Are you ready for the Málaga Fair? The dates for the most awaited celebration by the people of Málaga are approaching. At LOCK & enjoy! we encourage you to visit the city during these dates and enjoy the numerous activities available.
The fair is a massive festival celebrated in the streets, so we advise you to leave your belongings or backpacks in one of our lockers in Málaga. This way, you’ll be more comfortable and freer to experience an unmatched festivity.
Programme of Activities
This year, the Málaga Fair starts on Saturday, 17th of August and ends on Sunday, 24th, a week full of activities for all types of audiences and tastes.
Fireworks
The pyrotechnic show is the symbol of the start of the festivities. It is one of the most important and anticipated events, as 600 kilos of gunpowder are launched, resulting in flashes of colours, brightness, and a lot of noise. There are two fireworks events, one in the centre of Málaga and another in the Real Cortijo de Torres.
So, where to go to see this spectacle? There are many places, such as Malagueta Beach, the Gibralfaro viewpoint, or any of the terraces on the rooftops of the capital.
At LOCK & enjoy! we advise you to arrive early (the start time is at 12:00 AM), as many people usually gather in the same places.
Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of la Victoria
It is the religious and cultural event that also marks the start of this Málaga celebration and pays homage to the patron saint of Málaga: the Virgin of la Victoria. It is held on Saturday, 17th at 10:00 AM.
The starting point is at the Church of San Lázaro, from where the procession goes through the streets of the centre. It is a real spectacle in which music, chanting, and dancing mix. Those who decide to participate aim to bring flowers and small offerings to the patron saint.
Moreover, it is a true demonstration of Andalusian culture, as people dress in traditional costumes, and there are decorated carts and horse riders.
The pilgrimage ends at the Sanctuary of la Victoria with a solemn mass, where the image of the Virgin is located.
Proclamation and Lighting
On the same day as the pilgrimage, Saturday, 17th, the proclamation takes place. Although the official programme has not yet been published, the location where this act has been taking place for years is at the fairgrounds.
This year’s chosen Malagueño, renowned for his musical career, is El Kanka. He will be responsible for sending a loving and emotional message to the people of Málaga and visitors who have decided to experience one of Spain’s most important festivities.
Once the proclamation ends, the lighting of the fairgrounds takes place, very similar to the Seville Fair. This act is another emotional moment, as thousands of lights are turned on at the same time, thus creating a magical and festive atmosphere.
Málaga Fair by Day
For us, the best part of the fair is its street and daytime atmosphere, that is, getting wrapped up in the joy and magic that fills the streets of the centre, specifically on Larios Street.
Have a beer on a terrace or stroll to see the street decorations, as well as the flamenco dresses worn by the women of Málaga. Polka dots and hats are present in every corner as a special symbol of Andalusian culture.
You will certainly come across the pandas de verdiales. These are performances by folk groups typical of the province of Málaga, where music, singing, and dancing mix with striking and colourful costumes. They are a very important part of the fair, dedicated to livening up the atmosphere.
Let yourself be swept away by the streets and enjoy the fair atmosphere!
Concerts
Most artists are already confirmed. A total of 200 musical and artistic performances are spread across different points of the city. Let’s review the most famous:
- Municipal Auditorium. The singer chosen for Saturday, 17th of August is Carlos Baute. On Tuesday, 20th, Malaguita Fest will take place with Tabletom, Los Caracoles, and Efecto Mariposa. The flamenco singer José Mercé will perform on the 21st and María del Monte on the 23rd.
- Municipal Caseta of Flamenco and Copla. Throughout the day, daily flamenco and copla shows are held, such as those by Pedro Carmona or Celia López.
- Peña Juan Breva. There are also flamenco performances every day with Chelo Soto or Pepe de Campillos. Tickets are free except for the concerts of María Peláe and Marta Santos.
Fairgrounds
The fairgrounds are the nerve centre of the festival, especially in the afternoon and evening. It is one of the liveliest places throughout the week, as the atmosphere is one of dancing and singing in each of the decorated casetas.
We recommend that you visit the fairgrounds in advance and choose a caseta to check the atmosphere inside, although each one has its own style in terms of music and dance.
Attractions
Popular attractions such as the Grasshopper, Viking Ship, or Bumper Cars are essential at fairs. Moreover, there are attractions for both adults and children.
The attractions are in the Cortijo de Torres.
For any of the activities, we advise using public transport, as parking will be very difficult. Additionally, on those dates, there is usually a free bus shuttle service.
Enjoy Málaga Fair! Book one of our lockers in Málaga and get a discount if you do it in advance. We are waiting for you.
Sevilla