FESTIVITIES AND (LOCAL) HOLIDAYS IN AXARQUIA, MALAGA

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. This year as January 1st is on Sunday it is transferred to Monday the 2nd

January 5th: On this day we celebrate 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.

January 6th: The Three Kings Day, public holiday 

At the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas comes a day called the Epiphany, or Three Kings Day. This holiday is celebrated as the day the three wise men first saw baby Jesus and brought him gifts. On this day in Spain, many children get their Christmas presents.

 

Comares: the feast of San Hilario de Poitiers, their Saint, on January 13th.

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

Saint Hilario 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 San Hilario, the Mozarabs of the town rose up in arms against the Muslim rulers of Comares, invoking the protection of San Hilario.

 

Nerja, Maro: the San Antón Fair, on the 13th and 14th of January.

The San Antón Fair in Nerja celebrates San Antonio. He is a saint who is celebrated in many towns in Andalusia. Saint Anthony, whose real name is Antonio Abad, was born in Egypt and is known as the patron of animals for his actions and his love of nature throughout his life. During these celebrations it is not uncommon to see how animals (dogs, cats, donkeys, horses, etc.) are blessed.

 

Colmenar: the festivities of the Blessed Virgin of Candelaria and San Blas, every year, between the end of January and the beginning of February for 5 days.

The Virgen de la Candelaria Festival in Colmenar is an opportunity to live to the rhythm of the traditional and popular festivals of this white town in the Axarquía.

 

 

Benagalbón: organizes its Fair for 5 days, from February 2nd to 6th.

The Benagalbón fair celebrates the patron saint of the town, the Virgen de la Candelaria. This fair is also known as the Candelaria Fair.

During the town fair, there are shows, concerts and other activities

A popular paella is offered to all the participants of the fair who will also be able to attend a procession and the traditional ribbon race on horseback.

The fair is held both during the day and at night (with concerts starting at 11 pm)

Finally, you will be able to listen and see the band of verdiales from the town. The verdiales are the oldest folklore in Europe.

Carnival in Málaga: Starts on Saturday February 11th with a Gran opening and continues on 17th, 18th and 19th of February in Málaga and  for totally 3-4 weeks in different areas of Málaga province.

 

Riogordo: a 3-day Fair: La Molienda, on February 25, 26 and 27.

La Molienda de Riogordo is a cultural, ethnographic and gastronomic festival around extra virgin olive oil. The olive oil here is made mainly from the Verdial de Velez olive variety, emblem of the Alta Axarquía. It is the liquid gold of these towns.

 

February 28: The Day of Andalucía. 

The Day of Andalucía (Día de Andalucía), also known as Andalucía Day, marks the anniversary of a referendum held on February 28, 1980. A large majority of voters supported this referendum for Andalucía to become an autonomous community in Spain. This is a public holiday.  Schools, businesses, and government offices in the autonomous communities observing this holiday will be closed.

 

Semana Blanca: 
End of February and first week of March. The kids are free from school. Traditionally the Spaniards paint their houses in white colour in this period. It´s also very common to go on Ski holidays to Sierra Nevada (only about an hour an a half away from our office) to practice there snow sports.

Frigiliana: 4th of March Carnival, starts at 16.30

 

 

Vélez-Málaga: celebrates Easter every year with incredible fervor. The Holy Week celebrations in Vélez-Málaga are very famous throughout Andalusia, and especially throughout the province of Málaga. Vélez-Málaga is much smaller than its big sister, Málaga. Only 40 km separate them.

However, the fame of Holy Week in Vélez-Málaga, the capital of the Axarquía, is great. It is recognized as the "Fiesta of National Tourist Interest in Spain".

2nd of April Doningo Ramos / Palm Sunday is the start of the Semana Santa
The procession/parade starts on Palm Sunday and the date of the Holy Week celebration is variable (between March and April, depending on the year), as it depends on the lunar calendar and is preceded by Lent. This day commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, representing the processions of this day. Under plaited palms, the image of Jesus is usually carried only by women and his mother María del Rocío in her canonical seat by mostly all men. During the processional route, the fork makers keep calling their virgen ¨Rocio - guapa¨ (meaning beautiful)¨, transmitting their fervor as they walk the streets.

