Happy Wednesday Grapeviners!
We’re really into the swing of Christmas now. This week, there are more carol concerts and Zambombas than you can shake a cracker at, on top of the ongoing festive stuff in the centre.
Over in Armilla, the Feria Juveándalus opens Wed 17, with rides and other attractions running until 4 Jan 2026. There are several novel happenings… An inclusive rave courtesy of the University of Granada, which you can experience wearing vibrating vests, the chance to admire scary reptiles through (hopefully thick) glass tanks at Fermasa, an ugly jumper paella party at Fajalauza - oh and watch out for a flock of motorbiking Santas roaring through the streets! 🎅🏽
And let’s not forget our Sunday gathering… also featuring a ferment swap! (Dave will be dishing out kombucha starter, just bring a jar).
🧺🍷🧑🎄 Festive Picnic | Parque Tico Medina | Sun 14 Dec, 12h - Everyone welcome! Wrap up warm (we’ll pick a sunny spot). Bring some food or drink to share. (Location/time may change due to weather.) Join Whatsapp group for updates.
Can you name the Saint? 👇 Answer at the bottom of the email.
🎵 Musical Highlights:
Dave’s Faves™: Maria Coma Trío gets pick of the week. Together with two other vocalists and a bunch of equipment, the Catalan musician creates striking atmospheres mixed with just the right amount of electronic weirdness. N-Wise Allah is a long-standing name in the Spanish hip-hop scene with a mature sound and calm, confident stage presence. Manva Negra might occasionally appear calm, but flips into a very different mode at the click of a finger. A powerful performer (you definitely wouldn’t mess)! Fabián Carbone offers up modern takes on the tango. El Gremio offer more traditional takes on music from several areas of the globe, featuring the far-from-traditional (outside of classical music) bassoon! Well-established rumba flamenca band, Los Banis will likely put on a tight, polished show. Expect similar tightness from Akiba Afrobeat, a funky Afro-jazz outfit made up of several familiar faces from Granada jazz scene.
🎬 VOSE Film:
Sometimes a Great Notion, 1971: Espacio V Centenario 🎥 View Trailer (Free entry)
Nuremberg: Ocine Serrallo + Kinépolis 🎥 View Trailer
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Kinépolis 🎥 View Trailer
Wicked II: Kinépolis 🎥 View Trailer
Avatar: Fire and Ash: Kinépolis 🎥 View Trailer
🚌 Local News/Transport:
🚑 🪧 The Servicio Andaluz de Salud (SAS) announced a four-day healthcare strike from 9-12 Dec across the whole of Andalucía. Public hospitals and health centres are currently operating with minimum services, meaning emergency services are running as normal, but many routine appointments and non-urgent procedures are delayed.
🎅🏽🏍️ PapaNoelada 2025 (a charity motorbike route with riders dressed up as Santa, delivering presents to children!) will affect movement in the city on Sat 13 Dec. The route revs off at 9h on Calle Cáñaveral and ends at 12.30h in Huétor Vega.
🏃🏽🤶🏻 Registration opens tomorrow (11 Dec at 00h) for the Carrera Nocturna y de Disfraces 2025 (night race) which takes place on 19 Dec starting and finishing at Paseo del Violón. Costumes are encouraged, with prizes for best, most original, most elaborate, most festive, largest group, and most topical! Open to anyone aged 4+.
📝 List of Granada Events | 11-17 Dec
Thu 11th Dec
🎄 XI Concierto de Villancicos Carpa Diem | 17.30h
📍 Centro Cultural CajaGRANADA
Charity Christmas carol concert by Coro Carpa Diem benefiting Asociación Alfa Almanjayar.
€10 | Free | Concert
🎤 Karaoke Poético | 19.30h
📍 Centro Federico García Lorca
Interactive poetry performance with karaoke and conversation.
Free | Literary, Poetry
🦺 Rave por la Inclusión | 20h
📍 Facultad de Ciencias, Campus Fuentenueva
A sensory-driven rave combining tech, art, and vibrating vests that turn sound into touch - an inclusive way for everyone to experience music! With DJs Manitek y Sferenet.
