Saint Torquatus, one of the Seven Apostolic Men ordained bishop by Saints Peter and Paul in Rome and sent to preach in Spain, was martyred on May 15, 66 AD, in an area near Guadix known as Face Retama. He is now the city's patron saint. Every May 15, and beginning the weekend before his feast day, various commemorative events are held to mark his death and celebrate his patron saint.

The first event is the pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Face Retama from the Arch of San Torcuato, one of the gates to the old city, so named because it is said that the saint's relics entered Guadix through it. Upon arrival at the Sanctuary, a mass is celebrated, followed by a torchlight procession with the sacred image of San Torcuato around the hermitage, which also serves as a burial site and guesthouse.

A variety of events precede these three days of festivities, where the atmosphere and gatherings of friends and family draw ever-growing crowds each year. Specialized tastings, blind tastings, concerts, and other activities make this weekend in Guadix a truly unique experience.

For the next five days, the solemn Quinario is celebrated in the Cathedral in honor of Saint Torquatus. On the Friday before his feast day, during the Offertory, a floral offering of red flowers is made to adorn the processional floats, followed by the singing of the Hymn to Saint Torquatus and the kissing of the relic of the patron saint's jawbone. On Saturday, the eve of the feast day is celebrated, along with the proclamation of the patron saint festivities. On Sunday, the solemn procession with the image of Saint Torquatus and the sacred relic of the Holy Arm takes place through the streets of Guadix. The procession is notable for the participation of children and women dressed in the traditional costume of Guadix, as well as members of the city's religious brotherhoods and authorities.

Typical during May is the tasting of Tortas, both savory and sweet, along with broad beans and local wine, during the popular festival held on Saturday night. The cultural program also includes musical concerts, such as the now-famous "Katillo Rock," where artists from the city, the region, and the province come together for this musical event, as well as other activities and artisan markets.