The Jumilla National Folklore Festival is held as part of the Jumilla Fair and Festivities, when the Jumilla nights of mid-August are filled with the scent of grape must and celebration. It has been held uninterruptedly since 1982 and is organised by the Jumilla Choirs and Dance Group. The festival was created as a complementary activity to the Grape Harvest Festival, with the aim of bringing together the different towns that make up the Jumilla Wine Protected Designation of Origin through music and dance.

While maintaining its close ties with the Grape Harvest Festival, over the years it has developed its own identity. To date, more than 300 groups from all the autonomous communities of Spain have taken part, representing 45 different provinces.

It is regarded as one of the most prestigious national folklore festivals held in Spain and is a true channel for the dissemination of traditional dances, customs and popular traditions. Since 2002, it has been an associate member of CIOFF-Spain (International Council of Organisations of Folklore Festivals). In 2006 it received the HYPNOS Award for the promotion of culture, and its work was recognised by the Jumilla Town Hall with the Festival Monument, which has stood in the Jardín de la Glorieta since 2008.

The festival begins with the Official Reception of the participating groups by the local authorities. Afterwards, and prior to the opening session, the groups take part in a colourful and spectacular parade through the city, enlivened by music and dance, which attracts a large number of spectators along its route.

The official performances take place in the central venue of the Jardín de la Glorieta, specially prepared for the occasion and offering a unique setting with seating capacity for 1,000 people. The Folk Evening complements the regular sessions with performances of what is now known as “roots music”, giving the festival another dimension, both due to the musical quality of the participating groups and the active involvement of the audience.

Citizen participation is most evident in the performances held in neighboUrhoods, districts, and at the headquarters of associations and peñas (social clubs), in what is known as “Convivencia con el Folklore”. These events, preceded by each group’s performance, conclude with a shared celebration in which local residents join in the dancing and festivities. Another highly anticipated event is the Festival Mass, in which all the groups take part with their songs and dances throughout the Eucharistic celebration.

The traditional music performances, “Sones de España” (Sounds of Spain), take place at the auditorium of the Municipal Conservatory, where all the folk bands and choirs perform together, offering a true concert of traditional music.

Complementing the official programme, a series of cultural activities known as the “Cultural Festival” are held, aimed at showcasing other aspects of popular culture, including exhibitions, competitions and ethnographic-themed publications. Particularly noteworthy are the National Photography Competition “Jumilla para el Recuerdo”, held uninterruptedly since 1991, and the publication of the cultural booklet “Licinciería”, published since 2004.