Free | Electronic, Experimental
🎼 Ecos del Imperio - Orquesta y Coro Manuel de Falla | 20h
📍 Paraninfo UGR - Campus de la Salud
Charity concert by University of Granada Orchestra and choir performing Strauss, Beethoven and Vaughan Williams to benefit the autism support association of Granada.
€10 | Concert, Classical
🎸 La M.O.D.A. - La Maravillosa Orquesta del Alcohol | 21h
📍 Sala Industrial Copera
Burgos band blend acoustic country, folk and blues with punk. Featuring accordion, banjo, saxophone and mandolin. Preview
€30 | Concert, Folk, Rock
🎸 Guitarmageddon + Blues Jam Session | 21.30h
📍 Lemon Rock
Blues night featuring house band followed by open jam session.
€5 | Concert, Jazz
🇨🇺 Latin Night: Quemason + Koragüi | 20.30h
📍 Sala Planta Baja
Cuban rumba and salsa night featuring live performances by Koragüi and Quemason
€12,62 | Concert, Latin Music, Rumba
🐘 Elefantes - 25 Aniversario Azul | 20.30h
📍 Palacio de Congresos
Barcelona band celebrate 25 years since their landmark album 'Azul'. Preview
€33 | Concert, Rock
🎤 Manolo García - Drapaires Poligoneros | 20.30h
📍 Palacio de Congresos
Tour that covers the release of the big act’s new album “Drapaires Poligoneros” along with greatest hits. Preview
€75,90 | Concert
🎤 N-Wise Allah | 20.30h
📍 Sala Víbora
Established rapper performs as part of his “Teléfono Kosher Tour”. Preview
€19,47 | Concert, Hip Hop
💃 Manva Negra | 21.30h
📍 Taberna J&J
Modern expression-laden Flamenco fused with cumbia, hip-hop and Mexican corridos. Preview
€10 | Concert, Flamenco, Fusion
Fri 12th Dec
📖 Cuentacuentos Navideño | 17.30h
📍 Biblioteca Pública Municipal Las Palomas - Almudena Grandes
Festive Christmas storytelling session.
Free | Family, Storytelling
🎵 Victoria Cruz: Cantos del Alma | 20h
📍 Maitreya Estudio de Yoga
World music performance featuring harmonic singing, shruti box, Tibetan bowls, gong and shamanic drums. Preview
€25 | Concert, World Music
📚 Encuentro y Recital con Antonio Orihuela | 19h
📍 Casa de Porras
Recital by Spanish poet, Antonio Orihuela, co-ordinator of Voces del Extremo gatherings. Part of the series “Encuentros del Mardolóh”.
Free | Literary, Poetry
🎶 Tango Fiesta: Fabián Carbone | 19h
📍 Sala Riff, Armilla
Buenos Aires bandoneon player presents his vision of progressive tango. Preview
€12 | Concert, Tango
🎬 Short Film Screening: Las Voces Invisibles | 19.30h
📍 Local de Acciónenred
Short film about domestic workers followed by discussion with SOS Racismo Gipuzkoa and the Nosotras Granada Association, followed by a social event.
Free | Cinema, Documentary
🎸 Julia Martin | 21h
📍 Sala Víbora
Funk and soul artist from Malaga performs live. Preview
€12 | Concert
🎭 De Nao Albet y Marcel Borràs | 12+13 Dec, 20h
📍 Teatro Alhambra
Award-winning duo perform a retrospective of their artistic career exploring friendship, rivalry and creative partnership. (Two nights in a row) View Trailer
€18 | Theatre
🎸 Gansos Rosas + Bed of Rosas | 20.30h
📍 Sala Planta Baja
Guns N' Roses tribute band performs alongside Bon Jovi tribute act.
