The village of Santa Ana, located in the province of Albacete, recently hosted the 39th saffron rose festival, an event that celebrated tradition, culture, and gastronomy. Provincial deputy José González attended the festival alongside the village mayor, Juan José Segura, and as a member of the organising group, the Folklore Group Abuela Santa Ana.
The day was marked by an abundance of locally cultivated saffron flowers and a significant influx of visitors. The 2026 Saffron Award was posthumously presented to patrocinio felipe, recognising his contributions and deep connection to Santa Ana.
The festival featured activities such as saffron flower harvesting, a children's competition, a craft fair, and a performance by the Folklore Group Abuela Santa Ana. The involvement of the local educational centre, which has a saffron plantation in its school garden, was also highlighted, contributing to the education about this agricultural tradition.
With nearly four decades of history, the saffron rose festival continues to serve as a space for intergenerational gathering, preserving an important part of the ethnographic heritage of Santa Ana and the province of Albacete.
