We’ve already told you everything you can do at the famous Feria de Málaga, held every year in the middle of August. But, in addition to the capital’s big event, there are other festivals in the province that you can’t miss. The festivals in honour of San Miguel are some of the most famous and in this article, we’ll break them down. Have you already blocked off some days in August, September and October to enjoy them?
Feria de Agosto de Antequera
The Feria de Agosto de Antequera starts the third week of August. During the Feria de Día, you can visit the locations that the guilds and associations have provided; during the Feria de Noche, the festival grounds will host attractions, Andalusian "casetas" and all kinds of street stalls. In addition to an interesting bullfighting lineup, there are also musical and comedy performances, horse shows, children’s activities and fireworks!
Feria de Ronda
At the end of August, the Feria y Festival de Pedro Romero (or the Feria de Ronda) is held. The city is decked out more than normal, increasing its beauty with traditional gateways and brightly coloured lanterns. Leading up to this fair, the festival de Cante Grande and the presentation of the Damas Goyescas is held; once it’s begun, the floats parade through the streets until it’s time for the illumination of El Real. During these days, you’ll be able to enjoy local products from the area, like their excellent wines, in addition to dancing to music.
La Romería de San Miguel in Different Locations
The Pilgrimage and Festival of San Miguel de Torremolinos
The annually held Feria de Torremolinos for San Miguel is the biggest and most important of the festivals held in honour of this saint. Each September, this event fills the streets of Torremolinos with colour and happiness; faith, Andalusian spirit and cuisine shine throughout the entire festival from the pilgrimage Sunday until the big day on 29 September. And don’t forget the last few days of the festival, which will be held in early October.
There are several days of festivities in the purest style of the Feria de Agosto in Malaga; it offers two different events, a bustling and nocturnal Real de la Feria and a daytime fair that is as fun as it is street. Floral offerings and processions are joined during the event by concerts and youth activities. Like many other fairs in Malaga, the Feria de San Miguel in Torremolinos starts with a pilgrimage on Sunday 25 September, considered a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest, in which hundreds of people travel on foot or in carts pulled by horses and oxen through the streets of the city to the saint's hermitage, in the area around the Pinares de Los Manantiales pine groves. Along the way, there is no shortage of music, dancing, wine and good food. Without a doubt, this is an unmissable event on par with the Rocío or the Feria de Agosto in Malaga.
Source: Turismo Torremolinos
Real Feria de San Miguel de Vélez-Málaga
The San Miguel de Vélez pilgrimage is another unmissable Malaga festival. The Real Feria de San Miguel will take over the city’s streets between 28 September and 2 October, filling them with Andalusian horses, rocieros and stalls where you can taste typical food from Axarquía. It’s a centenary festival and the most important of the entire year.
Feria de San Miguel de Istán
Istán’s festival in honour of San Miguel is celebrated every year for 4 or 5 days, beginning at the end of the week that falls closest to 29 September, the day of the city’s patron saint. Its famous Diana Floreada, in which all city residents accompany the band throughout the street, is one of the most identifiable parts of the festival. However, without a doubt, the greatest charm of the fair in Istán is its emphasis on traditions that have fallen into disuse; they host a bullfight with ribbons, a game to find your partner and a slingshot shooting contest at the Mirador de las Herrizas.
Feria Patronal de San Miguel de Benarrabá
In Benarrabá, San Miguel Arcángel is properly honoured every year through the Feria Patronal de San Miguel. Different acts and festivals, including a horse show and a big procession, are held near the Plaza Veracruz. The saint’s traditional hymn is heard throughout the entire town during the Sunday procession, preceded by sport competitions and nighttime festivals during previous days.
Other Festivals: Feria Internacional de los Pueblos de Mijas
And, of course, to close out our list, we can’t forget to mention the Feria Internacional de los Pueblos that’s held every June in Mijas and in Fuengirola in April and May. Of all the festivals in Malaga, this might be the most unique, thanks to the reason it’s held. For more than two decades now, the Fiesta de los Pueblos de Mijas has brought hundreds of nationalities together every year, some of which coexist throughout the rest of the year, making this a multicultural town. The particular path that this fair has taken has led it to be considered a Fiesta of Tourist Provincial Singularity. In addition to this event, Mijas celebrates its mythical Celtic Night on the 13th of August: a fun and unique party!
As you can see, there’s so much life and fun that deserves a visit beyond the Feria de Málaga. Costa de Sol is pure happiness and fun in summertime (and autumn!). Don’t wait any longer and join the festivals that you like the most. The Malaga people are waiting for you with open arms!