€17,88 | Concert, Rock
🎄 A Gospel Christmas Celebration | 20.30h
📍 Centro Cultural CajaGRANADA
Municipal band of Huetór Santillán and gospel choir (Gospel Sounds Granada) unite for a charity concert supporting women and girls in Gaza. Part of Festival HelpMePlease.
€12 | Concert, Gospel, Soul
🎭 Vashky | 21h
📍 Espacio V Centenario
Visual theatre piece by Compañía Perrobufo exploring a woman's internal struggle for freedom through movement and choreography. View Trailer
Free | Dance, Theatre
🎬 Sometimes a Great Notion (VOSE 1971, US) | 21h
📍 Espacio V Centenario
Paul Newman film about an Oregon logging family in conflict with striking workers. View Trailer
Free | Cinema
🎻 Ismael Serrano: Sinfónico | 21h
📍 Palacio de Congresos
Major Spanish pop star performs several of his hits with a symphony orchestra. Preview
€38,50 | Concert, Pop
🎶 FAJARDO | 21.30h
📍 Lemon Rock
Canarian singer-songwriter performs tracks from his latest album. Preview
€10 | Concert
🎸 Kadima Shara | 22h
📍 Sala RockNRolla
Local band perform. Drink included in ticket price. Preview
€10 | Concert, Local Talent, Rock
Sat 13th Dec
🏍️ PapaNoelada Motera Granada 2025 | 09h
📍 C/ Cáñaveral
Charity motorbike ride with bikers dressed as Santa Claus supporting families in need. Centro de Granada → final en Recinto Ferial de Huétor Vega
Free | Family
🦎 70ª Expoterraria Granada | 09.30h
📍 Fermasa - Feria de Muestras
Exotic animal fair with reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and small mammals, plus talks and workshops.
€5 | Expo, Family
🎄 Carol Concert: Coro Voces Blancas de la Alhambra | 11.30h
📍 Palacio Carlos V
Christmas carol concert by children's choir. Two sessions 11.30h and 12.30 (lasting 30 mins).
Free | Classical, Family
🎩 Magia en el MMA: Juanma Guillo | 11h + 12.30h
📍 Museo Memoria de Andalucía
Puppeteer and puppet friends search for lost Christmas magic in this family show. (Two sessions.) Preview
€8 | Family, Magic
🎄 Grabando la Navidad | 11.30h
📍 Museo Memoria de Andalucía
Christmas printmaking workshop with guided tour of the museum art collection.
€7 | Art, Workshop, Family
🥘 Ugly Sweater Paella | 13h - 19h
📍 Fundación Fajalauza
Dust off your tackiest Christmas sweater for this festive fundraiser featuring paella, 80s & 90s hits from DJs MÄNSSA and PASAGO, plus a Gospel Molotov performance.
€10 | Concert, Family, Fiesta
🎄 Zambomba Zaidín | 13h
📍 Parque Carlos Cano
Free Christmas zambomba in the park featuring “Grupo Algarabía” and other local choirs.
Free | Family, Folk
🎄 Zambomba Hermandad Resurrección | 13h
📍 Camino Bajo de Huétor, 49
Open Christmas zambomba with live music by Fran Gold, Sociedad Musical Resurrección, and flamenco group Con dos Cajones.
Free | Family, Flamenco
🎭 Visita Teatralizada: Doña Elvira | 12h
📍 Museo Arqueológico y Etnológico de Granada
Theatrical guided tour revealing the story of Doña Elvira, with shows at 12h and 13h.
Free | Theatre, Family
🎻 Al Son de Cervantes | 12h
📍 Auditorio Manuel de Falla
Baroque orchestra and theatrical narration by two comedians using poetry, juggling and slapstick for a fun family show.
€10 | Concert, Classical, Family
🎄 Zambomba, Hermandad de los Gitanos | 16h
📍 Teatro G10
Traditional Christmas zambomba with multiple brotherhoods performing festive music
€5 | Free | Folk
M.I.N.D.S. | 18h
📍 Lemon Rock
Alternative rock band play covers of Pixies, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Arctic Monkeys and originals. Preview
€3 | Concert, Rock
💃🏻 Diciembre Flamenco: Silvia de Lolo | 17.30h
📍 Taberna J&J
Dancer Silvia de Lolo performs alongside guitarist Lolo de la Encarna, and singer Christian de Miguel Angel.
