The spectacular fireworks display at the 2023 Málaga Fair will light up the night from Friday 11 August to Saturday 12 August. The eagerly awaited opening speech will take place on the evening of Saturday 12 August, marking the start of the festivities, which will run until Saturday 19 August. The 2023 Málaga Fair, one of the city’s most iconic celebrations, is shaping up to be an unmissable event.
As is traditional in Málaga, this year’s fair is brimming with a wide variety of options to suit all tastes. From exquisite food and refreshing drinks to infectious musical rhythms and passionate dancing, the city offers a festive experience that will immerse you in its authentic atmosphere. From Lolita Andalusian Tavern, here are all the details you need to enjoy the Málaga Fair just like a true local.
A Brief History of the Málaga Fair
A Brief Look at the History of the Málaga Fair The Málaga Fair, also known as the August Fair, pays tribute to the historic 19 August 1487, the date on which the Catholic Monarchs conquered the city and incorporated it into the Crown of Castile.
Every year, on 19 August, the city commemorates this event with a historical parade. Dressed in period costume, the participants march through the streets of the city centre until they reach the majestic Málaga Cathedral, thus re-enacting that momentous day.
The Málaga Fair stands as one of Andalusia’s most iconic festivals, rivalling the famous Seville April Fair in popularity.
When does the 2023 Málaga Fair start?
The Magical Night of Fireworks: The 2023 Málaga Fair will kick off at midnight on Friday 11 August with a spectacular musical fireworks display on the beaches of Málaga. This event will be accompanied by the iconic opening speech, which will ring out on the night of Saturday 12th, followed by the switching on of the captivating illuminations at the Real. The festivities will continue in all their splendour until Saturday 19 August.
The traditional fireworks display will kick off the 2023 Málaga Fair on Friday 11 August, lighting up the skies over La Malagueta, La Misericordia and Huelín from 11.50 pm. For 20 minutes, these dazzling lights will enchant everyone present.
Competition for the 2023 Málaga Fair Poster
The Art that Promotes the Fair Did you know that the poster promoting the Málaga Fair is chosen through a competition? Every year, Málaga City Council invites artists to take part in creating the poster that will capture the essence of the fair and the city.
Who can take part in this competition? The competition is open to all artists who wish to participate, regardless of their nationality. Each artist may submit a single piece of work, provided it is original and unpublished. By submitting their work, the artist assumes responsibility for its originality and guarantees that there are no restrictions on the use of the image. Should the design incorporate pre-existing images, the artist must provide evidence of having acquired the relevant rights.
The application period runs from 4 April to 26 May 2023. The jury’s decision will be announced on the council’s website and in the media, and the winner of the competition will also be notified personally. The poster selected to represent the 2023 Málaga Fair is «Asómbrate en la Feria» (Be Amazed at the Fair), created by Juan Carlos Moriel Coronado.
The Opening Address for the 2023 Málaga Fair
A Special Moment: The Voice of the Festive Opening Alberto Díaz, a star basketball player for Unicaja and a proud native of Málaga, will be delivering the opening address for the 2023 Málaga Fair. Although in previous years the opening address was usually held on the Friday before the fireworks, since 2022 it has been moved to the first Saturday of the fair. In 2023, the opening address will be delivered at the main entrance to the Cortijo de Torres Fairground at 9.30 pm, just before the illuminations come to life at 10.00 pm.
What to see and do at the Málaga Fair?
Explore the Wonders of the 2023 Málaga Fair: A Destination for Fun and Tradition The Málaga Fair is regarded as one of the most important in Spain and a key event for immersing yourself in the city’s culture. Unlike the Seville Fair, where access to most of the marquees is restricted, in Málaga most are open for everyone to enjoy.
The Day Fair in the Heart of Málaga
The picturesque Calle Larios is the heart of the Málaga Fair, with live music every day from 12:00 in squares such as the Plaza de la Constitución, the Plaza del Obispo, the Plaza de las Flores and the Plaza de San Pedro de Alcántara. The festivities continue until 6.00 pm, at which point the music stops and entry is permitted to licensed venues.
The starting point is the impressive façade on Calle Larios, adorned with lanterns and flowers. It is not uncommon to see people dressed in flamenco costumes and to hear the ‘pandas de verdiales’, which are typical of the region.
In Plaza de la Merced, children can enjoy games, theatre workshops, puppet shows and surprises from Sunday 14 August, from 12:00 to 15:30.
The Excitement of the Real at the Málaga Fair
The Cortijo de Torres Fairground comes alive both by day and by night. Activities take place in the Auditorium, on the Youth Esplanade, in the iconic marquees and at the Municipal Children’s Marquee, from 9.30 pm.
Every evening, the auditorium hosts live performances at 10.30 pm, with free admission. For further details, please see the full programme for the 2023 Málaga Fair.
Málaga Fair Programme
Discover the full programme for the 2023 Málaga Fair. Find the perfect itinerary to enjoy the event. Explore the full programme for the 2023 Málaga Fair to discover the wide range of activities taking place in the centre of Málaga and at the Cortijo de Torres Fairground.
How do I get to the Málaga Fair?
Convenient Transport The most convenient option is to leave your car behind and use Málaga’s public transport or walk from your accommodation to the various venues.
During the 2023 Málaga Fair, the special F bus service connects the city centre with the fairground and runs 24 hours a day. The fare is €2 and can be paid in cash or by card.
In addition, regular bus routes 4, 18, 19, 20 and 22 are available at the standard fare (€1.40 for a single ticket) during daytime service. From 8.00 pm, the special fair service will apply, at a cost of €2.
Other options include taxis, ride-hailing services or private transfers.
Immerse yourself in the magic of the Málaga Fair, an event that stimulates the senses and celebrates the joy of life. Delve into the rich culture of Andalusia, dance to the rhythm of the sevillanas, treat your taste buds to exquisite cuisine and let yourself be captivated by the hospitality of the people of Málaga. Don’t miss out on this experience brimming with fun and tradition! Plan your trip and join the Málaga Feria, where a world of unforgettable experiences awaits you.