The Mayor of Jerez, María José García-Pelayo, has announced the launch of the Christmas 2026-2027 programme, which will feature a total of 82 initiatives and events linked to the festive season. The celebrations will take place from 20 November to 6 January, with the official lighting ceremony marking the start of the festivities.
The presentation occurred at the headquarters of the Jerez Association of Belenistas, located on Chancillería Street, in recognition of the organisation's 50th anniversary. Vicente Prieto Barea, the association's secretary, attended the event alongside representatives from various municipal government departments involved in the Christmas organisation, as well as the Royal Postman, Ángel Sáez, and the 2026-2027 Three Kings of Jerez.
The event included a performance by the choir of the Hermandad de la Exaltación, which sang several traditional Christmas carols. During her speech, García-Pelayo emphasised the importance of the Belenistas in preserving and promoting the city's Christmas traditions, noting that the art of creating nativity scenes is recognised by the Junta de Andalucía as a Cultural Asset of Interest.
García-Pelayo described Jerez's Christmas as a unique and cherished celebration, stating, "a Christmas that is loved by all, desired by all, and above all, visited and felt by all." She reiterated the municipal commitment to enhance the programming and services each year, taking into account suggestions from local associations and residents.
This year's programme includes 82 Christmas-related initiatives, alongside four exhibition proposals. Activities will encompass music, performing arts, theatre, social initiatives, solidarity projects, activities for the elderly, sports, leisure, and gastronomy. The mayor stressed the importance of making Christmas accessible to everyone, including rural areas, and thanked the various municipal departments for their coordinated efforts.
Key upcoming events include the official presentation of the Three Kings and the Royal Postman on 13 November at Bodegas González Byass, followed by the start of their charitable journey. The XVIII Christmas Pregón will take place on 26 November at the Teatro Fundación Cajasol, presented by María Soledad La Morena Fernández. On 3 December, the Villamarta Square will host performances by the Tatiana Ruiz Dance Academy featuring songs by Luis de Periquín.
The festive season will officially commence on 20 November with the lighting of ornamental decorations, the inauguration of the Monumental Nativity Scene, and the opening of the Christmas Market. García-Pelayo announced that the lighting ceremony will feature a concert with artists Luis de Periquín, Jesús Méndez, and La Macanita, with further details to be provided soon. This year’s Christmas lights will consist of 889,000 LED points, with new designs and an expansion of illuminated areas in the city centre, particularly on Porvera Street.
The zambombas, traditional festive gatherings featuring music and dance, will again play a significant role in Jerez's Christmas celebrations, with 85 requests currently being processed for their organisation. The mayor also highlighted the substantial tourism impact of these festivities.
In terms of safety, the city council will activate the Municipal Emergency Territorial Plan from midnight on 19 to 20 November, remaining in effect until 6 January. The number of surveillance cameras will increase from 124 to 129, and a mobility plan will be implemented to facilitate transport and improve connections to the city centre during peak times. Shuttle bus services will continue, and an additional 54 taxis will be available throughout the day.
To ensure cleanliness, a special cleaning operation will commence early to restore street conditions promptly after celebrations, increasing temporary cleaning work by 900 shifts. The programme will also include 19 initiatives specifically aimed at individuals with reduced mobility, disabilities, and the elderly. The mayor expressed gratitude to the city’s choirs, which will also perform at nursing homes and centres for the elderly.
Finally, García-Pelayo announced that this Christmas will also pay tribute to Parrilla de Jerez, with a street named in recognition of its role in celebrating the most authentic Christmas traditions of Jerez.
