Next weekend sees the start of the Costa del Sol’s largest and most popular fair, the Malaga Fair or Feria de Málaga as it’s referred to here!
If you haven’t been before, we highly recommend you do so! Get ready for 8 days of fun and entertainment as the city welcomes thousands of visitors from all over Spain for, what has become, the most popular summer fair in Andalucía and one of the most popular festivities in Spain.
The fair starts on Friday 16th August with a Historical Parade through the streets of the old town at 8:00pm. At 11:50pm you’ll be able to enjoy a special Drone light show which, after the success of last year’s unique show, promises to be even more spectacular with over 200 drones flying at the same time through the Malaga skies.
From midnight, you get to watch the spectacular pyro-musical and fireworks display from the cruise terminal access area in Malaga Port. Lasting 20 minutes and using more than 500 kilos of gunpowder, it’s a show you won’t want to miss!
The fair’s official opening takes place on Saturday 17th August in the same location as last year; the Cortijo de Torres fairground. Local musician Juan Gómez- El Kanka will conduct the traditional ‘Pregon’ (opening speech) before the switching on of the fair lights.
There’s so much to see and do at the Málaga Fair that we’ve included a brief summary of this year’s main attractions and events; just choose your favourites:
- The ‘Romería’: On Saturday 17th August, watch the beautiful horses and carriages make their way from the town hall (on the main Alameda Avenue) to the Victoria Sanctuary in this traditional tribute to Malaga’s Patron Saint. The procesion starts at 11:00 am.
- The ‘Feria’ in the Centre of Town: This is our favourite part of the Malaga fair where you’ll be able to enjoy wine, tapas, music and lots of dancing in the streets of the city’s historic centre. Every day (17th to 24th August) from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
- Fiesta de Verdiales: Traditional folklore every day (17th to 24th August) in Calle Larios from 1:00 pm.
- Flamenco: You’ll be able to watch some of the best flamenco at the fair’s ‘Peña Juan Breva’ from the 17th to 24th August at 2:00 pm.
- La Feria Mágica – ‘Faraones’: The little ones also have their own fair with an ample selection of activities which include games, workshops, storytelling, theatre, magic and lots more. Several theatre companies will be performing throughout the week-long fair. If you’d like to take part in the fun, head to Plaza de la Merced from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm (18th to 24th August).
- Bullfighting: The Malaga fair is one of the most important events on the bullfighting calendar and attracts some of the most famous matadors including, Manuel Escribano, Rafaelillo, Ferrer Martín, Diego Ventura, David Galván o Roca Rey. From the 17th to 20th August, the Malagueta Bullring is the place to go to watch this unique spectacle. (For tickets, please ask at the Sunset Beach Club Leisure Desk located at the entrance to the hotel or at the main Reception desk).
- Real de la Feria (Main fairground): The main fairground opens at midday every day and is where most of the entertainment takes place; concerts, flamenco shows, entertainment for youngsters… It’s also where you need to head to if you want to experience the thrill of the funfair rides 🙂
This year’s Malaga Fair also features an impressive list of talented performers taking to the stage at the Municipal Auditorium on the main fairground (all concerts are free) 🙂
Saturday 17th August: Señor Mirinda and Carlos Baute.
Sunday 18th August: Jarrillo Lata and Toni Zenet.
Tuesday 20th August: Demelenao y Malaguita Fest (Los Caracoles+Tabletom+Efecto Mariposa).
Wednesday 21st August: Virginia Gámez and José Mercé.
Thursday 22nd August: Julio Benavente and Chenoa.
Friday 23rd August: Adrián Martín and María del Monte.
Saturday 24th August: Marta Santos and María Pelae.
If you’re planning on visiting the Malaga Fair and are looking for accommodation near Málaga? Sunset Beach Club is only 20 minutes drive from the centre of Málaga; with fantastic apartment-style accommodation and great facilities, it’s the perfect place for an enjoyable family holiday. Feel free to check out our website for more information… www.sunsetbeachclub.com .
