Feria de Málaga Spain 2026

Background & History

• Origins: The Feria de Málaga, also known as the Málaga Fair, began in 1487 to commemorate the reconquest of Málaga by the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, on August 19, marking the city’s incorporation into the Kingdom of Castile. The first documented fair occurred in 1491, evolving into an annual celebration.
• Tradition and Significance: Held annually in August, the Feria is one of Andalusia’s most vibrant festivals, celebrating Málaga’s cultural heritage through flamenco, music, dance, and communal festivities. It reflects the city’s historical blend of Christian and Moorish influences, fostering community pride and identity.
• Growth Over Time: From its origins as a religious and trade-focused event, the Feria has grown into a massive week-long celebration, attracting over 1 million visitors annually. It now features two distinct zones: the daytime fair (Feria de Día) in the city center and the nighttime fair (Feria de Noche) at the Cortijo de Torres fairground.
• Cultural Impact: The Feria showcases Málaga’s role as a cultural hub, promoting Andalusian traditions like flamenco and vermouth socializing, while integrating modern entertainment such as concerts and amusement rides. It supports local businesses and artisans, boosting the regional economy.
• Modern Evolution: In recent years, the Feria has expanded its inclusivity with accessible facilities, children’s activities, and international food stalls, making it a family-friendly and globally appealing event. The 2025 edition saw enhanced sustainability initiatives, such as waste reduction programs.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances:
  • Feria de Día: Street performances in Málaga’s historic center, featuring flamenco shows, live music (pop, rock, and traditional copla), and spontaneous dancing in Plaza de la Constitución and Calle Larios.
  • Feria de Noche: Evening festivities at the Cortijo de Torres fairground, with over 100 casetas (tented pavilions) hosting live music, dance, and social gatherings.
  • Flamenco Performances: Professional and amateur flamenco artists perform in casetas and public squares, showcasing bulerías, sevillanas, and alegrías.
  • Fireworks Display: A spectacular opening fireworks show on August 14, 2026, at midnight, launching the festival from La Malagueta beach.
• Special Traditions or Features:
  • Romería (Pilgrimage): A traditional procession to the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Victoria, Málaga’s patron saint, with horse-drawn carriages and flamenco dancers.
  • Flamenco Dress Parade: Women and men don traditional Andalusian attire (trajes de flamenca for women, traje corto for men) during the fair, especially during the daytime festivities.
  • Horse and Carriage Shows: Equestrian displays and parades at the fairground, highlighting Andalusian horsemanship.
  • Children’s Activities: Dedicated casetas and fairground areas offer games, workshops, and kid-friendly performances.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors:
  • Caseta Experience: Each caseta offers a unique vibe, from traditional flamenco to modern DJ sets, with free entry to most public casetas.
  • Amusement Rides: The Cortijo de Torres features a funfair with roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and family-friendly rides.
  • Street Food and Tapas: Málaga’s city center transforms into a culinary hub with pop-up stalls offering local delicacies during Feria de Día.
  • Verdiales Performances: Traditional Málaga folk music and dance groups (pandas de verdiales) perform in colorful costumes, a UNESCO-recognized cultural practice.

Date & Duration

• Dates: August 14 – August 22, 2026 (projected based on 2025 dates: August 15–23)
• Duration: 9 days
• Opening Hours:
  • Feria de Día: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM in the city center.
  • Feria de Noche: 8:00 PM – 4:00 AM at Cortijo de Torres fairground.
  • Fireworks: August 14, 2026, at midnight.

Venue / Location

• City: Málaga, Spain
• Main Venues:
  • City Center (Feria de Día): Plaza de la Constitución, Calle Larios, and surrounding streets host daytime festivities with street performances and food stalls.
  • Cortijo de Torres Fairground (Feria de Noche): A 600,000-square-meter site in the Alhaurín de la Torre district, featuring casetas, amusement rides, and stages.
  • La Malagueta Beach: Hosts the opening fireworks display.
  • Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Victoria: Starting point for the romería procession.
• Notable Areas:
  • Plaza de la Merced: A hub for live music and cultural events during Feria de Día.
  • Children’s Caseta: A dedicated space at the fairground for family-friendly activities.
  • Flamenco Stages: Scattered across the fairground and city center, showcasing traditional and contemporary performances.
• Google Maps Address: C/ Ramos Marín s/n, 29012 Málaga, Spain (Málaga Procultura office, central reference point)

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold:
  • Most events are free, including public casetas, street performances, and the opening fireworks.
  • Private casetas (e.g., VIP or exclusive clubs) may require invitations or membership; contact info@malagaprocultura.com for details.
  • Amusement ride tickets are sold on-site at the Cortijo de Torres fairground or via mobile apps like Feria de Málaga.
  • Group packages for guided tours or premium experiences available through Málaga Tourism Office.
• Admission Type:
  • Free for most activities; paid for amusement rides and select private casetas.
• Ticket Pricing (USD):
  • Public Events: $0 (Feria de Día performances, public casetas, fireworks).
  • Amusement Rides: $3–$8 per ride; multi-ride passes from $20–$40.
  • Private Caseta Entry: $10–$50 (varies by exclusivity; requires invitation or membership).
  • Guided Tours (e.g., Romería or Cultural Tours): $15–$30 per person, book via Málaga Tourism.
• Minimum and Maximum Ticket Pricing:
  • Minimum: $0 (public events and performances).
  • Maximum: $50 (private caseta entry or premium tour packages).
• Special Seating or VIP Options:
  • VIP access to exclusive casetas with premium seating, catering, and private performances; prices vary ($20–$50).
  • Guided cultural tours with priority access to romería or flamenco events, available through Málaga Procultura.
  • Reserved areas for equestrian shows or major concerts at the fairground, bookable in advance.

