THE WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES TO DO AT THE MALAGA FAIR 2023
If you’re looking for things to do in Malaga in mid-summer, specifically from 12 to 19 August, you can’t miss the Malaga Fair!
This fair, which originated on 19 August 1487 with the incorporation of Malaga into the Crown of Castile by the Catholic Monarchs, had the main purpose of commemorating the annual conquest of the city. It was held with a certain regularity, but it was in the 19th century that this festivity gained greater importance and has been celebrated regularly up to the present day.
Today it is a major national and international tourist attraction and is of vital importance to the city’s economy because of the great interest it holds for tourists and residents.
It is currently one of the most important and most visited fairs in Andalusia. This is no coincidence by any means, as it combines the good atmosphere typical of the fair with the services available in Malaga, opening up a wide range of possibilities.
WHAT TO DO AT THE MALAGA FAIR:
1. WATCH THE FIREWORKS
Let’s start at the beginning: in the early hours of the morning of the 11th to the 12th of August you can enjoy and be impressed by the spectacle of lights, fireworks and music that mark the start of the Malaga Fair. This pyro-musical show can be seen from many places in Malaga such as the beaches of Huelin or Malagueta, the Mirador de Gibralfaro or even from the outskirts of Torremolinos.
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2. READING OF THE PROCLAMATION OF THE FIESTAS
As every year, an important personality from Malaga will be in charge of being the town crier and of sending an affectionate and emotional message to the citizens and visitors who come to the reading of the Proclamation of the Festivities.
In other years, the people in charge of this work have been relevant people such as Estrella Morente, Julio Iglesias, Antonio Banderas or Diana Navarro, among many others.
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3. LIGHTING OF THE LIGHTING
After the opening speech, the impressive lighting of the Real de la Feria de Málaga is switched on to start the festivities of the first Saturday night. The thousands of lights, together with the excitement of the start of the fair at night, create a great atmosphere of festivity that is a must-see.
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4. DAY FAIR
During the day, you can enjoy the fair in all its splendour with the dedicated activities in the city centre. Concerts, marquees, music, dancing, flamenco costumes and a specially decorated atmosphere full of polka dots and hats. You will be able to enjoy yourself with your friends, family and acquaintances, as well as meeting new people from other places and making new friendships and relationships in an incomparable setting.
From 12h to 18h you’ll be able to enjoy a ferial atmosphere without equal, and, after hours, the celebration continues in the bars, pubs and terraces of the area that offer attention and services from the hand of great professionals, creating a special and lively atmosphere, perfect to end the day in the best way.
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5. VERDIALES PANDAS
One of the cultural highlights of the fair are the “pandas de verdiales”, typical folklore groups from the province of Malaga, which combine music, song and festive dance with colourful costumes. They are an important part of the festivities and you can enjoy them in different parts of the city centre.
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6. WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK
As a perfect complement to all these activities, you must try typical Malaga dishes such as espeto of sardinas, porra antequerana or the more than famous “pescaíto frito”, which, accompanied by Cartojal, a traditional sweet wine served very cold, completes a great culinary experience.
Also, at this time of year, due to the heat of August and the crowds, it is very important to stay hydrated, so… always have fresh water on hand!
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7. CONCERTS AND SHOWS
Music and spectacle also accompany and decorate the streets of Malaga on the days of the fair. You will have the chance to attend a multitude of unique concerts around the city, such as in the Municipal Auditorium, Plaza de la Constitución or Malagueta Beach. Performances by all kinds of artists who add colour and sound to the festive atmosphere of Malaga.
8. ATTRACTIONS
The famous “cacharritos” that we all love are also a must if you visit the Malaga Fair. Young and old can have fun in the Cortijo de Torres on rides such as the “Grasshopper“, the “Viking Boat“, the “Extreme” or compete in the famous “Crash Cars“.
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9. NIGHT FAIR
After enjoying the fair during the day, the night arrives, and everything is ready for you to move to the fairgrounds by means of public transport specially prepared for the fair, such as the extended metro timetables or the F bus line open 24 hours a day. Whether you enter through the entrance on Avenida Ortega y Gasset or through the entrance on Camino de San Rafael, you will enter a wonderful atmosphere full of lights.
Once at the Cortijo de Torres fairgrounds, you can visit, sing and dance in the decorated stalls. With dozens and dozens of them, you will have the opportunity to choose any type of dance and music according to your tastes or preferences at that moment.
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10. STAY WITH US
As you can see, the Malaga Fair has a special attraction and is a must-see that lasts several days, so you will have to stay in the city. Finding quality accommodation for the dates of the Malaga Fair where you can rest or relax is essential. That’s why we offer you a wide selection of flats in different areas of the city so you can stay close to the places you want to visit.
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Visit our website and find the tourist flat that best suits your needs, we are waiting for you!