A journey through time in search of the Grazalema bandits

One of the most authentic experiences in Andalusia where the village, history and the people join forces in one of the most spectacular recreations in Andalusia with the "José María Tempranillo” bandit.

At one time there was much poverty in this area. The most fertile lands belonged to a lucky few and the rest survived as best they could.

They were times when there was only justice for the rich, and it was detrimental to the unprotected, and whilst knowing what they had to lose, need led them to rob, jump hedges and break locks in search of food.

Difficult times, where many tried their luck in the world of smuggling, extortion and theft. Famous outlaws such as Zamarra, Barbarán and Antonio de Mena are examples of a period that became famous for its acts of villainy.

But without a doubt, the best known of all the bandits of the Sierra was José María ”El Tempranillo", who chose the beautiful Sierra de Grazalema mountains as his refuge.

So, just for a moment, image going back in time to the province of Cadiz to discover the life of the Bandits of Grazalema and the customs of the people from back then, the food and their clothing.

Yes, here, in Andalusia, in the heart of the Cadiz mountains, a journey through time in the village of Grazalema… impossible?

Not at all! Every October in Grazalema, no less than 500 inhabitants don outfits from 1832 and recreate a historical re-enactment of the life of the bandit José María Hinojosa El Tempranillo.

A real Andalusian Robin Hood, who marked a period in the area and left this wonderful re-creation as his legacy, which you can experience in October, as we mentioned, or at any time during the year, providing that you run it past the Association of Bandits of Grazalema first.

Grazalema is a stunning village in itself. Its conservation is outstanding. The façades, streets, conservation… it's a postcard village that's been frozen in time, which is why Grazalema is the perfect setting for anyone to discover what the everyday life of the bandits was like, alongside the most important episodes of the famous Tempranillo

Firstly his wedding, then the birth of his son, and finally, the death of his wife…

At just 16 years of age, the famous José María had a brawl with awell-off gentleman that ended in death. That's where his fame stemmed from.

"You started early", "You started early, boy", they told him.

The fame of this bandit was such that a treaty was signed with King Fernando VII, stating that before his troops passed through Sierra de Grazalema, they had to request permission from Tempranillo.

Firing catapults into the air…

Re-creation of the bandits' camp…

Shows held in natural and decorated settings by the residents…

And endless activities you can take part in in Grazalema with an authentic bandit experience, full of character where there is no lack of assaults and disputes between bandits and "Migueletes"…