Dates for Malaga Feria

The Malaga Feria 2024 will take place from 17 to 24 August. The celebrations kick off with a massive firework display near the port at midnight on the Friday before the official start date (16 August 2024). The festivities continue on La Malagueta beach with a concert, usually featuring one of Spain’s best-known singers or groups.

Why does Malaga Feria take place?

Malaga Feria commemorates the city becoming part of Castille when the Catholic King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella conquered Malaga from the Moors on 19 August 1487. The fair has been celebrated in some form or another since 1491. Nowadays, it’s one of the largest fairs held in Spain during the summer and attracts thousands of visitors.

When is Malaga Feria?

Malaga Feria runs for seven days between 17 and 24 August in 2024. Celebrations start with a massive firework display near the port at midnight on the Friday before the official start date (16 August 2024). Then festivities continue on La Malagueta beach with a concert, usually featuring one of Spain’s best-known singers or groups.

Where does Malaga Feria take place?

Malaga Feria has two main centers:

Old Quarter

The area around Calle Larios becomes the party center during the day (from midday to 6 pm). The streets are packed with revellers, many dressed in traditional Andalusian costume – look for the latest fashions in flamenco dresses. There’s also a daily parade of horses and carriages. Free concerts are held in several squares in the old quarter, including Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza Uncibay, Plaza Mitjana, Plaza de las Flores, and Plaza de San Pedro de Alcántara.

Real de la Feria

The fairground in the west of the city where partying goes on low-key during the day and at full intensity at night. The fairground is divided into the funfair and nearly 180 casetas areas, ‘huts’ with their own bar and music. Top tip – free dancing shows (flamenco and traditional Malaga dances) and concerts take place in the City Hall caseta every evening from 11 pm.

What can you do during Malaga Feria?

With seven full days of festivities, there’s plenty to do:

Partying

The main activity involves dancing verdiales (music and dance from the Malaga mountains) and sevillanas (typical dance from Seville) and plenty of drinking. Typical drinks include Cartojal, a Malaga sweet wine, or a rebujito (a glass of fino or manzanilla sherry mixed with lemonade or Sprite). Typical food includes plates of pescaíto (fried fish – baby squid, red mullet, anchovies, sardines).

Funfairing

Some seriously big and heart-stopping rides pack into the fairground, crowned by a ferris wheel with great views of Malaga from the top.

Concert-going

Lots of concerts (mostly free) take place during Malaga Feria week. The daytime fair has four live music locations – Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza de las Flores, Plaza de la Merced, and Plaza Mitjana – and there’s dancing in Calle Larios.

Horse-shows

Horse shows take place at the Real de la Feria every day at 4 pm and 8 pm. You can also see an exhibition of horses dressed up in their finery and carriages at the Malagueta Bullring (date to be confirmed for 2024). Free entry, but get there early to be sure of a seat.

Bull-fighting

Some of Spain’s top bullfighters take on their quota of five bulls at the fair. Fights take place at the bullring in La Malagueta.

Sports

Sporting events take place during the week prior to the fair. These include a swim across the port, jabega races, free yoga, and an exhibition of water polo.

Tips for enjoying (and surviving) Malaga Feria

Be prepared

For big, big crowds and lots and lots of noise. And in a small space. If you want to get a taste of the fair but don’t like the idea of so many people, visit Calle Larios at noon for a bit or head to the Real de la Feria during the day.

For the heat – August is hot and sticky in Malaga, so wear light clothing, stay in the shade, and keep a bottle of water handy.

Book your restaurant ahead

The city center gets super crowded during Feria week, so we’d recommend giving restaurants around Calle Larios and Plaza de la Constitución a miss at lunchtime. Try eating out in side streets, the Muelle Uno area, or in El Palo.

Use public transport

Give Malaga city center and the fairground a wide berth if you’re in a car. Take public transport instead. Line F bus runs 24-hours a day between the center of Malaga and the fairground from noon on Saturday 12 August to the early hours of Saturday 19 August. If you’re coming from outside Malaga by car, park for free at the Martín Carpena sports stadium and get Line 2 on the Metro to Atarazanas Station. Calle Larios is a 2-minute walk away.

Pace yourself

Like all big fairs in Andalusia, celebrations in Malaga are fun but tiring. Take some time out on the beach or visit some of the Malaga attractions outside the center, such as the Car Museum, the English cemetery, or La Concepción Botanical Gardens.

Dress yourself

For real party fun, dress the part. Dresses cost from €100 and there are several good shops in the center selling them and accessories. If you’re looking for a budget option, head for the Cudeca charity shops for second-hand dresses from €30. You can also buy hats, hair accessories, and other fair essentials at stalls on Calle Larios and the surrounding streets.

Conclusion

Malaga Feria 2024 promises to be an unforgettable event filled with music, dancing, and vibrant celebrations. With our guide, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy everything this spectacular fair has to offer. From partying and concert-going to exploring the funfair and indulging in delicious food and drinks, there’s something for everyone. So mark your calendars and get ready to experience the best of Malaga in August 2024!