The Malaga Fair is the most important Andalusian summer fair. Its origins date back to the 15th century. It came about to commemorate the Catholic Monarchs’ entrance into Malaga in August 1487. Malagans’ open nature makes the Malaga Fair a cosmopolitan festival. A celebration open to all who want to experience the Malaga summer festival. You do not need an invitation or formal attire, just the desire to have fun with each activity that takes place during the fair. The Real de la Feria is the festival’s meeting place and where much fun is had during the day and at night. Its numerous booths organise activities for all tastes and audiences. On the calle del infierno or at the attractions area, young and old gather all afternoon and into the night. The Municipal Auditorium is another nerve centre of festivals in Malaga, where music concerts featuring outstanding Spanish and international artists take place. The Bullring is another of the enclaves of interest at the Malaga Fair, where bull fights are held as part of the Bullfighting Fair. Key figures in bullfighting gather on these days at the Malagueta.
Málaga Fair 2024
This year the Malaga FaIr will be held from 17th to 24th August. So, a non-stop week will begin from the evening of the 16th, when activities, performances and live concerts will make the city of Malaga the epicentre of Andalucian fun.
The eight days of the Fair in Malaga kick off on the night of August 16th with fireworks. The show will take place starting from 12:00 AM and will be launched from the road leading to the cruise terminal of the port.
HOW TO GET TO THE FERIA MÁLAGA
One of the biggest conflicts you can find yourself in if you decide to come to the Malaga Festival is how to get there, since at this time of the year there are so many visitors and fairgoers that it is complicated getting there by car, so the best option is public transport or taxi.
In Málaga there are buses that go to the fair at all hours from any part of the city (Line F operates 24 hours a day). If you are coming from outside the city and bringing your car, while there are a lot of people and getting there will take quite a while, parking is not usually a serious problem, since the Town Hall has taken the precaution of creating over 8,000 parking spaces at: Feria Norte-Palacio de Ferias, Pierrot-Centro Comercial, Los Prados, Huerta del Correo and Teatinos.
Another option is to take the train, since Renfe has the Cercanías C1 route that stops at Victoria Kent station, which is practically located at the fairground.
1. Proclamation of the Feria de Malaga (Málaga Fair)
The first official event of the Feria de Malaga is the reading of the Festival Proclamation. The crier is usually a local noted for his/her professional prestige this year is the Malaga singer-songwriter Juan Gómez, El Kanka. Manuel Bandera, Estrella Morente, Antonio Banderas, Diana Navarro, Julio Iglesias, María Teresa Campos, Pasión Vega and many others have already had the honor of occupying this position.
2. A lot of fireworks
The Málaga Fair opens every year with an impressive fireworks display that bathes the Málaga sky in colour and this year will be in charge of Efecto Mariposa. Neighbours from across the province, and national and international visitors come to enjoy this launch in style. This year, this pyrotechnic work of art will take place on the night of Friday 11 of August. The reflection of the cascades of light and fire at sea is the best picture that you can take to begin the great days of the capital of the Costa del Sol.
3. Concerts
The Malaga Fair has two concert areas: one in the main squares of the city centre during the day and another, more official one, at the Malaga Auditorium, located in Cortijo de Torres, at the Real de la Feria. The stages in the city centre are found in Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza de las Flores, Plaza del Obispo, and Plaza de San Pedro Alcántara, as well as on Calle Larios with its verdiales celebration and popular Malaga folklore.
4. Pilgrimage to the Basilica Sanctuary of Santa María de la Victoria
The pilgrimage is part of the Paseo del Parque, where chariots, horses and pilgrims concentrate. It is headed by “the standard-bearer” for the wreath to the patroness of Malaga. The Standard-bearer of the Fair of Malaga is usually a prominent figure for its professional or social work this year is the Guardia Civil.
5. Inauguration of the artistic lighting of the Real de la Feria
The inauguration of the Real de la Feria de Malaga takes place each year with the lighting of the artistic lighting of its facade. It is one of the most anticipated moments for the Malaga people. On the night of the fair’s first Saturday.
6. The Fair Day downtown
The Málaga city centre becomes a hive of people who go out on the streets of the old town to share the joy of these holidays with friends. Singing, dancing and fun are the stars until the early hours and this is the best place to socialise and meet people. Everyone is happy and there is lots of conversation. Businesses are decorated with lanterns and the streets are dressed according with the spirit of flamenco. Definitely a place to have fun safely.
7. Clothing: polka dots and hats
If you decide to go to the centre of Málaga on the day of the fair, make sure you wear a flower in your hair if you are a woman or a Cordovan hat if you are male. Some locals will be dressed in gypsy suits or dresses in the case of females, but remember to wear something small related to the fair. Manila shawls, sashes, and above all, polka dots make up the Málaga aesthetics of this party. Make sure you wear light clothing; the heat can take its toll and although there are systems to cool people down, it’s always better to be prepared. Fight high temperatures in the most traditional fair way: the hand fan. Comfortable shoes are another important factor if you’re going on the day of the fair.
8. Sweet Málaga wine
Málaga is famous for the high quality of its sweet wine and the fair makes the most of promoting and drinking it. Cartojal is the most common form these days and the bottles are passed from one person to another. A nice chilled glass of this delicacy leaves a nice taste in your mouth and brings you closer to local traditions. It is not difficult to find locals dancing with a drink in hand. You can also try the Rebujito, a very traditional local cocktail, and any other drink you fancy.