Contact Information

• Email:
  • General Inquiries: info@malagaprocultura.com
  • Tourism Information: turismo@malaga.eu
  • Press Inquiries: prensa@malagaprocultura.com
  • Volunteer Opportunities: info@malagaprocultura.com (details TBD)
• Phone:
  • General Inquiries: +34 952 224 109
  • Málaga Tourism Office: +34 952 134 730
  • Box Office (Fairground): +34 952 227 760
• Website: festivaldemalaga.com (official Málaga Procultura site), malaga.eu (tourism portal)
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: @feriamalaga
  • Twitter/X: @FeriaMalaga
  • Facebook: @FeriaDeMalaga
• Key Staff:
  • Festival Organizer: Málaga Procultura, under Málaga City Council.
  • Artistic Coordinator: Not specified; contact info@malagaprocultura.com.
• Press/Volunteers:
  • Press: Email prensa@malagaprocultura.com for media accreditation.
  • Volunteers: Email info@malagaprocultura.com for opportunities (details announced closer to event).
• Response Time: 24–48 hours; English and Spanish support available.

Cultural Experience

• Traditions:
  • The romería to the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Victoria honors Málaga’s patron saint, blending religious devotion with festive celebration.
  • Flamenco is central, with sevillanas dancing in casetas and streets, a tradition rooted in Andalusian culture.
  • Verdiales, Málaga’s traditional folk music and dance, performed by pandas (groups) in colorful costumes, is a UNESCO-recognized heritage.
• Music:
  • Live performances range from flamenco and copla to contemporary Spanish pop, rock, and Latin music in casetas and public stages.
  • Verdiales groups play traditional instruments like tambourines, violins, and laúdes (lutes).
  • Major concerts at the fairground feature artists like India Martínez or Antonio José (based on past lineups).
• Costumes:
  • Women wear trajes de flamenca with vibrant ruffles, polka dots, and accessories like shawls and flowers.
  • Men don traje corto (short jacket, trousers, and wide-brimmed hat) or modern flamenco-inspired attire.
  • Children often wear miniature versions of traditional outfits during family events.
• Local Customs:
  • Socializing over vermouth or tinto de verano in casetas is a key custom, fostering community bonds.
  • Sharing free tapas with drinks in city center bars during Feria de Día is a Málaga tradition.
  • Respectful behavior is expected during the romería and religious ceremonies, with attendees joining in songs and dances.

Food & Drinks

• Must-Try Specialties:
  • Pescaíto Frito: Fried fish platter (anchovies, squid, mullet), a Málaga classic, available at casetas and street stalls.
  • Espetos: Sardines skewered and grilled over open flames, a coastal delicacy.
  • Gazpachuelo: A creamy fish soup with mayonnaise, unique to Málaga.
  • Jamón Ibérico: Sliced cured ham, often paired with local cheeses.
  • Churros con Chocolate: Crispy fried dough with thick hot chocolate, popular at fairground stalls.
• Beverage Highlights:
  • Cartojal: A sweet, chilled rosé wine, the iconic drink of Feria de Málaga, served in casetas.
  • Tinto de Verano: Red wine mixed with lemon soda, a refreshing staple.
  • Málaga Virgen: A sweet fortified wine, perfect for sipping during performances.
  • Non-Alcoholic: Fresh orange juice, horchata, and granizados (slushies) at family-friendly stalls.

Getting There

• Nearest Airports:
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP): 6 miles from city center, 15–20 minutes by taxi ($20–$30) or train ($2–$4, C1 line to Málaga Centro).
  • Gibraltar Airport (GIB): 80 miles away, 90 minutes by car ($100–$150) or bus ($15–$25, ALSA).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Málaga Transport Consortium (www.emtmalaga.es) routes C1, C2, and 24 connect city center to Cortijo de Torres ($1.50–$2).
  • Train: Málaga Centro-Alameda (Renfe C1 line) links airport and city center; 10-minute walk to Feria de Día venues.
  • Taxi: Radio Taxi Málaga (+34 952 333 333) offers rides to fairground ($10–$15) or city center ($5–$8).
• Parking:
  • Limited parking at Cortijo de Torres; pre-book via Málaga Tourism ($10–$15/day).
  • City center car parks (e.g., Alcazaba, Plaza de la Marina) are 5–10 minutes from Feria de Día ($15–$20/day).
• Accessibility:
  • Fairground and city center venues are wheelchair-accessible with ramps and adapted restrooms.
  • Free shuttle buses for mobility-impaired visitors to Cortijo de Torres; contact info@malagaprocultura.com.
  • Assistance dogs permitted.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury Hotels:
  • Gran Hotel Miramar: 1 mile from city center, 5-star with sea views, $200–$400/night.
  • Vincci Selección Posada del Patio: Central location, modern luxury, $150–$300/night.
• Mid-Range Hotels:
  • Hotel Soho Boutique Equitativa: Near Calle Larios, stylish rooms, $80–$150/night.
  • Ilunion Málaga: Close to train station, accessible facilities, $90–$160/night.
• Budget Options:
  • Hostal La Hispanidad: City center, basic and affordable, $40–$80/night.
  • Malaga Stop Hostel: Modern hostel, 0.5 miles from Plaza de la Constitución, $30–$60/night.
• Airbnb and Apartments:
  • City center and El Palo district offer apartments ($50–$150/night) with proximity to Feria de Día.
  • Book early for August due to high demand; check malaga.eu for deals.
• Booking Tips:
  • Reserve 3–6 months in advance for best rates.
  • Stay near Málaga Centro or El Palo for easy access to both Feria de Día and Noche.