These two processions have their canonical headquarters in the church of San Juan Bautista and can come before the departure of the virgen and admire the lighting of her candelabra which takes place at 5 pm or enjoy its festive return / confinement.

The dates of Easter in 2023: from April 2 to 9. There is a great local fervor for these celebrations, which combine religion, culture and local traditions.
Although only the Good Friday April the 7th is the official bank holiday, the most local businesses will be also closing as well on Thusday (Jueves Santo) in the afternoon hours. Children have the holidays at school for the whole week.

Canillas de Aceituno: Morcilla (blood sausage) Day every year at the end of April. For lovers of Andalusian gastronomy it is recommended to discover this festival, which will take place on April 29 and 30. It coincides with the celebration of the Virgen de la Cabeza, patron saint of the town.

 

May 1: Labor Day, public holiday. 

May Day, also called Workers' Day or International Workers' Day, is the day that commemorates the struggles and gains made by workers and the labour movement. It is observed in many countries on May 1.

Torrox May 6, Fiesta de Pirmavera
Enjoy the best music of the moment in a magical outdoor setting in the La Granja complex! Saturday May 6 from 6 pm

May 7: Nispero Day, Sayalonga
Local Festival. On the first Sunday of May of each year, the Day of the Níspero is celebrated, a fruit that is produced in this area in abundance.
 What can you expect? The local farmers will organise degustation of the fruit and share their experiences about this tropical fruit. There will be as well flamenco and other live music shows during the fastival. One of the most peculiar festivals in the province of Malaga. The party kicks off at 11am with a craft market, workshops and performances.

Almayate Romeria, May 7
The word "romería" (pilgrimage) comes from "romero", a name given to pilgrims who go to Rome. On a local level, it is a pilgrimage that crosses the villages and leads to a church. This pilgrimage takes one or two days and is done by horse or ox cart or on foot.

The pilgrimages, very typical in Andalusia, have very ancient origins. These are important days in Andalusia and they are very colorful with the processions of decorated carriages

  

Nerja,  from 13 to 15 May,  The Romería de San Isidro.
The programme of events includes a variety of events to suit all tastes. The first day of the celebration, Saturday 13 May, will kick off the festivities with a concert in the Plaza de España by local artists Nuria Fergó and Antonio Cortés, which promises to be an unforgettable spectacle.

On the eve of the Romería de San Isidro, the 14th of May, also in the Plaza de España, you can enjoy a concert by La Húngara, a nationally renowned artist who will offer the best of her flamenco music repertoire.

On the day of San Isidro, 15th May, Holy Mass will be celebrated in the Church of El Salvador and the offering to the saint will be accompanied by the Peña Nerjeña choir. This will be followed by the traditional tribute to the farmers, in honour of their patron saint.

The pilgrimage will depart from the Balcón de Europa to the Ermita de San Isidro in the grounds of the Cueva de Nerja, and once there, there will be a performance by the senior group of the Escuela Municipal de Música y Danza in honour of the saint. All the floats are decorated for the occasion, which in most cases enjoys perfect weather.

The procession is approximately 4 km long and can take three to four hours to reach its destination. It usually arrives at the caves at around 14:30 with a formal schedule of events beginning about an hour later with the awarding of various prizes to riders, carriages and floats. From here the party begins, well into the night. The evening will start with a relatively traditional atmosphere and gradually move to more modern music with a large open-air dance floor with typical performances such as the Peña Nerjeña choir.

This is followed by tributes in front of the church by the locals and a statue of the saint is placed on a simple cart, usually decorated with flowers and carried by oxen to the caves of Nerja accompanied by hundreds of local people to make their offerings to the saint.

During the afternoon there will be music and dancing in three areas set up for the occasion, with performances by DJ's, flamenco groups and local artists. Horse lovers will also have their space with an equestrian show and music.

