parades expected to attract large crowds throughout the week.

As the festivities continue, Vera once again proves why its Moors and Christians celebrations remain among the most unique and visually striking traditions in Almería province.