Join in the celebrations Spanish style at the Fiestas and Feast day in the Axarquia region

It would be fair to say that Fiestas form an important and integral part of Spanish culture. In fact each day in the Spanish calendar is a feast day in honour of one or other of the Catholic saints, and so not surprisingly an the opportunity to celebrate such days are a regular feature of life here. The sense of fun along with the enthusiasm and togetherness that such events generate is, in our opinion, one of the main attractions of Spain.

In Andalucia alone there are over 3000 fiestas celebrated throughout the year. So the chances are that whatever time of the year you plan to visit you will have the opportunity to take part in the festivities.

Doing so you will give you the chance to experience and share in some of the traditions and values that give the region as well as the country, its identity.

Below you will find some background information on some of the major Fiestas held each year. We have also highlighted those smaller but nonetheless important local fiestas that take place.

El Carnaval

Not only the first but perhaps the most colourful festival of the Christian calendar "El Carnaval" is celebrated in February around Shrove Tuesday.

For more information see the February Carnival page.

Semana Santa

Semana Santa or Holy Week is a week long celebration from Palm Sunday, Domingo de Ramos through to and including Easter Sunday, Domingo de Resurreccion. The events and celebrations that take place are to celebrate the last week in the life of Jesus Christ and his ultimate crucifixion and resurrection.

For more information see the Semana Santa page.

Cruces de Mayo

Held during the first week of May to coincide with the celebrations of Santa Cruz (Holy Cross) it takes the form of a colourful spring fair.

Romeria de San Isidro

Each May celebrations are held in honor of San Isidro, the patron saint of farm workers and labourers. Locally the largest of these celebrations known as the Romeria de San Isidro takes place in the town of Nerja .

For more information see the Romeria De San Isidro page.

Virgen del Carmen

July is the month when all of the coastal towns and villages of the region hold a fiesta in honour of the patron saint of mariners Virgen del Carmen 'Reina del Mar' (Queen of the Seas).

For more information see the Virgen del Carmen page.

Noche de San Juan

Celebrated on the shortest of the night of the year in June the tradition is to gather on the beaches and party, then for good luck and to cleanse your soul take a dip in the sea on the stroke of midnight.

For more information see the Noche de San Juan page.

Feria

Larger towns may have two but even the smallest village will host at least one Feria or summer fair. Its importance is reflected in the fact that the town planners will ensure that a suitable fairground site is always available whenever building permissions are sought.

For more information see the Feria page.

More Local Events

Listed below are some of the fiestas with more local significance which, in addition to the major fiestas and festivals celebrated throughout the year, help to give the region's towns and villages their identity.

Quema de Las Juás

A day in June, usually the 24th, when local people gather around the fountain in the centre of the village to wet their heads and make three wishes.

La Candeleria

Two days in early September celebrated by placing lighted candles in the windows of local farmhouses.

Fiesta de Migas

The traditional dish served to the local farm workers "Migas" is nothing more than breadcrumbs, usually fried with garlic. Despite its simplicity the Fiesta held in its honour has become over recent years an important part of the social calendar in Torrox Pueblo. The Celebrations are held on the last Sunday before Christmas when the main village square plays host to numerous stalls offering visitors either a portion of Migas or a glass of the locally produced sweet wine.

The fact that everything on offer is free of charge ensures that many people from all over the region travel to take part in the celebrations.

For more information on accommodation in the region please see our accommodation page.