9. Verdiales Festivals
The traditional music and dance of Málaga are verdiales. During the August Fair, the streets of the city centre are filled with verdiales festivals where men in white shirts and black pants with flowery hats and bows sing a kind of fandango (palo) accompanied by guitars and tambourines. The women dance to the music dressed in peasant skirts. Don’t miss these shows which bring you closer to the culture of Málaga. Also, you can visit the museums which are open to the public.
10. Tapas
Locals from Málaga don’t forget good food at the fair; on the contrary, the palate is refined and you should take advantage of that. Typical dishes include fried eggplants, peppers, tortilla chips, fried anchovies and fish. A selection of food, mostly seafood, often includes a good plate of ham and cheese. Here you will see the meaning of the tapas and you simply have to taste them in the best party atmosphere. Feel free to accompany them with a good local wine. We are confident that your memory of the city will be excellent if you experience the fair for yourself.
11. Concerts in the Plaza de las Flores
Among the many musical activities organised on the day of the fair are the stages that are mounted along the old town for live music. One of the most popular spots is the Plaza de las Flores, parallel to the famous Marqués de Larios street, where you can hear all kinds of music, not just flamenco. The happiness is contagious and the dancing is the star.
12. The Night of the Fair
In Málaga, the fair is divided into Day & Night, and during the latter, the party moves to the Cortijo de Torres fairground. Booths of all kinds come together in this space where the dance continues. Salsa, sevillanas or disco music, among other styles, come together in this space where you can choose the option you like best. On the streets, you can find the typical stalls with sweets, including toffee apples and cotton candy, a good choice to sweeten the palate within the celebration.
13. Attractions
Children enjoy the fairground the most because there are all kinds of attractions there. If you are travelling as a family this is place to take your kids to ride on the bumper cars, the grasshopper or the train. Older children can also have fun in this regard as there are rides that defy gravity and give you a rush. Don’t leave the fair without having tried at least one of its attractions. The lights and the unmistakable sound of the tombola are the most unique features of this typical view.
14. Concerts in the Auditorium
The August Fair is the setting of artists who come to Málaga to play in their latest tours. You will see quality shows in the auditorium. Local artists also have a place here and each year, the final of the MálagaCrea Rock music contest is celebrated. This is good option for seeing the latest news and the talents of this country. Then you can move onto the dances until dawn or until you drop.
15. Bullfighting fair of Malaga
The Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta welcomes bullfighting leading figures during Malaga festivals. Novilladas (bullfights with young bulls), bullfights and corrida de rejones (bullfight on horseback) make up the line-up of the Bullfighting Fair of Malaga.
Survival tips
Are you going to the Malaga Fair? Well, pay attention to our recommendations and get ready to experience it as if you are a local.
- Inform yourself about the event calendar: The fair typically boasts a packed program, including flamenco shows, concerts, bullfights, and fireworks. Be sure to check the official calendar so you don’t miss the most outstanding events.
- Dress appropriately: Many locals wear traditional outfits, such as flamenco dresses. While it’s not mandatory, wearing comfortable and heat-appropriate clothing will enhance your enjoyment of the festive atmosphere. Opt for comfortable footwear that you don’t mind getting dirty.
- Try the local cuisine: Don’t miss out on trying typical tapas such as pescaíto frito (fried fish), ensaladilla rusa (Russian salad), and jamón ibérico (Iberian ham). The fair is also famous for its rebujito, a mix of manzanilla or fino sherry with Sprite. However, be cautious as this refreshing drink can be deceiving in the heat.
- Explore both the real de la Feria and the city centre: The fair is divided into two main areas: the Real de la Feria, where booths and attractions are located, and the city centre, which is also adorned and offers various activities and shows.
- Respect local norms and enjoy responsibly: The fair is incredibly popular and can get very crowded. It’s crucial to maintain a respectful and responsible demeanor, particularly regarding alcohol consumption and public behavior.
- Use public transport: Parking can be challenging during the fair, so consider using public transportation or walking as more convenient options.
- Carry cash and prepare for crowds: Although some booths accept cards, many only take cash. With the large crowds, it’s wise to be prepared to navigate through them.
- Enjoy the fireworks: The fireworks display that marks the beginning and the end of the fair is truly spectacular. Find a good spot to watch them; La Malagueta beach is highly recommended by many as an excellent viewing location.
- Stay safe: Always keep an eye on your belongings and move in groups, especially at night. Choose a meeting place away from the main entrance, as it tends to be crowded, making it difficult to find others.
I hope these tips help you have an unforgettable experience at the Málaga Fair!
ACCOMMODATION
El Fuerte Marbella
If you decide to visit the Costa del Sol and enjoy the Malaga Fair, where better to stay than a prestigious hotel. Fuerte Marbella offers you all manner of amenities and comforts in the heart of the city. Environmentally friendly accommodation that offers you all manner of amenities. Also, if you decide to get to know the eastern area better, you can do so by staying at the Olée Holiday Rentals Apartments , between Torrox and Nerja, traditional Andalusian towns with the best climate in the whole of Europe.
This chain with over 60 years’ experience is the leader in quality. Whether you are on holiday with your partner, family or friends, however you choose to travel will adapt perfectly to these hotels.