Riogordo, Día de Caracol, 4 June

Frigiliana, feria 11,12 amd 13 of June. Yearly local Festival in the Town 

Torrox, Romeria San Antonio 16-18 June

 
The Night of San Juan on June 23
Selebrate in Andalucia along Costa del Sol. The festival of San Juan, like many festivals, was originally a pagan festival, which was taken over by the Christian religion, and has become a traditional festival over the years.

The celebration of the bonfire will be held for the burning of the "Juan", which will be followed by a fireworks display.

The music will continue until two in the morning.

 

 

Caleta de Vélez: a large popular Moraga on the night of San Juan on June 23.

A moraga is a traditional popular festival in Andalusia and especially on the Costa del Sol. The moraga is a party that takes place on the beach.

Originally, this festival was celebrated from time to time after taking the fish out of the sea. The fish was grilled right on the beach that night.

 

The festival of the Virgen del Carmen in Malaga is celebrated on July 16 and, during that day, the Virgin sails through the streets and by the sea escorted by the procession (on land) and by boats (at sea). From different points along the coast you can enjoy this celebrations made to the Virgen del Carmen. Also in Málaga city.

Cómpeta: Feria de Cómpeta 27-30 July. Local 4-days colourful open air Flamenco style festival. 

Comares: on July 22, Verdiales festival.

The towns of Comares, Benagalbón and El Borge are the 3 towns in the Axarquía that organize a verdiales festival where we can see performances by pandas from Verdiales.

The particularity of this musical and folkloric genre is that there are 3 different styles of dance. They are the “Comares type”, the “Almogia type” and the “Montes type”.

 

Torre del Mar: 21-26 July, celebrates its Santiago and Santa Ana Fair for 4 days each year at the end of July.

During the Torre del Mar Fair, there is a special feature. There is a procession of the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of fishermen. It is special because it is a land procession through Torre de Mar, but it is also a maritime procession.

The procession will begin at 6:30 p.m. on July 26 and will continue at sea on a fishing boat around 11:00 p.m. This is always a magical moment, when we all gather on the beach to see the Virgen del Carmen and the dozens and dozens of fishing boats that accompany her.

This procession has been declared a Festival of Tourist Interest in Andalusia.

 

 

 

Algarrobo Feria 3-6 August: Yearly Local open air Festival
For everyone. If you want to enjoy a night full of music and fun, you cannot miss the Algarrobo Fair.

Torrox: August 4th to 5th , día de Virgen de Las Nieves. Local holiday, Friday the 4th everything is closed.
this local public holiday is filled with light and there will be a beatiful procession in Torrox pueblo over the main squere at la Plaza de Contiticion.

Canillas de Albaida Feria 3-6 August: Yearly Local , flamenco style, open air Festival

Alfarnatejo: August 5th the Gazpacho Fair at the beginning of August every year.
They will distribute 400 of the traditional dishes for free, which can be tasted in clay bowls made by the women of the town t is a typical cold drink recipe from southern Spain. You can discover the gazpacho, the gazpachuelo and the gazpacho de los tres golpes.

Vélez-Málaga:  Flamenco Festival on August 12.

This festival is famous and named after the greatest flamenco singer in Malaga:

Juan Breva (real name: Antonio Ortega Escalona). He was born and raised in Vélez-Málaga.

This singer gave his last recital in Vélez-Málaga in 1918.

He is known for his body of work and the breadth of his repertoire. He sang all the styles and fandangos: fandango verdial, fandango abandolao, fandanguillos, malagueñas, soleares, peteneras and guajiras.

Nowadays, for all flamenco lovers, a visit to the Flamenco Art Museum of the Peña Juan Breva in Malaga is essential.

He also inspired poets like Rubén Darío and Federico García Lorca, who wrote a poem in his name.

