Every summer, you and your family - and particularly the kids - can enjoy all sorts of experiences courtesy of the celebrations and traditions of the Costa del Sol. We therefore decided to put together a list of the biggest summer festivities taking place in the province so that you can start getting organised and designing your itinerary. You will be amazed by the care that goes into planning these traditions and the incredible atmosphere that you can soak up.
Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen in the Costa del Sol - 16 July
La Virgen del Carmen is one of the most popular and beloved traditions in the Costa del Sol. Beautiful boat processions fill the coastline in honour of the patron saint of fishermen, seafarers and people of the sea in a sight that you won’t want to miss. In Malaga city, the districts of El Palo, Huelin and Pedregalejo put on particularly impressive processions. A neighbourhood with a long seafaring history, the latter hosts processions in the streets and on the sea, the waters of which divers use to submerge the image of the saint. If you’re in the city, we’d highly recommend going to see the different events.
Source: Visita.Malaga
La Virgen del Carmen is also held in Nerja, Torre del Mar, Estepona, Rincón de la Victoria, Marbella and more. So you’ve got plenty of destinations to choose from.
Feria de Rincón de la Victoria - from the 13 to the 17 July
This extensive list of summer celebrations and traditions in the Costa del Sol continues in Rincón de la Victoria. The Feria or fair kicks off with the pregón, the opening ceremony, and continues over the following days with live performances, parades, dances, and activities and rides for kids. There is – as you might expect – a lovely maritime procession complete with plenty of fireworks. There will also be horse rides, in which you can sit on beautiful saddles, as well as coros rocieros, traditional groups of singers. A wonderful idea for a day out with all the family.
Feria y Fiestas de los Boliches in Fuengirola - from the 13 to the 17 July
If you’re in Fuengirola, you won’t want to miss Feria de los Boliches, which has recently been listed a festival of interest. The festivities are in honour of La Virgen del Carmen and are extremely beautiful. As part of the events, the fishermen carry the image of the patron saint in a procession and then take her to sea. You can also expect floral offerings and religious events in which you can enjoy some lovely music.
Fiestas de la Virgen del Carmen de la Carihuela in Torremolinos - from the 13 to the 17 July
If you want to experience the tradition of La Virgen del Carmen, make your way to La Carihuela district in Torremolinos. Here you can watch parades set to the beat of bands and be dazzled by thousands of lights. Stands will be set up where you can take part in children’s activities and listen to live music, and there will also be fair rides, which is a great way to have a whole lot of fun with your little ones. Don’t forget to watch the maritime procession: it’s sure to get your emotions going.
Festival de Verdiales in Villanueva de la Concepción - 29 July
This festival keeps alive the tradition of verdiales, which is deeply rooted in the province of Malaga’s popular culture. These compositions and dances are about country life and give importance to traditional clothing. You will have the opportunity to watch dances for individuals, partners and threesomes accompanied by the sound of the violin, Spanish guitar, drumsticks, castanets and tambourines. You won’t want to miss it.
Source: Fiestas Singulares Málaga
Feria de Málaga - from the 12 to the 19 August
One of the biggest celebrations and traditions in the Costa del Sol is Feria de Málaga which fills the city’s streets to the brim with music and an incredible atmosphere. The festivities are commemorative in nature, recalling the arrival of the Catholic Kings. Feria de Málaga is divided into the events of the day fair – featuring delicious gastronomy in the streets and at Cortijo de Torres fair site – and the night fair, which is held at the latter.
Feria de Agosto in Periana - from the 18 to the 20 August
Periana’s Feria de Agosto promises plenty of live performances for all tastes as well as children’s activities that will keep your little ones busy and happy. Traditional music plays an important role in the fair with verdiales groups and coros rocieros on the programme. You can also enjoy carreras de cintas, belt races, in which competitors will ride horses or bikes. Finally, as part of the Homage to the Peach, the Grower of the Year will be selected. The fair has a diverse programme that offers something for all the family.
Real Feria de Agosto in Antequera – from the 23 to the 27 August
Another of the most popular fairs in the Costa del Sol is Real Feria de Agosto in Antequera. For a couple of days, the destination transforms completely. This year, the event is divided into the day fair and the night fair. You can enjoy all sorts of stands and stalls, music performances and activities for little ones. The celebrations and traditions in the Costa del Sol are for absolutely everyone.
Source: Ayuntamiento de Antequera
Feria y Fiestas de Pedro Romero in Ronda - from the 29 August to the 3 September
Our list of the fairs in the Costa del Sol continues in Ronda, which decorates its streets with arches and lanterns. The event is preceded by Festival de Cante Grande and the presentation of the Damas Goyescas, as well as the pregón, the opening ceremony. On the first day, the floats take over the town as well as thousands of lights at El Real. There follows a succession of gastronomy, local wine and music performances, with the bull fair completing the programme.
Other celebrations and traditions in the Costa del Sol
There are countless festivities taking place in the Costa del Sol so it’s only right that we mention some of the others in the province. We’d recommend visiting Fiesta de la Uva Moscatel in Iznate, Feria de Canillas de Aceituno, Noche del Vino in Cómpeta, Festival 3 Culturas in Frigiliana, Fiesta del Agua in Alcaucín and Jimera de Líbar, Fiesta de la Luna Llena in Manilva and Fiestas Patronales Carmelitanas in Cuevas de San Marcos. The traditions in the Costa del Sol are the perfect excuse for a family holiday this summer – it’s time to start planning.
