Nerja still retains its traditional festivals: the Fair, Holy Week (Easter), the San Isidro pilgrimage and the festivals of San Juan and Día del Carmen are also celebrated in their own special way. There are a wide range of cultural events throughout the year, including the acclaimed 'Nerja Caves Festival', which takes place amongst stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.
National and Local Holidays
January 1 |
New Year's Day |
January 6 |
Three Kings - procession in Malaga |
February 28 |
Andalucia Day |
Easter/Holy Week |
Semana Santa Thursday & Friday |
May 1 |
San Isidro |
June 24 |
San Juan |
August 15 |
Ascension of the Virgin |
October 8 |
Feria (Fair) |
October 12 |
Spain National Day |
November 1 |
All Saints |
December 6 |
Constitution Day |
December 8 |
Immaculate Conception |
December 25 |
Christmas Day |
Local Fiestas
January 16/17 |
San Anton. Fiesta in Maro with procession, bonfire and fireworks. |
January 20 |
Patron Saint, San Sebastian fiesta in Frigiliana. |
Third week in Feb |
Carnival in Nerja. Three days of activities end with the Carnival parade, floats, costumes, etc. |
Easter Thur - Sun |
Daily procession through the Old Town |
May 3 |
Las Cruces de Mayo (Day of the Crosses) in Maro & Frigiliana. |
May 15 |
San Isidro-Procession from the church (Balcon) to Maro. Traditional Spanish dress, floats, horses and oxen bedecked with flowers. Music, dancing and fun. |
June 13 |
La Funcion fiesta in Frigiliana. |
June 23 |
Night of San Juan. Bonfires and barbeques all night on the beaches. Burriana has bands playing, free sardines and beer! |
July 16 |
Virgen del Carmen. Huge statue is carried through the streets of Nerja to the beach and then out to sea on a fishing boat supported by many other boats. Fireworks, etc |
Third week in July |
Festival of the Caves. Annual programme of music and dance staged in the magnificent caves of Nerja |
Early September |
Festival de Candelaras in Frigiliana |
September 7/9 |
Maro Fair |
October 8/12 |
Nerja Fair |
The local Tourist Office will have full details of these events at www.nerja.org/turismo_ing/index.php