 
MÁLAGA CITY   FAIR FROM 12 TOTH 19TH OF AUGUST
The history of the Malaga Fair commemorates the capture of the city by the Catholic Monarchs on August 19, 1487, incorporating it into the Crown of Castile.
This gave the city the image of the Virgin of Victory. The newly formed City Council agreed to commemorate the capture of the city by the Catholic Monarchs, to hold an annual festival on Assumption Day, to commemorate that event.
The celebration took place on August 15, 1491 with a procession. The following year the celebration of the festival was moved to August 19, the day of San Luis. That year there was a procession and a small bullfight with four bulls. The festival continued to be held every year, and in the 17th century rockets were thrown and fireworks were set up. The royal banner with which Malaga was won was carried in the procession, and the procession headed from the Cathedral to the church of Santiago where mass was celebrated. Over time, the festival of San Luis was reduced to mass and sermon.
Fireworks on the opening day of the festivities.
Subsequently, and coinciding with the Liturgical celebrations of the Cathedral Chapter, the Municipal Council of Malaga established the beginning of the popular festivities that were celebrated on August 15 that year. In 1887, as the commemoration of the IV Centenary of the conquest, the traditional date of the capture of Malaga by the Christians was resumed and the procession of the Virgen de la Victoria was established, a procession simulating the entrance of the Catholic Monarchs and their army , exhibitions of plants and flowers, regattas, concerts, bullfights, etc.
The Malaga Fair has had several meeting points throughout its history. Initially, the Malaga Fair was installed in the Heredia Pier, passing through the Park, Teatinos and other places until reaching its current location in the Cortijo de Torres, where the Malaga Trade Fair and Congress Center is also located. .
On Friday of the Fires the starting signal is given with the proclamation, previously it was held on the balcony of the Town Hall but for some years now it has been held on the Malagueta beach.

Cómpeta: Wine celebration Night, August 15th.

The “night of wine in Cómpeta” is very popular. It is a joyous festival around wine, vines, and grapes, with many events around this theme, such as a demonstration of stomping on the grapes, as was practiced in the past.

Vine cultivation remains widespread to this day in the Axarquía, producing some of the best wines in Andalusia.

 AUGUST 15TH The Assumption of Virgen María, PUBLIC HOLIDAY, most of the businesses are closed

 Periana Feria, 18th to 20 of August
The August Fair in Periana is a gathering celebration with all Perialeños to enjoy special days with family, friends and loved ones. It is a flamenco style fair, endearing with many events in the town hall square and the church square.

Mezquitilla (Argarrobo-Costa) Fair of August 24th-27th Great fun for kids and yong adults with good varity of attractions and games.

 

Frigiliana: 24th to 27th of Augus The Festival of the 3 Cultures at the end of August.

The festival is held in one of the most beautiful villages in Andalusia.

This town is located just above Nerja, in the Axarquía.

The festival of the 3 cultures of Frigiliana is the party not to be missed in August.

During 4 days the cultures that marked medieval Spain are celebrated:

Visitors will discover these three great cultures: Christian, Muslim and Sephardic, through food, music, art and ancestral traditions.

 

 

Rincón de la Victoria will celebrate the Fiesta with cooking workshops, the "Taste of Málaga" market and 1,252 kilos of free tastings in more than 70 restaurants.

This Fiesta is a very traditional festival. The anchovy cannot be separated from the Costa del Sol and especially from Málaga and Rincón de la Victoria. The people of Málaga call themselves “los boquerones”.

The fame of the sardine skewers has been supplanting this tradition. However, this tradition is still very much alive and is celebrated during this festival with numerous tastings.

Torre del Mar, AIR SHOW festival, September from the 8th to 10th 2023

Málaga, September 8 DAY OF THE VIRGEN MARIA DE LA VICTORIA also a name day of Victoria. This is widely celebrated in Málaga city and surroundings. The history takes us back to the year 1487 period of Reyes Catolicos, when the Queen Elizabeth and King Fernando were in Cordoba. THE VIRGEN MARIA DE LA VICTORIA appeared in the king's dream along with her son Jesus and gave the king the powers to devise the strategy to liberate Málaga (VICTORY IN MALAGA).

