Festivals & Fairs in Malaga in October

By: Malaga.us - #activities #Costa del Sol #Malaga #Tourism

Discover our beautiful counties during the popular festivals of the villages, many of them declared of Tourist Singularity. The Fairs in Malaga in October are an excellent opportunity to savour the gastronomy, folklore, culture and history of Malaga.

We leave you below the monthly agenda, so that you don’t miss the opportunity to visit them.

Rosario Fair in Fuengirola

This fair is deeply rooted in Andalusian traditions. It is one of the most important fairs in October in Malaga and throughout the year.

The outstanding element is the prominence of the horses and their riders and also the beautifully decorated and attired carriages that can be seen both in the streets of the centre and in the fairgrounds.

Credit Depositphotos

During these days, many locals take their holidays to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere in the streets and squares of the city during the day.

At night, the activity moves to the fairgrounds, where the typical fairground attractions, booths with music and food stalls are located.

The most important day is the 7th of October, the day of the Virgen del Rosario, the patron saint of Fuengirola. At 10 am a Flamenco mass takes place at the central Plaza de la Constitución followed by a procession through the streets of the town centre.

When: From 6 to 12 October
Where: Fairgrounds and city centre
How to get there

Tips on getting to Fuengirola from nearby towns

The easiest way to get to the Fuengirola fairgrounds and town centre is via public transport, as parking becomes highly restricted and traffic heavily congested during the festivities.

Arriving by Suburban Train

Malaga suburban train. Credit Depositphotos

The Cercanías C1 suburban train is the absolute fastest option. It runs every 20 minutes along the coast between Malaga city centre and Fuengirola.

• For the Daytime Fair (Feria de Día): Get off at the Fuengiola main station. The main exit leads you directly into the city centre, with a very lively atmosphere, live music and street parties during the day.

From there its a 20 minutes walk to the fairgrounds. If you want o go straight to the fairgrounds, you can get off the train at Los Boliches station. From there its a 15 minutes walk.
• For the Nighttime Fair (Recinto Ferial): Get off at the Los Boliches station. It is an approximate 15-minute walk down to the fairgrounds.

Arriving by Car & Parking

If you want to drive, note that central streets might be closed off for the daytime fair. You should aim for the outer perimetre of the town.
• Fairground Parking: A large, designated outdoor parking area is usually set up near the Recinto Ferial, but it fills up very early in the evening.
• Town centre Underground Parking: If arriving early in the day, you can try underground paid parking. You find them all at this link.

Taxi & Transfer

Yon’t don´t want to drive or don’t feel like travelling by public transport?

Then the most convenient option is to book a private taxi. We recommend MalagaTaxi.co.uk. It stands out for its multilingual, experienced and friendly drivers.

Get your private taxi with multilingual driver

They will pick you up bring you to the Fair and pick you off at the agreed time. And you will know in advance exactly how much your journey will cost.

Here you have the link

Fair in Nerja

Nerja also celebrates their fair in honour of their patron saint, the Virgen de las Angustias.

During these days you can enjoy a wide-ranging programme of events such as equestrian show, parade of carriages and harnesses, concerts, Flamenco and folkloric performances both in the streets and the fairgrounds.

The main hub of the fair takes place in the heart of Nerja, just east of the iconic Balcón de Europa. The area is filled with fairground rides, colourful decorations, and large casetas (tents) hosting live entertainment.

Daytime celebrations feature traditional flamenco dress, singing, dancing, and local food, while the night fair brings lively concerts, temporary bars, and party zones near Plaza Tutti Frutti.

Large stages are frequently set up in the Plaza de España for free musical performances and flamenco singing festivals.

When: October 7 to 12
Where: Nerja
How to get there

Fair in Torrox

Torrox celebrates the fair in honour of the patron saints of the town, the Virgen de las Nieves and San Roque from September 30 to October 4.

Amongst the many activities during these days Plaza de la Constitución is the beating heart of the fair. There take place major musical performances every night. The town hall sets up a massive stage here, and all concerts are completely free to the public.

