In Spain, a “feria” is a major popular festival that celebrates local traditions with music, dancing, food, and activities for all ages. While in other countries the word “fair” might refer to a market or exhibition, in Spain it is mainly an outdoor celebration that fills towns and cities with joy.
Each town celebrates its feria in honor of its patron saint or to commemorate a significant historical event. It’s also common to see people dressed in traditional costumes, such as the colorful flamenca dresses in Andalusia.
Day & night feria
Each feria usually has two parts:
- Daytime feria, the main streets are lined with casetas (small tents or pop-up bars) where people eat, drink, and dance, often to the lively rhythms of Sevillanas, a traditional style of music and dance from the south.
- Nighttime feria, featuring live concerts, fairground rides (such as carousels), and vibrant casetas where the party goes on until dawn.
Ferias in Málaga province calendar1
The province of Málaga offers a lively schedule of fairs from spring through the end of summer. These festivities are a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Andalusian culture, gastronomy, and joy.
🌸 May
Coín: Spring Fair, May 3–4.
Fuengirola: Fair of the Peoples, April 30 to May 4.
Alhaurín el Grande: May Fair, May 21–25.
☀️ June
Marbella: San Bernabé Fair, June 4–13.
Alfarnate: San Antonio Fair, June 13–15.
Alhaurín de la Torre: Pilgrimage on June 14–15; San Juan Fair, June 20–24.
La Cala del Moral (Rincón de la Victoria), Almayate, and Caleta de Vélez: Local fairs at the end of June.
🏖️ July
Estepona: Fair, July 1–7.
Rincón de la Victoria: Fair in honor of the Virgen del Carmen, July 14–17.
Torre del Mar: Santiago and Santa Ana Fair, July 22–27.
Álora: July 30 to August 3.
🎆 August
Torre de Benagalbón (Rincón de la Victoria): August 1–4.
Benalmádena: Virgen de la Cruz Fair, August 13–17.
Pizarra: August 14–18.
Málaga (city): August 16–23.
Antequera: August 21–25.
🍇 September
Ronda: Pedro Romero Fair, September 2–7.
Nerja: Fair, September 8–12.
Mijas Pueblo: Early September, around the local holiday on September 8.
Vélez-Málaga: San Miguel Fair, September 23–28.
Torremolinos: Also celebrates its San Miguel festivities. Romería (pilgrimage): September 21, Fair: September 24–28.
More than just a tourist attraction, these fairs are a true expression of Spanish culture and hospitality.
It’s an experience you must live at least once!
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy Málaga’s joyful and welcoming spirit at its best!
- Please note that some dates may be subject to changes or official confirmation by local town councils. It is recommended to check official sources or contact local tourist offices for the latest updates before planning your visit. ↩︎