MALAGA will party like never before from August 16-23, when the Feria de Agosto returns. The city will be transformed into a weeklong whirlwind full of colour, music and dancing.
Before the wine flows, the festival kicks off on August 15 with a bang at midnight, as a pyromusical fireworks show lights up the sky above La Malagueta Beach, setting the mood for eight days of pure Andalucian entertainment.
And this year’s pregon – the grand opening speech – will be delivered by none other than Malaga’s own Javier Castillo, a bestselling author who knows how to make an entrance. He will be on stage at the Real de Cortijo de Torres, where he will also switch on the fair’s iconic glowing light show.
Feria de Dia is a daytime festival that takes place in the centre of the city from 12:30pm to 6pm. Calle Larios Plaza de la Constitucion are crowded with flamenco-styled revellers wearing wide-brimmed hats and frilly dresses. They sip sweet Cartojal, dance to verdiales music and wear frilly flamenco costumes. The mood? Electric.
As the sun dips, the madness shifts to the Feria de Noche out at the fairgrounds, where the party goes deep into the night – and sometimes into breakfast. More than 200 pop-up party tents serve food, alcohol and a beat that alternates between classic flamenco music and full-on dance club bangers.
New this year: for the first time ever, punters will be able to step inside the dazzling LED-lit fairground entrance, now fitted with high-tech ‘Ecogreenlux’ curtains to cut energy use and light pollution. Even when you are partying, being green is a good thing.
There are more than 200 concerts scheduled. The lineup includes Chambao and Camela as well as Merche, Mojinos Escozios, Toreros Con Chanclas, among others. Youth Esplanade, a party zone for younger people with DJs and live video sets. Los 40 Urban Session Malaga is the first act to perform on the opening night.
Do you want to know the date of the next concert? Want to know where the nearest toilet is? There’s even a WhatsApp assistant – TuFerIA – that dishes out real-time info on everything from transport to emergency contacts and alcohol testing points. Over 500 cleaners as well as 5,000 recycling bins are also on hand to prevent chaos.
How to get there? Easy. The Feria Bus Line F runs 24/7 between the centre and the fairground for just €2 a ride, with metro and extra bus lines on hand to keep you moving – or stumbling – throughout the week.
History
Malaga Feria, not only a party but also a celebration, has its roots in 1487 when Ferdinand & Isabella, Catholic Monarchs took over the city after it was taken by the Moors. The original fair was a religious celebration – but let’s just say things have evolved.
Today’s celebration is a no-holds barred celebration of Andalucian Identity, filled with horse parades, Flamenco flair and an atmosphere of street parties that are more about fun than religion.
Malaga Feria 2025 – 8-Day Itinerary
Fancy joining in? You can join us! Olive Press suggested itinerary – but we are not too sure whether you will make it through all eight days – you might be wise to pick and choose…
Friday 15 August – Opening Night: Fireworks & Festivities
- 8.30pm – Arrive early to grab a spot along La Malagueta beach.
- Midnight – Pyro-musical fireworks light up the sky to officially open the feria. Expect cheers and music, as well as crowds.
- Post-midnight – Head into the old town for a drink and a first taste of Feria de Dia vibes.
Saturday 16 August – Pregon & Lights Switch-On
- 12.30pm to 6pm – Hit the city centre: Calle Larios, Plaza de la Constitucion, and Plaza de la Merced for Feria de Dia. Wear your best flamenco, drink Cartojal and dance with the locals.
- 8.30pm – Make your way to Cortijo de Torres fairgrounds.
- 10pm – Opening speech (pregon) by local author Javier Castillo.
- 10.30pm – Don’t miss the lighting of the fairground entrance – 1.4 million LEDs in a dazzling display.
- Midnight onwards – Party at the casetas into the early hours.
Sunday 17 August – Family Day & Flamenco Vibes
- 12pm – Visit Malaga Cathedral or enjoy a quieter start in Parque de Malaga.
- 1pm to 6pm – Family-friendly flamenco shows and folk dancing in the city centre.
- 7pm – Horse and carriage displays at Real de Cortijo de Torres.
- 9pm onwards – Casetas offer traditional cuisine, live flamenco, and pop music – great for all ages.
Monday 18 August – Culture & Concerts
- 11am – Visit Museo Picasso or the Alcazaba before the party starts.
- 2pm to 6pm – Explore street performances and local food stalls around Plaza del Obispo.
- 9pm – Big-name free concert at the fairground – check line-up on TuFerIA.
- Midnight – Dance to flamenco fusion and pop at the Youth Esplanade.
Tuesday 19 August – Locals’ Day
- 1pm – Best day to mingle with malagueños. Calle Larios – Dress up to get in the spirit.
- 3pm – Try berenjenas con miel, paella, and local tapas from food stalls.
- 9pm – Watch Chambao or Paco Candela live at the fairground stage.
- Late night – Discover smaller, themed casetas with everything from reggaeton to sevillanas.
Wednesday 20 August – Midweek Madness
- 12.30pm to 6pm – Feria de Dia in full swing – perfect time to take in traditional verdiales bands and try local wines.
- 8pm – Arrive early at the Youth Esplanade for DJ sets and visuals.
- 10pm – Chill at the new walk-in LED entrance for a great photo op.
- All night – Join the younger crowd for one of the biggest party nights of the week.
Thursday 21 August – Horses & Traditions
- 1pm – Head to Paseo del Parque or Plaza de la Marina for traditional horse and carriage displays.
- 4pm – Enjoy sangria and shade in one of the quiet casetas with live guitar music.
- 9pm – Catch another big act like Camela or Joana Jimenez.
- Late – End the night with churros and chocolate from one of the fairground vendors.
Friday 22 August – Penultimate Blowout
- 2pm – Stroll through the historic centre one last time. Street parties are in full swing.
- 6pm – Recharge with an early dinner (try espeto de sardinas near the port).
- 9pm – Huge concert and party at the fairgrounds.
- Midnight – Join crowds at the Youth Esplanade or get lost in the caseta maze one last time.
Saturday 23 August – Final Night Fiesta
- 12.30pm to 5pm – Soak up every last minute of Feria de Dia. Take pictures, dance on the streets, and raise your glass until the end.
- 9pm onwards – Massive closing party across all casetas.
- 2am – Farewell fireworks (subject to confirmation) or light shows to wrap up the feria in style.
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