Unlike most fairs contained in fairgrounds, the Fair of Torrox takes place right around the white-washed streets of the old town. Local bars and associations open up vibrant indoor and street-front stalls.

Stop by the food stalls to try the local gastronomy, sip on crisp rebujito (sherry mixed with lemon-lime soda), sample traditional snacks and watch people dancing flamenco in the streets.

When: From September 30 to October 4
How to get there

Nights of Bella Jarifa in Cártama

The 17th edition of Noches de la Bella Jarifa (Nights of the Beautiful Jarifa) in Cártama will take place from October 2 to October 4. This small village celebrates every year this homage to its Al-Andalus past.

For 3 days, the historic centre transforms into a vibrant 15th-century Andalusian village. Lit entirely by the warm glow of thousands of candles, the streets come alive to commemorate the legendary love story.

There will be a wide range of activities such as musical performances, workshops and children’s activities, tastings, guided tours of the Torre del Agua, oriental dance performances, parades, shows and theatre, among many others.

As a central element, there will be a Souk market decorated in period style, with handicrafts, local products and lots of gastronomy.

Transport & Parking

To ease traffic in the historic centre, the town hall coordinates a free shuttle bus service running all three days. Visitors can park their vehicles at designated lots near the Ciudad Deportiva (Sports Complex) or the CAC market area and take the shuttle directly into the heart of the festival

When: 2 to 4 October
Where: Cártama
How to get there

Monfí Festival in Cútar

For one weekend Cútar, a small village of Moorish origin located in the Axarquía, pays homage to its Moorish past and Andalusian culture.

The streets of the old town transform into a lively medieval market featuring nomad tents (jaimas) with traditional crafts, local culinary products, and food tastings.

In addition, there is an extensive programme of activities such as parades, workshops, music, archery and exhibitions of birds of prey and the art of falconry.

Live Andalusi and Arab music, stilt-walkers telling the story of the Moorish arrival in 1505, and women performing traditional veil dances to flute rhythms.

Local residents dress in period Moorish attire and invite visitors to join in community dances.

When: October 2 to 4
How to get there

Parking Tips

Parking in Cútar during the Monfí Festival is a bit of a logistical challenge, as it is a small, mountainside white village with very narrow, steep streets that are completely closed to non-resident traffic during the event.

There is a small public parking area situated directly above the village along the main incoming road (Calle Málaga). This is perfect for standard and smaller vehicles, but it fills up extremely fast.

The town hall usually designates specific fields or flat areas right outside the entrance of the village along the main access road.

Cheese Fair in Teba

The Artisan Cheese Fair-Market in Teba takes place on October 4 and 5. This very popular gastronomic fair is fully dedicated to artisan cheese.

During a weekend visitors can taste and buy the best Andalusian and national cheeses exhibited by more than 50 cheese dairies. You can also purchase local honey, olive oils, cured meats, artisan bread and regional wines.

Furthermore, you can join a workshop to learn how to make cheese. There are also special activities for children, tourist routes around the town, music and entertainment and a photography competition.

Programme at the official web site
When: October 4 and 5
Where: Teba
How to get there

Our Tip – Arab Fortress Castillo de la Estrella

A local tourist train connects the fairgrounds to the village’s historic centre, making it easy to visit local monuments like the Castillo de la Estrella.

This Arab fortress is the crowning historic landmark of Teba, offering beautiful panoramic views of the Guadalteba valley.

Perota Soup Day in Álora

A gastronomic festival based around the most important traditional dish of this village crowned by an ancient fortress.

This tasty soup originated thanks to the day labourers who used to make it in the fields with whatever they had at hand. It is made with bread from the previous day, potatoes and a sauce of tomato, onion, pepper and green asparagus. Although it is called soup, it is not a dish with broth as the bread absorbs it, although it is eaten with a spoon.

All this accompanied by the famous Aloreña olives, local bread and local wine. There are as well many parallel activities, sich as live flamenco performances, traditional verdiales folk groups, craft markets, and local food stalls.

