Fiesta de la Aceituna
Every December, Martos celebrates its Fiesta de la Aceituna, a tribute to the olive grove and extra virgin olive oil, with Andalusian tradition, gastronomy and culture.
A tribute to the roots of the olive grove
Each December, Martos becomes the heart of the Andalusian olive landscape with the celebration of its traditional Fiesta de la Aceituna, a unique event that pays tribute to olive oil culture and to the women and men who work in its harvest. Declared a Festival of Tourist Interest of Andalusia, this is not only a celebration but a living experience that connects history, flavor, tradition and emotion around one of the most emblematic products of the Mediterranean: extra virgin olive oil.
The Fiesta de la Aceituna has been held since 1981, created as a symbolic recognition of the start of the olive harvesting season. Its main date is December 8th, the day in which the harvest traditionally began in the municipality. Although agricultural methods have changed, Martos has managed to keep the essence alive, turning it into a festival of great cultural and tourist significance.
During this day, the city revives old customs with the symbolic extraction of the year's first olive oil using a traditional screw press, and the distribution of thousands of *"hoyos aceituneros"*, the typical labourers’ breakfast: a piece of bread with a hollow filled with fresh oil, accompanied by olives, cod and water.
Much more than a festival
The festival is not limited to December 8th. In the weeks leading up to it, Martos develops an extensive program that blends culture, gastronomy, nature and tradition. Oil cooperative visits, olive oil tastings, workshops, tapas contests, gastronomic fairs and exhibitions are organised. The old town bursts with life through flamenco shows, guided tours, storytelling, theatre and live music. Sport also has its place, with hiking routes through olive groves and popular races that merge health and nature.
The whole municipality participates in this major celebration that brings out the best of rural culture while projecting it into the future, highlighting the social, economic and heritage value of the olive grove in Jaén.
An authentic tourist experience
For visitors, the Olive Festival offers a complete sensory and emotional experience. It's an opportunity to savor the purest, freshly pressed olive oil, to delve into the secrets of liquid gold, and to experience firsthand a way of life deeply connected to the land. The welcoming atmosphere of Martos, the beauty of its natural surroundings, and the hospitality of its people make this festival an excellent excuse to explore the region.
Furthermore, each edition features an official poster chosen through a competition, where local artists capture the essence of the event in a single image: the olive grove landscape, the Peña (rock formation), the faces of the farmworkers, and, of course, the olive as a symbol of identity.
What the local experts say
Interview's main points
The Aceituna Festival: Origin & Meaning
The Aceituna Festival in Martos carries deep tradition, marking the beginning of the olive harvest. Born from the stories of elders, it remains important because Martos is strongly agricultural and olive-based. It represents the starting point of labour for local workers, highlighting cultural and economic significance.
Community Experience & Local Traditions
Locals consider the Fiesta de la Aceituna one of the town’s major celebrations. People dress up, gather with family and friends, and enjoy the event. A key symbol is tasting the *"hoyo marteño"*, bread with olive oil eaten piece by piece — a living tradition of field labourers. Visitors can witness traditional oil extraction, connecting present and historical identity.
Martos as an International Olive Destination
Martos invites people from other countries to experience the festival. Spain is known for tourism and hospitality, and Martos is proud of its olive oil — called "green gold". Visitors are encouraged to taste the *hoyo marteño* and discover its cultural value.
