Who said that Andalusian fairs are only held in summer? It is true that July and August are the dates usually chosen for enjoying the biggest festivities, however, some tourist cities prefer to do their own thing. Introducing Nerja Fair. Nerja not only stands out from the rest for enjoying the typical waters and beaches of the Costa Tropical region, but also for celebrating its biggest festivities in the middle of autumn. During its big days, this town radically changes its image and the Carabeo Fair Enclosure amazes us with a festivity that is more summer in style. The weather is still good in autumn, so don’t think about it and enjoy this festivity that will help us forget for a while that we are about to say goodbye to summer.
History of Nerja Fair
Like almost all festivities in Spain, this custom has a religious background. The city dedicates itself to the saints through the Fair. In Nerja, the inhabitants show their respect to the Virgin of Anguish and Archangel St. Michael.
The festivities start in late September with a procession. The patron saint, the Virgin of Anguish, is transferred from the chapel on Plaza de la Ermita to the Church of El Salvador. The most important church in Nerja, El Salvador, is over 300 years old and is located opposite the Balcony of Europe promenade. Up to the 10th October, the Virgin rests in this place where locals and visitors can pay their respects before she is returned to her usual resting place. She is accompanied by Archangel St. Michael on her way back to the Hermitage of Anguish.
Where to park
Nerja is a typical Andalusian village with narrow streets, in the centre many streets are for pedestrians only and parking is quite difficult. For this reason, the City of Nerja has launched a new set of free parking that will be open 24 hours a day in calle Almirante Carranza.
However, we also have a list with the car parks that you can find in the village.
El Chaparil Parking
It is also known as Parque Verano Azul parking because it is next to the famous Chanquete’s boat park. It has 273 parking spaces divided into three floors.
Paseo Nuevo Parking
This car park is located behind the Town Hall of Nerja, under the Plaza de España. It has 733 parking spaces distributed on three floors.
Burriana Municipal Parking
This municipal car park has capacity for 240 cars on three floors. It is located next to Burriana Beach, in calle Filipinas at the number 30.
The Nerja Fair
The Festivities in honour of the Virgen de las Angustias and San Miguel Arcángel are celebrated in Nerja by the end of September or beginning of October. The patroness is taken in procession from the temple that bears her name, to the parish of El Salvador.
The ground of the Feria de Nerja
The fairground is currently located in the parking of the Carabeo orchards and the official stand in the Plaza de España, all in the town centre, making the activities in the most central streets easier. All this connects and favours the movement of people in the Fair and makes everything feel alive and in motion.
The Fair begins
Nerja Fair starts with the proclamation, which is usually done at the entrance of the Town Hall or at the gate of the fair enclosure. Afterwards and to open the fair each year, a large multimedia musical pyrotechnics show can be enjoyed, which culminates in the lighting up of the Fair Enclosure and the Entrance Arch, as well as all the artistic lighting of the streets and squares of Nerja.
The big day
The big day of this festivity starts after a mass has been held, after which the image is taken again to her chapel, but this time along with St. Michael. Several acts of honour to these patrons saints take place in this procession, such as the fireworks castle, choir singing and endless moments led by the devout, which attract many participants and make this procession very important for the municipality. Around all this ecclesiastical event there is also a flamenco festival with folk performances, cultural and sports activities, carriage processions, beauty pageants and street parties.
The closing of the fair
The last day of the festivities coincides with the Día del Pilar and military acts are organised, such as the raising of the flag and the religious celebration of the Civil Guard, along with a people’s meal.
Nerja Fair 2023 Events Program
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 – ELECTION OF THE KNIGHT AND QUEEN OF NERJA 2023
This day marks the beginning of the celebration with the Coronation Gala of the Knight and Queen of Nerja 2023. It will be an exciting moment when the ambassadors of the celebration are crowned.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 – LAS MIGAS CONCERT
On this day, the stage comes to life with the performance of the talented group Las Migas, who promise to deliver a captivating show for all live music enthusiasts.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 9 – ANTONIO MOLINA CONCERT
The focus will be on the renowned artist Antonio Molina on this day, who will delight the audience with his music and charm. An evening that promises fun and entertainment for all in attendance.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10 – NIGHT OF HUMOR WITH COMMANDER LARA
For comedy enthusiasts, October 10th is a standout date as Commander Lara takes the stage to make us laugh heartily with his wit and humor.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11 – ECOS DEL ROCÍO CONCERT
The grand finale of the Nerja Fair 2023 will take place on October 11th with the performance of Ecos del Rocío, who are in the midst of their farewell tour.
It is important to note that all performances will begin at 23:00 hours.
What to wear
If you decide to go to the Feria de Nerja, the traditional gypsy dress is the preferred option for women to enjoy the celebrations. And the short suit for men.
However, the fair has many days and we cannot always wear the same clothes so it is also usual to go dressed in street clothes but always wearing some fair detail like ruffles, fringes and flowers and polka-dots prints.
Comfortable footwear is another important factor if you’re going to be at the fair all day.
What to eat and drink
Every celebration has its typical cuisine, the Feria de Nerja is no different. At lunchtime, you have to taste dishes such as the fried fish, cheese, ham, cooked shrimp or prawns. In Nerja, there is quality and good price so enjoy. In the stands, you can taste more traditional options such as fried peppers, potato omelette, pinchitos, aubergines with honey or croquettes and scrambled eggs.
To drink, the cartojal is the star, a typical Malaga wine, very sweet that is taken cold. Rebujito, which is a manzanilla type wine with soda, is also consumed.
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WHERE TO STAY
Olée Nerja Holiday Rentals
If you decide to visit the Costa del Sol and enjoy the Feria de Nerja nothing better than staying in a prestigious hotel such as Olée Holiday Rentals Apartments, between Torrox and Nerja, typical Andalusian villages with the best climate in Europe.
This chain with more than 60 years of experience is leader in quality. Holidays with your partner, with your family or with friends, every travel choice fits perfectly in these hotels.