The event is very popular and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Our Tip – Visit the Arab fortress

The Arab fortress it is a prominent 9th-century Phoenician, Roman, and Moorish stronghold that offers sweeping views of the Guadalhorce Valley.

It is a steep, uphill walk through the scenic, narrow streets of the old town to reach the summit. Entry to the castle grounds is generally free, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.

Opening hours

Summer (April to October): Monday to Friday: 9 am to 8 pm. Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays: 10 am to 8 pm
Winter (November to March): Monday to Friday: 9 am to 6 pm. Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays: 10 am to 6 pm.

Getting There & Tips

Train: You can reach Álora from Málaga using the Malaga suburban train (Line C-2).

Parking & Shuttles: The town hall runs free shuttle buses connecting the parking area directly to the town centre during the event.

When: 3 October
Where: Plaza baja de la Despedía, Álora
How to get there

Chestnut & Wine Festival in Yunquera

Nestled in the foothills of Sierra de las Nieves National Park, the village Yunquera is well known as one of the largest chestnut producers in the region.

Every year during the last weekend of October, the village pays tribute to their star product with Chestnut & Wine Festival.

The festival attracts every year a large number of visitors eager to sample this delicious fruit roasted, in syrup, boiled, candied or simply picked directly from the tree, together with wine made from the exquisite grapes grown in the area.

In addition, there are also many parallel activities. Enjoy live Verdiales folk music, a chestnut flamenco festival, artisan and commercial market stalls, guided nature tours and traditional games.

Driving there & Tips

• Arrive Early: Because this event is highly popular, thousands of visitors flood the small village. Aim to arrive by 10:30 am before the crowds arrive.
• Designated Parking Lots: The local town hall typically opens up dirt fields and designated flat zones on the outskirts of the town (just off the main A-366 approach). Expect a short, steep uphill walk from these municipal lots into the village centre.
• Avoid the Village centre: Do not try to drive into the heart of Yunquera. The streets are centuries old, extremely narrow, steeply inclined, and closed off entirely for market stalls and pedestrian foot traffic.
• Designated Driver: If you plan on trying the local must (grape juice) or sweet mountain wines, make sure you have a designated driver, as local police frequently set up routine traffic checks along the mountain access roads during major festivals.

When: 24 and 25 October
Where: Yunquera, Serranía de Ronda
How to get there

Fiesta en el aire – Arriate

Arriate is the smallest municipal district in the province of Malaga. It is a charming white village hidden away in the stunning landscape of the Serranía de Ronda mountain range.

The village is celebrating this year the 20th edition of its “In the air” Festival. For three days, Arriate transforms into an open-air stage with more than 20 concerts, art, gastronomy, workshops and competitions.

Many of the performances and events take place in the Plaza de Antonio Marañón, Plaza Díaz Mena, and Calle La Fuente.

This year, in addition to live music, visitors can enjoy craft stalls, food, and live painting, sculpture, and photography exhibitions. There are also workshops, children’s activities, a foam party and community meals.

When: October 9 to 11
Where: Arriate
How to get there

Our Tips – Viewpoint & Maze

Viewpoint

Go for a stroll to the vantage point Mirador La Estacá in the upper part of the village. From there you can enjoy panoramic views of Arriate.

Arriate Labyrinth

The Arriate Labyrinth is the largest Victorian-style hedge maze in Spain and the third-largest of its kind in Europe.

Spanning 7,200 square metres, the maze features over 8,000 meticulously planted cypress trees that form kilometres of intricate, winding pathways.

Depending on your sense of direction, navigating the maze can take anywhere from 40 minutes to over 2 hours. Staff are stationed inside to offer helpful hints or guide you out.

Operating hours change depending on the season, offering a completely different vibe by day or night:

• Winter Season: Usually open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm
• Summer Season (June–September): Wednesday to Sunday, 7 pm to Midnight). There is also a bar- terrace where you can grab a cold drink, ice cream or tapas.