This Friday, the annual Feria de Málaga, the Malaga Fair, gets underway with a party on La Malagueta beach, where live music and fireworks will herald the start of eight days of song and dance. The fair dates back to the 15th century, and nowadays attracts thousands of visitors. The opening speech will be given by Manuel Sarría, member of comic pair Dúo Sacapuntas (the Pencil Sharpeners), along with a performance from flamenco-inspired pop act Andy&Lucas.
During the fair, the Andalusian city offers you a never ending list of activities, allowing you to discover and enjoy its cultural heritage and local customs. On Saturday August 16, at 11am, there is a traditional Romería (pilgrimage). A journey from the Paseo del Parque to the Sanctuary of the Virgin de la Victoria, undertaken by horseback riders, horse-drawn carriages and pilgrims, who accompany the fair’s standard bearer, who this year is the photographer Pepe Ponce.
* Feria de Málaga. / Photo: andaluciafotos.com
After the emotional procession, and when night is falling, the city’s mayor will turn on the impressive lights of the main entrance to the fairground. The lights will stay on to show the party is still going until 23 August.
* The illuminated main entrance to the fairground. / Photo: blog.enforex.com
One of the interesting things about the Feria de Malaga is that it takes place in two different places.
During the day the party moves to the historic city centre, with the street of Marqués de Larios being the hub of the celebrations. This is called the Feria del Centro, the Central Fair. Wines from the region, tapas and laughter are accompanied by music throughout the streets. It’s common for there to be parties dedicated to dancing verdiales, the dance typical of the August Fair, as the Malaga Fair is also known.
* Central Fair in the street of Marqués de Larios, Malaga. / Photo: COPE.es
In the evening the celebrations move to the fairground of Cortijo de Torres, which has space for 240 tented stalls (with free entry), live music and attractions for the young, and for the not so young. Music of all types: flamenco, verdiales, malagueñas, sevillanas and modern music will have you up dancing – move your hips ‘til your body can’t take any more! And then, why not some chocolate con churros (fried dough pastries dipped in thick hot chocolate) to finish -or to start- the new day?
* Malaga Fairground during the August Fair, at night. / Photo: Elmundo.es
The Malaga Bullfighting Festival is another major event in the Andalusian calendar. It’s one of the biggest in Spain and an obligatory date in the diary for lovers of the bullfight. The brilliant colours and spectacular nature of the event make these bullfights unique. This year the skill of some of the leading matadors will be on display: Miguel Ángel Perera (20 August), ‘El Juli’ (20 August), Morante de la Puebla (22 August), José María Manzanares (22 August) and José Tomás (23 August).
No doubt reading this will have left you dying to grab the car, or a flight, and head straight to Malaga, where the ladies live the fair with a Spanish comb in their hair and a fan in their hand. And if it’s your first time in the city, you can also discover Malaga’s museums, which open during the week of the fair, as well as seeing the sunrise over the beautiful Malagueta beach.
Hotels in Malaga
In Malaga city we have two hotels: Vincci Selección Posada del Patio 5* and Vincci Málaga 4*.
Vincci Selección Posada del Patio 5* is located in the historic centre, surrounded by shops and restaurants. And there’s something rather special hidden under the hotel… the remains of an Arabic city wall, which you can visit. These archaeological remains have been extensively studied, and we are committed to preserving them in perfect condition.
You can take a dip on the hotel’s rooftop terrace, where the pool is a small oasis in the Malaga heat; and it’s an oasis with incredible views. In terms of the rooms there is something for everyone, from a simple single to stunning suites.
The location of the hotel is perfect for the fair, as it’s right in the heart of the historic centre, where the Central Fair takes place during the day. You’ll be just 500 metres from Calle Marqués de Larios.
Additionally, and especially for the occasion of the August Fair, the hotel is hosting two unique exhibitions based on the principal subjects of Malaga culture: the bullfight and flamenco.
* Photo:pilarvera.comThe decor of the hotel is avant-garde, while the stunning glass façade allows light to flood into the hotel. It’s an utter pleasure to enjoy so much natural light!
Malaga is one of those cities you should visit at least once in your life, so take advantage of the moment and come and discover the August Fair. Fun and laughter is more than guaranteed!