 

Algarrobo: Amazing open air show called Fiesta de la Quema, from September 22nd to 24th.

The Burning Festival commemorates a historical event: the rebellion of the inhabitants against the Napoleonic troops. At that time, Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte named his brother Joseph Bonaparte King of Spain (and of Naples).

This occupation in the early 1800s was to be a calvary for Napoleon's troops. The whole village will be dressed up in middelages cloths, hte shops and houses will be decorated. Dirrerent shows around the river will be organized. There will be a varity of tapas routes where you can try different tapas, home made food and make friends with local people. 

 

 

El Borge: the verdiales festival will be held on October 8.

This Festival in El Borge is an opportunity to live to the rhythm of the traditional, popular and typical festivals of the Axarquía.

The verdiales are a type of fandango typical of the province of Málaga and particularly of the Montes de Málaga and the Axarquía.

 

Nerja: organizes its Fair from October 8 to 12.

During the Fair, many festivities are celebrated: In general, you can attend: parades, concerts, attractions (in the fairgrounds), fireworks, processions of the Patron Saints of Nerja, musical and dance performances.

Procession of the Patron Saints of Nerja:

The Procession of the Patron Saints of Nerja (San Miguel Arcángel and La Virgen de las Angustias) will take place on October 10 starting at 8:00 p.m.

San Miguel Arcángel, which will depart from the church of El Salvador. The Virgen de las Angustias will leave from her hermitage, to meet and end together in the church of El Salvador.

 

Arenas: the Mule fair, on October 11 and 12.

It was absolutely essential for man both for his trips through the mountains and for agricultural crops, and in particular during the harvest. Even today, the cultivation of the vine is carried out, in the Axarquía, on slopes of mountains inclined by up to 60%, and does not allow the use of mechanical devices. This fair pays homage to this animal that finally allowed man to farm and live in these mountains.

 

October 12: National day of Spain, public holiday

National Day of Spain commemorates the discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus for Spain on October 12, 1492. The date is a key point for Spain's overseas influence and legacy to the world and to the Americas in particular. It symbolizes Spain's vast, common heritage with today's American countries, which made up the Spanish Empire, the first global power in world history.

October 12 is also the official Spanish language day, the Feasts of both Our Lady of the Pillar and the Virgin of Zapopan as well as the Day of the Spanish Armed Forces.

October 12 is also an official holiday in much of Hispanic America, though under varying names (Día de la Hispanidad, Día de la Raza, Día del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural, Día de la Resistencia Indígena, etc.). To varying degrees, these holidays celebrate the historical and cultural ties among Hispanic American countries, ties between them and Spain, and their common Hispanic and pre-Hispanic indigenous American heritage. Furthermore, on the second Monday in October, the United States celebrates Columbus Day

 

November 1: All Saints Day, public holiday
Every year on November 1st, Spain and other countries around the world celebrate a holiday of remembrance in honor of their relatives and friends who passed away. This holiday is known as Día de Todos los Santos (All Saints' Day)

 

Totalan: the Chanfaina festival, will be held on November 27.

The chanfaina is a traditional dish of this town. However, the chanfaina is a dish that is consumed in other regions of Spain (Extremadura, León), as well as in Peru, Mexico and Argentina.

 

 

 

 

December 8: The Immaculada Concepción Day, public holiday

December 8 is a national public holiday in Spain which marks the Catholic doctrine of the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the womb of her mother Saint Anne. The church teaches that Mary was conceived by normal means but that God acted upon her soul at the time of conception to keep her ‘immaculate’ and free from original sin. It is one of the most important Marian feasts in the Catholic Church calendar and is considered the official start of the Christmas season in Spain.

The feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated nine months before the feast of the Nativity of Mary which falls on September 8th and is celebrated in Xàbia as the feast day of ‘Mare de Déu de Loreto’, the final day of the port fiesta. It’s often confused with the Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ.

Torrox: Las Migas festival, December 18.

 

The Fiesta de las Migas in Torrox is an opportunity to celebrate a very traditional and popular dish in different regions of Spain. Subsequently, each site has developed its own local recipes.