€10 | Concert, Flamenco, Local Talent
🎸 Rock de Tarde: The Sugar Men + DJ Niño Malo | 18h
📍 Sala RockNRolla
Free afternoon rock session with The Sugar Men and DJ Niño Malo.
Free | Concert, Rock
🎻 JOSG en Albacín | 18.30h
📍 Plaza Aliatar
The Orquesta Escuela de Granada perform music by Albinoni, Mussorgsky and Humperdinck
Free | Concert, Classical
🎸 Virginias + Bullys + Doctor Pretorius | 20.30h
📍 Sala Víbora
Local rock/punk triple bill. Preview
€10 | Concert, Local Talent, Rock
🎄 Mariola Cantarero - Diva Navidad | 19.30h
📍 Auditorio Manuel de Falla
Mariola Cantarero performs Christmas carols and traditional songs from various countries and cultures, including works by Mendelssohn, Händel, José Luis Perales and José Feliciano. Preview
€20 | Concert, Classical
🎵 Tributo Musical a Carlos Cano | 20h
📍 Sala Planta Baja
Multiple artists honor Granada artist Carlos Cano on the 25th anniversary of his death.
Free | Concert
🎸 Kaotiko - Gira XX5 | 20.30h
📍 Sala El Tren
Iconic Basque punk rock band celebrate 25 years with a historic tour revisiting their greatest anthems. Preview €19 | Concert, Punk, Rock
🎤 Raphael: Tour Raphaelísimo | 21.30h
📍 Palacio Municipal de Deportes
Legendary Spanish singer Raphael performs at Palacio de Deportes. Preview
€44 | Concert, Pop
🎷 El Gremio | 21.30h
📍 Taberna J&J
Versatile band fuses Balkan, salsa, Latin, and jazz with vocals, rhythm and wind sections (including bassoon!). Preview
€7 | Concert, Jazz, Latin Music
🎸 Los Banis | 22h
📍 Sala Industrial Copera
Legendary rumba flamenca brothers bring their catchy, danceable sound with new material. Preview
€25 | Concert, Flamenco, Rumba
🎷 La Vin Band | 22h
📍 Asociación Ool Ya Koo
Ool Ya Koo’s house big band performs swing, latin, and funk classics.
€10 | Concert, Jazz, Local Talent
Sun 14th Dec
🎄 Mercado de Invierno | 11h
📍 La Cabaña de la Vega
Christmas market with used toy and clothes exchange and open mic.
Donation | Market
🎄 Villancicos: Schola Pueri Cantores | 11.30h
📍 Palacio Carlos V
Free Christmas carol concert by Granada Cathedral's Schola Pueri Cantores. Two sessions 11.30h and 12.30h (30 mins each).
Free | Classical, Family
🥒 Granada Grapevine, Festive Fun & Ferments | 12h
📍 Parque de Tico Medina
International community gathering combining Friends that Ferment with the first Granada Grapevine meet-up. Whatsapp group for updates.
Free | Food, Fun, Puns
💃 Zambomba de La Hermandad de los Gitanos | 13h
📍 Peña La Platería
Flamenco zambomba featuring Israel Moreno. Preview
€20 | Flamenco
🎻 Una Hora de Cámara | 12h
📍 Auditorio Manuel de Falla
Ensemble Urania performs string sextets by Strauss, Borodin, and Tchaikovsky.
€10 | Concert, Classical
🎻 JOSG en Norte | 12h
📍 Centro Cívico Norte
The Orquesta Escuela de Granada perform music by Albinoni, Mussorgsky and Humperdinck.
Free | Concert, Classical
🇯🇲 Bless Up Jamaica! | 16h
📍 Sala El Tren
Charity reggae & dub party raising funds for Hurricane Melissa victims in Jamaica.
