Feria De Malaga
Feria de Malaga is one of the most important social and cultural holidays in Malaga, starting in the second week of August and intensely celebrated by
9 consecutive days.
Its origins come from the commemoration of the incorporation of Malaga into the Spanish crown by the Catholic Kings who came to the city on August 19, 1487. A few years later (1491), the City Council instituted a celebration that grew in strength over the years to become a great summer festival in southern Spain.
The holiday kick-off takes place on the Malagueta beach, where an impressive event takes place at midnight fireworks display, followed by the invited stars' concerts. The following days are just one big, never-ending fiesta :)
Until 18 / 19.00 all events and the accompanying traditional Spanish music, carriages of Roma and, above all, drinking white, sweet Cartojal wine are held in the Historical Center of the city. In turn, in the evening, the fun moves to the town of Feria Real specially created for these days. Both dressed in traditional costumes, Malaguenos, and many tourists from all over Spain who enjoy from the attractions of the amusement park, they dance, they drink and they eat regional delicacies in themed tents (casets), owned by the city, major companies, associations and organizations and sometimes rich families.
It is also the time when the "Feria Taurina de Agosto", in other words, the famous Spanish corrida takes place. Andalusia is one of the few places in Spain where bullfighting has not been forbidden until today, it is even cultivated, and bullfighters are adored by crowds. The first week is always a matador beginner's fight, and admission is free. Then there is a real corrida, with the most famous bullfighters.
Feria de Malaga is a true blend of modernity and the tradition of the region. This is an event for everyone, because young and (strangely) old people have fun.
To celebrate all days and keep up with the Spaniards, you need to be in good shape :) Therefore, to celebrate this holiday, I especially encourage those who want to have hen and stag parties during this time - you will not find a better moment;)
See the video for yourself. However, it is not a good time for a family, typical sightseeing of the city and its attractions, because all the streets are there crowded and unfortunately cluttered, and many restaurants or shops closed.
Like every holiday here, Feria has its pros and cons - on the one hand, tradition and Spanish fun, on the other, incomprehensible for tourists, a celebration, crowds of drunk people and sometimes piles of rubbish. Everyone has to answer for himself if this is a good time to see Malaga ;)
Despite the many disadvantages that Feria has I think how they celebrate and have fun with Malaguenos is only for them pozazdroscic :) And being in Malaga at that time, you can see what a real Spanish fiesta and the joy of life is all about.