Feria de Málaga, also known as Feria de Agosto, is an annual summer festival in the capital of the Costa del Sol. It combines dance, music and local culinary traditions, celebrating Málaga’s incorporation into the Spanish crown. It attracts more than one million visitors every year and this year’s edition will run from 16 to 23 August.
History meets the present
By organising the festival, the city commemorates the incorporation of Málaga into the crown of Spain by the Catholic Kings – a key event that took place on 19 August 1487. The first official celebrations were recorded as early as 1491. Since the end of the 19th century, 19 August has remained the key date of the festival week.
This year’s Feria de Málaga includes nearly 200 free performances and cultural events. The Auditorio Municipal will host free concerts and dance shows every night, from traditional flamenco to performances by well-known artists – such as Camela, Chambao and Paco Candela. In the Caseta Municipal del Flamenco y la Copla, meanwhile, the sounds of the Andalusian copla and flamenco will reign supreme – featuring the best local musicians and dancers – creating an atmosphere full of emotion and tradition.
Of course, there will be no shortage of attractions for the little ones. The Caseta Municipal Infantil will feature daily theatrical performances by renowned Spanish theatre groups, full of magic and colour that will transport children into a world of fairy tales. At the same time, the Plaza de la Merced will host 'La Feria Mágica’, an interactive space with workshops, games and puppet theatre.
See also:
Full daily programme of the Feria de Málaga 2025
Hot flamenco temperament on the Costa del Sol
An amusement park on the grounds of the Real Cortijo de Torres is also available during the festival. Each year, the little ones can choose from more than 90 attractions. The highlight is the Ferris wheel, which provides every daredevil with a unique view of Malaga, which is being celebrated these days. This special entertainment zone, dedicated to children, is open every day – from midday until late at night.
The Feria de Málaga is also a celebration of tradition, with local dances, performances by rocieros choirs and folklore groups from the region presented daily on Calle Larios. Enthusiasts of verdiales (one style of flamenco) will be able to meet the best bands both on the streets and in the dedicated Caseta de los Verdiales. For horse lovers, on the other hand, there will be spectacular equestrian shows at the Centro de Exhibición Ecuestre.
A celebration that unites and integrates
The event is scheduled to officially open at midnight from 15 to 16 August. There will then be a fireworks display on Malagueta beach – this spectacular moment marks the official opening of the festivities and the start of a week of true Andalusian fun. On 16 August (Saturday), at 10am, the traditional romería (procession of horse riders and carriages) to the Sanctuary of La Victoria will pass through the streets. In the evening, from 9.30pm, the official opening speech – the 'Pregón de la Feria’ – will be given.
The Feria de Día, a daytime celebration, will run from 17 to 23 August. The programme includes live musical performances in Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza Obispo, Plaza Flores and Plaza San Pedro de Alcántara. Visitors will be able to see colourful parades, flamenco dance demonstrations, and taste local tapas and cartojal wines. There will also be a rich artistic programme for children in the Plaza de la Merced. There will also be plenty for lovers of local folklore – the Feria de Malaga has always been accompanied by performances by regional bands and concerts inspired by local musical traditions. This year, more than 200 free concerts are scheduled!
A historic parade commemorating the capture of Malaga by the Catholic Kings will take place on 19 August. The event includes a march from Plaza de la Aduana to Calle Alcazabilla and pays tribute to Spanish history, while also harking back to the origins of the Feria de Malaga.