€8 | Concert, Reggae
🎶 SBC TRINIDAD | 18h
📍 Lemon Rock
Granada pop/rock quintet perform tracks from their recent albums. Preview
€6 | Concert, Local Talent, Rock
🎭 La Vida Resuelta | 18h
📍 Teatro Municipal de Zaidín
Humorous play about a generation feeling lost between childhood dreams and adult reality.
€13,50 | Theatre
🎬 Film Symphony Orchestra - TOON STORY | 18.30h
📍 Palacio de Congresos
FSO performs beloved animated film soundtracks from Disney, Pixar and Studio Ghibli. Preview
€36 | Concert, Classical, Family
🎷 3J Trío & Julián Sánchez | 20h
📍 Asociación Ool Ya Koo
Contemporary jazz trio performs original compositions with guest trumpeter.
€12 | Concert, Jazz
🎵 Akiba Afrobeat | 20.30h
📍 Sala Planta Baja
Local afro-jazz fusion group presents new material from their album Edjingo'o. Preview €10,20 | Concert, Local Talent, World Music
Mon 15th Dec
🎸 Kamil Urbański: Guitarra Flamenca | 19h
📍 EASD Val del Omar
Polish flamenco guitarist Kamil Urbański performs compositions inspired by classic Polish film set in Spain. Preview
Free | Classical, Flamenco
🎵 Paulina del Carmen & Diego de la Torre | 21.30h
📍 Lemon Rock
Granada singer Paulina del Carmen and guitarist Diego de la Torre perform intimate acoustic covers spanning multiple styles. Preview
Free | Concert, Local Talent
Tue 16th Dec
🎶 Ella Ray | 21.30h
📍 Lemon Rock
Málaga-based folk, country, and acoustic rock singer-songwriter Ella Ray performs new singles and favourite covers. Preview
Free | Concert
Wed 17th Dec
🎠 Feria Juveándalus | 17 Dec - 4 Jan
📍 Fermasa - Feria de Muestras
39th edition of the children’s fair featuring rides, crafts, workshops, family games and other festive attractions.
€7 | Festival, Family
👨👩👧👦 Feria de Ropa de Peques | 12h
📍 ContraBanda
Children's clothing fair with all items at €1, plus free storytelling at 17h.
Free | Market, Family, Storytelling
🎹 Maria Coma Trío | 20h
📍 Teatro Alhambra
Catalan singer-composer presents her “Vocal Roots” project, exploring the intersection of art song, polyphonic music, and experimental sound. Preview
€8 | Concert, Experimental
🗣️ Sigue al Coro (Follow the Choir) | 19.30h
📍 Various Locations
El Coro Manuel de Falla de la UGR (university choir) performs across three historic Granada venues: 19:30h at ETS Arquitectura, 20h at the Centro de Lenguas Modernas, and 20:30h at Palacio de la Madraza.
Free | Concert, Classical
🎄Así Canta Jerez en Navidad - Llegó la Fiesta 2025 | 20h
📍 Palacio de Congresos
Christmas flamenco celebration directed by Luis de Perikin bringing the Jerez Christmas spirit to Granada.
€33 | Concert, Flamenco
🎶 Will Shackleton | 21.30h
📍 Lemon Rock
London singer performs folk concert. Preview
Free | Concert
Until next Wednesday… May your days be merry, your jumpers ugly, and your drinks fizzy... 🍾🎅🏽 And, don’t forget to spread a little Christmas cheer and share this newsletter with a friend!
Answer: St. John of the Cross (1542–1591)
St. John of the Cross spent several formative years in Granada as prior of the Carmelite monastery once located on the site of today’s Carmen de los Mártires. During his stay, he wrote some of his most enduring works, including Dark Night of the Soul and Living Flame of Love. Granada’s cold winters are said to have influenced the stark beauty of his poetry. He died 434 years ago on Sunday, 14 Dec - now celebrated as his feast day in Catholic tradition, marking his “birth” into heaven.