Any souvenir hides a strong symbolic significance behind its apparent banality. Many visitors try to perpetuate the memories of their trip in an object. Thousands of tourists come to Málaga throughout the year. They include all kinds of people and come from all over the world. Many visitors to the Costa del Sol now arrive on cruises, the majority looking for sun and beach, while others are keen to discover Málaga's culture. Some want to experience some of the great festivals, such as the large fair known as the Feria and the Holy Week celebrations at Easter, and some are simply looking for a restful break. How can you immortalise your experiences in a souvenir?
Cultural and artistic souvenirs
This kind of memento tries to show appreciation for genuine traditions and authentic handicrafts that have been lost, and which we look for in other places and in objects that we don't have. The Spanish genius Pablo Picasso is one of Málaga's standard bearers. Although at one time Picasso was hardly associated with the capital of the Costa del Sol, any object that is a reminder of his work or his person is now one of the most sought-after souvenirs of Málaga. You can imagine all kinds of merchandising.
However, in the new Málaga of museums, cubism is not the only influence to be seen in souvenir shops. The influence of the costumbrist paintings of the Thyssen museum, or the new works that are on view with the arrival of the Russian Art Museum collection, and the exhibitions of the Pompidou Centre, is also present. The great landmarks of Málaga's history should also not be forgotten, such as its unique Renaissance cathedral, or the remains of the Phoenician, Roman and Moorish cultures in Málaga, for example the Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro.
Local colour and traditional folklore
Málaga is the image of Spain and Andalusia. For many visitors, the best souvenir is embodied in some allusion to the local colour and traditional folklore. A good example is an icon representing flamenco or anything related with bullfighting. There are countless articles of these typical and traditional aspects of Spanish and Andalusian culture. On a more local scale, there are no lack of typical elements or characters in the city, such as the popular cenachero (fishmonger) or the typical flower of Málaga: the biznaga (a ball of jasmine flowers on a stalk).
A tribute to the palate
But what better souvenir than typical food or drink from Málaga? Málaga offers its particular cuisine to visitors, who can take something home with them to relive the experience.
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Málaga D.O. wine. The traditional Málaga sweet wine is part of our history. These wines come from different parts of the province but all of them will delight whoever tastes them.
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Málaga almonds. They are sold fried. They are served in paper cones in the street. But they can also be bought in many shops and markets.
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Fig cake. A sweet snack made with dried figs. This summer fruit is prepared in a way that it can be eaten all year.
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Some tortas locas. One of the true classics of Málaga confectionary. It is a typical pastry that can be bought in any cake shop.
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Pork products. There is a great variety of cold meats and cheeses that are delivered to the Costa del Sol from different parts of the province.
