Instinción: Festivals, Church and Views over the Andarax Valley

Location and Views over the Andarax Valley

Instinción is located on a raised platform near the riverbed. The surroundings are particularly beautiful and shaped by history. At the same time, Instinción is one of the municipalities whose territory is included in the Sierras de Gádor y Énix Special Conservation Area. The location, valley landscape and conservation area thus exist side by side. A prominent point for views across the landscape is Cerro de la Cruz: from there, panoramic views extend over the town and the surrounding Andarax Valley. The viewpoint can be reached via a steep footpath or along an unpaved track from the A348 road. Those who include it in their plans are therefore taking into account two different types of route, each of which gives the experience of the landscape its own timeframe and practical framework.

Festivals between San Sebastián and Candelaria

The most important festival in Instinción takes place on 20 January in honour of the patron saint San Sebastián. Another festival tradition is the celebration of the Virgen de la Candelaria, known locally in Instinción as the “Virgen de los Papelicos”. During the procession of the Virgen de los Papelicos, coloured paper slips are thrown from terraces and balconies. On the eve of the celebration of the Virgen de la Candelaria, Roscos de pan dormido are made in Instinción and sold for the children’s offering. The celebration also includes the traditional raffle of a cake in the church. The two festivals thus reflect different forms of local tradition: a fixed January date, a procession, a baking tradition and a church raffle.

Church and Historical Traces

The parish church of San Juan Bautista in Instinción survived the Morisco Revolt of 1568. It is one of the oldest churches in the Province of Almería. A specific historical event and its place in the province’s ecclesiastical history come together in the church. The revolt of 1568 provides a clear chronological reference, while its status among the oldest churches directs attention to a broader historical dimension.

Crafts, Honey and Viticulture

Traditional crafts in Instinción include making wooden beehives. Bees are kept in these wooden hives to produce honey and wax. Viticulture, too, was historically connected to the La Alpujarra region in Instinción in social, economic and cultural terms. Local crafts therefore encompass both wood processing and beekeeping, while viticulture has an explicitly historical connection to La Alpujarra.

Instinción on a Long-Distance Hiking Stage

Instinción is also part of a long-distance hiking stage that includes Barriada de Alcora, Bentarique, Terque and Alhabia.

More Destinations

More destinations: La Cañada, Bedar, El Hijate, Bayárcal, Almería, Alcontar, Uleila Del Campo, El Pilar

To the overarching travel overview: Almeria.