Holidays and Festivals Axarquia January 2024

Spaniards and especialy Andalusian people love to preserve their traditions. We have collected just a fracture of what is being celebrated. Feel welcome to contact us if you have any additional information or wish a local holiday or festival to be mentioned in our caledar.
Happy New Year! 2024!

January 1st: New Years Day, public holiday

The new year has starded and the cheery holidays have ended? No, it’s just the beginning of the holiday season in Spain. We all know that Spaniards know how to enjoy every bliss of a celebration better than anyone.

January 5th: On this day wecelebrate the arrival of 3 Wise Men with the “Cavalcade of the Magi”. This is the day when you give the presents to your loved ones. Each town organizes special performances, but the most important event of the day is the midnight mass known as Cabalgata de Reyes Magos.

In this parade, people often carry the 3 Wise Men who throw candy to the children, and walk through the streets whilst singing under the fireworks. Musicians play the most famous Christmas songs in Spain. Artists and performers with zestful costumes participate in these events.

Comares: the feast of Saint Hilary of Poitiers, its Saint, on January 13.

The festivities of San Hilario de Poitiers in Comares celebrate the Saint of the town.

Saint Hilary was a French bishop who died on January 13, 367 and is known for defending Christianity against Arianism.

This bishop became the patron saint of the town on a historic date. On January 13, 1142, the anniversary of the death of Saint Hilary, the Mozarabs of the town took up arms against the Muslim rulers of Comares, invoking the protection of Saint Hilary.

January 20 and 22 Local Holiday in Algarrobo and Benamargosa: San Sebastian.

Sebastian was originally a Roman soldier in the 3rd century. He later fought against the Roman emperor of the time in defense of the Christians. A pope named him "Defender of the Church" and patron of Christian soldiers and knights. During the reconquest of Vélez-Málaga by the Catholic kings (as in other towns), King Fernando ordered the construction of a hermitage or church in his name on many occasions.

Nerja, Sedella: the San Antón Fair, January 13, 14 and 17th.

The San Antón Fair in Nerja celebrates San Antonio. It is a saint that is celebrated in many towns in Andalusia (some towns may have a different date, such as in Salares, which is celebrated on the 29th). Saint Anthony, whose real name is Anthony Abbot, was born in Egypt and is known as the patron saint of animals for his actions and love of nature throughout his life. During these celebrations it is not unusual to see animals (dogs, cats, donkeys, horses, etc.) blessed.