Almuñecar’s historic centre will glow with thousands of candles this Saturday, October 24, as the Costa Tropical town stages a free evening event celebrating its 500-year history. The Noche de las Velas (Night of the Candles) will run from 8pm until midnight, inviting residents and visitors to explore the town’s old streets and historic landmarks in a different light.
Organised as part of the Almuñecar, Luz de un Imperio programme, the event commemorates the 500th anniversary of the town receiving its coat of arms.
Where to see Almuñecar’s candlelit streets
Visitors can follow a route beginning at the Casa de la Cultura before passing the Church of the Encarnacion and Plaza de la Constitucion, next to the town hall. The route continues through Calle Velez, Calle Antigua and Calle San Joaquin, before reaching the Cueva de Siete Palacios. From there, visitors can continue along Calle Angustias Moderna, Calle San Miguel and Calle Santa Adela towards San Miguel Castle.
Admission is free, making the evening an opportunity for families, local residents and tourists to enjoy the town’s heritage without buying tickets.
Alberto Garcia Gilabert, the councillor for culture and education, has encouraged residents, shopkeepers and businesses to take part by placing candles in windows, on balconies and in shopfronts. Organisers have also asked people to reduce exterior artificial lighting where possible to help create the intended atmosphere.
Why Almuñecar is celebrating 500 years
The event forms part of a wider cultural programme marking October 6, 1526, when Emperor Charles V and his mother, Queen Juana I of Castile, granted Almuñecar its coat of arms.
Exhibitions at the Casa de la Cultura explore the town’s history through historic documents and the journey of Charles of Habsburg and Isabella of Portugal to Granada. Both exhibitions are scheduled to run until October 31.
Visitors can also join guided visits to the exhibition Manuscritos de Almuñecar: 500 años de una ciudad viva on October 24 and 25, from 10.30am to 11.30am. The candlelit evening offers another way to discover Almuñecar’s historic centre while marking five centuries of local history.