The basic recipe consists of oil, garlic, water, breadcrumbs (or flour) and salt.

Originally it is a dish for farm workers that is made from the remains of dried bread crumbs with some other ingredients. The town of Torrox has made it a local specialty.

December 22, El Sorteo de Navidad.

The Christmas joy starts to sprawl throughout Spain at the beginning of December. Each year in the first weeks of December the local Christmas markets take their places on the squares or Town ports. The streets are adorned with Christmas lights, the shops are decorated with Christmas-themed ornaments. But the actual celebration begins with the grand lottery on December 22nd. El Sorteo de Navidad. It is a live lottery show on TV, which is a big deal for Spaniards. Everyone who lives in Spain participates in this exciting event by buying a lottery ticket. On December 22, Spanish people get together and watch the lottery show with excitement to win the biggest prize (El Gordo).

December 24, Christmas Eve , Noche buena

Christmas is a 2-week-long holiday season in Spain. People start to celebrate Christmas on December 24th and it ends with Dia de Los Tres Reyes Magos on January 6th. Let’s see how is Christmas celebrated in Spain!
This day is called “Nochebuena” which represents the very well-known Christmas Eve. Nochebuena is the day that Santa Claus, or Papá Noel in Spanish, comes and delivers his presents.

The main difference between Nochebuena and Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve on December 31st) is the concept of the celebrations. Christmas eve in Spain is celebrated with families on December 24th; New Year’s Eve is the time people party with their friends on December 31st.

December 25th, Christmas day, public holiday. 

In Spain there is only one holiday and it´s on the Christmas day.  it is considered a chill-out day and is reserved for resting. You’d better rest well on this day; there is a long list of days waiting for you to celebrate the end of the last year and the beginning of the new one.

December 28,  The Festival of Verdiales & Dia de Santos inocentes

Málaga, fairgrounds in the Malaga neighborhood of Puerto de la Torre. The Festival of Verdiales, music and dance, dates back to the 19th century. These have continued to be transmitted from father to son without interruption, making it a rare and genuine sample of living folklore.
Of peasant origin, they are one of the oldest known fandangos. They have been held for more than 50 years in an organized way, to promote the recovery and dissemination of this important cultural heritage of the province of Malaga.
The festival was conceived as a contest, pitting the different participants against each other by style: Montes de Málaga, Almogía and Comares.
Each of these styles has a particular touch, being marked by a different predominant instrument.
During the day, the participating groups brighten up the atmosphere with their typical songs and dances at various points in the venue.
People crowd around these to enjoy this festive manifestation so deeply rooted in our province, while they taste the sweet wines of Malaga.
You can also buy verdiales hats and everything related to this beautiful and ancient tradition in the stalls that are scattered around the area.

Fools Day - Dia de Santos inocentes
It is one of the most popular and fun traditions of Spanish Christmas. It is celebrated on December 28 and, during that day, it is allowed to play pranks and it is common to buy funny items in well-known Christmas markets.  The Spanish media participates in this national day. They often broadcast absurd stories on TV and radio. So if you are in Spain on December 28th, it would be better if you don’t believe anything you hear. The concept of it is pretty similar to April Fool's day.

December 31, New Years Eve, Nochevieja

This day, New Year’s Eve, is called “Nochevieja” in Spain. This is the day when people wear fancy dresses, attend special events with friends, party all night, and greet the upcoming year with joy.

 Finally, we. The best way Spanish believe to welcome the new year full of oportunities and happiness is to eat 12 grapes in the first 12 seconds of the New Year. It´s real fun and goes with each clock bell.

Each grape is the symbolic version of each month in a year and It is strongly believed that it would bring good luck.

Spaniards and especialy Andalusian peolpe loved to preserve their traditions. We have collected just a fracture of what is being selecbrated. Feel welcome to contact us if you have any additional information or wish a local holiday or festival to be mentioned in our caledar. Have a great party on December 31st! Happy New Year!