Offbeat Spain – The Malaga Feria, One For Your Bucket List

Most Bucket Lists these days seem to start at the  Oktoberfest and end at La Tomatina. On most days, Vid and I are not averse to putting on dirndls, downing gigantic mugs of beers, or  slathering ourselves in tomato juice (aye – we aren’t too proud of ourselves 😉 ).

But there are days when we crave some good ol’ fashioned fun that’s right out of a film – dancing on the streets, impromptu karaoke bars, giant ferris wheels, horse carriages lugging people from one end of the road to the other, stalls selling cotton candy, and a party to remember.

Enter the Malaga Feria, Malaga’s annual carnival, which offers all that and more. While Malaga’s beaches continue to draw crowds, inland Malaga remains relatively undiscovered. This explains the lack of information about Malaga’s annual carnival online and the lack of tourists at the carnival itself.

The Feria de Málaga takes place every August in the city of Malaga, Spain. It goes on for 10 days, but the last day is definitely the best. Daily celebrations are divided into two parts. The Feria del Dia (day Feria) takes place from 10.00am until about 6.30pm in the city centre and the Feria Ground, located just outside Malaga’s city centre.

Then, in true Spanish style, everyone goes home for a siesta. In the evening, the party starts again at the Feria de la noche (night Feria) at the Feria Ground and continues into the wee hours of the morning. Take a look :-

As you can see, the Feria Ground looks just like an exciting film set. Everyone is dressed up up traditional Spanish garments. Even toddlers have tiny flamenco dresses on. People break out into dances at the slightest provocation. There is singing on the road and revelry everywhere.

Tapas Bar abound by the dozen. Large canteen-style tapaserias dole out finger-licking Spanish delicacies – everything from Paella to Espeto De Sardinas is on offer.

The Malaga Feria – it’s our li’l secret, one so good that we almost didn’t want to share it 🙂 Go on, put it on your bucket list before it gets too popular with tourists all over the world.

Fact File

• The Malaga Feria takes place in August every year
• A number of budget airlines fly from London to Malaga. We flew with Monarch Holidays.
• Expect traditional costumes, lots of singing, flamenco, and general revelry at the city centre and Feria Ground
• The party continues late into the night. It is definitely not for the faint hearted.
• Buses run all night from the City Centre to the Feria Ground. If you’re driving, there is a large car park near the Feria Ground. However, we’d recommend either going early to get a parking spot, or take public transport since it gets really crowded at night.
• The Malaga Feria should definitely be on your bucket list if you enjoy learning about other cultures. It is the perfect introduction to Spanish culture and an easy way to familiarise yourself with colourful Spanish locals. You will love it.

Want to explore inland Malaga? Don’t forget to read our special ‘Wheres and Wears‘ entry on a hidden Spanish gem, El Torcal De Antequera.

.