If there’s one thing Málaga is famous for, it’s its festivals and traditions, and one of the most exciting is the one we’re going to talk about next. On the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, towns such as Fuengirola, Torremolinos and Benalmádena, and neighbourhoods such as Huelín and El Palo, honour and venerate the Patron Saint of Fishermen in a unique and special way.
16 July is a day of celebration for fishermen and sailors, as it is the feast day of their patron saint, the Virgin of Carmen. Also known as the Star of the Seas, she will be carried through the streets, treating residents of Málaga’s coastal towns to a unique procession before finally being carried out into the Mediterranean Sea.
The festival of the Virgin of Carmen is one of the most eagerly awaited by the people of Málaga, and one of the reasons for this is its unique throne, which travels both over land and across the sea, whilst a multitude of boats and sails follow in its wake to honour all those who gave their lives at sea. It is a unique experience that is well worth seeing.
If, as well as seeing it, you want to get a taste of the fishermen’s history, you should pop along to the Beluga Restaurant, where you’ll sample seafood-based cuisine made mainly from fresh catch, offering you a truly maritime experience.
The History of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The oldest manuscripts indicate that the veneration of Our Lady of Mount Carmel began in the 18th century; however, it was in 1892 that the Patron Saint of Fishermen was taken out to sea for the first time. This was something of a novelty at the time, so many people turned out to watch the Virgin of Carmen being taken out to sea, turning it into a popular and renowned event.
On this first occasion, the Patron Saint of Fishermen was placed in a small boat that was towed by a steamboat known as the ‘Julito’, owned by the Baron of Benifayó. Behind it came a multitude of striking, elaborately decorated boats paying homage to the Virgin.
Since then, the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel has been celebrated on 16 July each year in honour of the patron saint of fishermen.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the sea
The sea is not just a place to go on holiday in the summer or to sunbathe; for many people who depend on it, it is also their workplace, where they face many risks and struggle to support their families. This deep blue sea represents a way of life for many.
Fishermen and sailors honour their patron saint in the hope of a bountiful catch, fair weather and safety at sea. That is why, every year, they carry her out onto the sea as a sign of gratitude for her protection and support whilst they are at sea. It is therefore clear that the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel brings together the sea and all those who have a connection with it.
One of the traditions on the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is that the celebrations begin after the fireworks. Many people tend to celebrate this festival in the town centre with their friends and family. We recommend you enjoy a cocktail at the prestigious Amaretto, situated in Plaza Uncibay, right in the heart of the historic centre, there’s no better place to enjoy a drink whilst taking in the oldest and most traditional side of Málaga. They’ve also got delicious pizzas!.
All in all, if you’re planning to visit Málaga in mid-July, you simply mustn’t miss this wonderful festival – and remember that it starts at 7.00 am, so you’ll need to have a good coffee, Do you know how to order a coffee in Málaga?, and get your energy up with a good breakfast like the ones they serve at the Lolita, an Andalusian tavern.