Christmas is lived in a very special way in the town of Antequera. Famous for its “mantecados” and convent sweets, Antequera is the geographical centre of Andalusia and a traditional communications hub: it is located on the old Washington Irving Route and you can even get there by high-speed train. The city of the Dolmens is an exceptional place to get closer to the traditions of the inland Malaga, but also to enjoy culture and leisure as a family.
Route of Nativity scenes in Antequera
The Christmas lighting and the installation of the so-called “belenes” mark the beginning of these holidays in Antequera and its extensive program of activities. These representations of the birth of Jesus Christ are a deeply rooted custom in the municipality. One of the most elaborate is the Belen Municipal, which opens on the 18th of December in the church of San Juan. The Santa Clara Cultural Center also houses an exhibition of paintings, Nativity scenes and Christmas dioramas.
Christmas shopping
The Plaza del Coso Viejo is home to the Antequera Christmas Market. From the 8th to 11th of December, you will find typical products, handicrafts or gifts in its stalls. Another option for shopping is Mercanatura, a bazaar of natural products that you can visit in the Plaza de Castilla on the 3rd of December and the 7th of January.
Visit Antequera with children at Christmas
Dance shows, storytelling and workshops to learn how to make “mantecados” and Christmas decorations. These are some of the possibilities that Antequera offers to children. But if you really want to surprise them, take them to the Paseo Real leisure park, which is open from the end of December until the beginning of January. Fun is guaranteed.
In addition, the children's musicals 'Peter Pan' and 'The book of the jungle', as well as the 'Vaya Santa Claus' show, will be staged at the Local Theatre Torcal. In addition, the 'Auto de los Reyes Magos', a traditional play for the whole family, will delight the public.
Another appointment you shouldn’t miss if you are visiting Antequera with children is the Three Kings Parade. Under the watchful gaze of children and adults, Their Majesties run through the city on the afternoon of the 5th of January, filling the streets and squares with candies, light, color and fantasy.
Culture, tradition, folklore ... and golf
Are you passionate about art? Don’t miss the opportunity to contemplate the exhibitions offered during these dates by the Museo de Arte de la Diputacion, the Unicaja Centre for Culture and the Pinacoteca Andaluza Ciudad de Antequera.
If you are more into music, you also have many options: from the concerts in the church of San Agustin or the Museo de la Ciudad de Antequera, to the carols contests or the Flamenco Christmas celebrated in the church of San Juan de Dios.
On the 25th of December, the Day of Jeva is celebrated in a hermitage in the south of the Paraje Natural del Torcal. This party includes a tasting of “mantecados”, fritters and brandy, performances of verdiales groups and the procession of the Virgen de la Purificacion.
In addition, Antequera also has magnificent facilities for golf lovers. Playing in the 18-hole course Antequera Golf will also provide you incredible panoramic views of the surroundings.
