The gift from the emperor
On 6 October 1526, Almuñécar was granted its official coat of arms by Emperor Charles V and his mother, Queen Joanna of Castile. This was recognition of the town a little over three decades after it became part of Castile in 1489 and it is the same coat of arms that can be seen today on the town hall and the town's flag.
"Almuñécar, luz de un imperio"
The anniversary is celebrated under the title "Almuñécar, light of an empire" with a programme running through October and November 2026:
- The exhibition "Manuscritos de Almuñécar 500 years of a living town" at the Casa de la Cultura opened on the day itself, 6 October, and runs until 25 October. In the courtyard, there is an exhibition about Charles V.
- The 13th archaeological days on 1718 October.
- Historical procession and reenactment of how the town received its royal privileges Saturday 17 October in the centre.
- Noche de las Velas the night of the candles as well as historical town walks.
- The Emperor's Route Ruta del Emperador Carlos V, following Charles V's route to the monastery in Yuste.
If you are in town in the autumn of 2026, keep an eye out for posters in the old town and drop by the Casa de la Cultura.
