If there’s one thing we can boast about in the capital of the Costa del Sol, it’s that we throw the best parties you can imagine. In Málaga, we love a good «sarao» and everything that goes with it, so if you’re planning to visit the province of Málaga and want to get to know its culture and traditions in depth, make sure your visit coincides with one of its festivals.
Málaga’s festivals are renowned throughout Spain. From its dazzling Christmas celebrations, which attract thousands of tourists every year, to its daytime fair, which fills the streets with the sound of flamenco singing, Cartojal and a «pechá»dance events. If you want to find out what’s in store for you during the Málaga festivities, read on!
Christmas
Christmas is one of the most eagerly awaited times of year for the people of Málaga. This is particularly due to the Christmas lights that illuminate every last corner of Calle Larios and the surrounding areas. This light show is accompanied by music in time with the switching on of the lights. The illuminations on Calle Larios are so renowned that Málaga has been named one of the 20 most beautiful cities in the world at Christmas by European Best Destinations.
Carnival
After Christmas, the polvorones and the Roscón de Reyes, Carnival takes place in February and lasts just over a week. During this festival, a singing competition is held in which ‘cuarteros’, ‘comparsas’ and ‘murgas’ compete. The different groups in the competition choose a theme, create their own costumes and write their own lyrics to comment humorously on a topical issue. The festival culminates with the ‘burial of the boquerón’ (a symbol of Málaga) on Malagueta beach.
Easter Week
Holy Week is one of the main festivals and traditions throughout the province. During this week, the people of Málaga and thousands of tourists take to the streets to watch the gigantic, imposing floats depicting saints, virgins and religious scenes, carried by the city’s brotherhoods and confraternities. This festival takes place in virtually every town centre, but if at any point you find yourself lost, you simply need to follow the scent of incense, the sound of trumpets and the beat of the drums.
Málaga Fair
The Málaga Fair is the most eagerly awaited festival in the whole province. It is the only one in the whole country to be held at two different venues: the Historic Centre and El Real. During the day, locals and visitors from all over the world head to the centre of Málaga in search of the famous Cartojal wine, music, singing(link to ‘Cantes Andaluces’), flamenco and bulerías.
Once the daytime fair is over, the lucky few who manage to stick it out head over to the night-time fair. Here you’ll find marquees where you can dance until the early hours, as well as fairground rides for the little ones to have a brilliant time.
From Lolita We also love a party, a bit of a «ruckus» and, above all, flamenco. So, if at any point during a party your stomach starts to rumble, don’t hesitate to pop in and recharge your batteries with our traditional breakfasts and southern-style tapas and raciones in a «very authentic» atmosphere at Málaga’s quintessential Andalusian tavern. We look forward to seeing you!