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Every August, the Malaga Feria fills the city of Malaga with colour, music, and wine for a week.
Tradition dates back to the year 1491 when the Catholic Kings recaptured Malaga from Moors. The celebration began as a victory. The event has evolved into Andalucia’s largest annual party, with locals and guests enjoying days of music, food, drink and dancing.
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Malaga’s historic center comes to life during the day. You can’t help but hear the guitars and the clapping of hands as you stroll down Calle Marques de Larios. Randomly, you’ll find small groups of performers and musicians in every street.
On Larios’ main stage, children in Andalucian dresses perform dances. Then, in vibrant pink dresses, older women encourage the passersby with their songs. Every song ends in a chorus, “olé!” “Most often, someone will be pulled to dance from the crowd.
In the main square of the city, the Plaza de la Constitucion, live music is played by bands, flamenco performers, and other musicians. San Miguel beer is poured by the litre to keep the crowd cool in the heat of August. You’ll often see friends forming little circles, each with its own dancefloor. They may be holding their beer in one hand and clapping to the rhythm or trying to sevillana.
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Cartojal – the sweet local wine that is only available during this week – is an essential part of any Feria. Cartojal can be identified by its iconic shot glasses and pink bottles. It is available everywhere during the Feria. You can find Cartojal in supermarkets that have dedicated fridges. Bins are decorated with the logo and you cannot miss the pink cups or fans given to passersby. Feria wouldn’t be Feria without it. Some people drink it in chilled shots while others mix it with a tonic and ice.
Feria, for visitors and expats, is more than a party. It’s Andalucian culture in its most vibrant form. This particular week combines all that “Spanish culture” is known for by foreigners. It’s a time when everyone comes together to celebrate the traditions that make them so proud. It’s just as common to see a retired person dancing in the streets as it is to see teenagers drinking Cartojal, and singing along to flamenco songs that they grew up with.
Malaga comes alive at night with laughter, music and pink glasses that clatter together. The city celebrates its history for a week in August. It does so with a big smile and a bottle Cartojal.
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