Malaga Feria 2024, the all you need to know guide!

Malaga Feria 2024 information about everything you need to know about this years biggest party in Malaga!

The Origins of the Malaga Fair

The 2024 Malaga Fair has deep historical roots, commemorating the reconquest of the city by the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, on August 18, 1487.

Originally declared a “popular festival” on August 15, 1491, coinciding with the Catholic celebration of the Assumption of Mary, the Fair later adopted August 18 as its principal day in 1887, marking the anniversary of the Reconquest.

When is the Malaga Fair?

The 2024 Malaga Fair will take place from Saturday 17 August to Saturday 24 August.

Below, you’ll find the full programme for both the daytime Fair in the city centre and the nighttime Fair at the fairgrounds. This event, along with the Seville Fair, is one of the largest in Andalusia.

Where is the Fair Located?

The Fair has a unique feature, it takes place in three distinct locations in Malaga:

The City Centre hosts the daytime Fair, which features most of the events.
The Palacio de Ferias Av. de José Ortega y Gasset, 201, Cruz de Humilladero, 29006.
The Real del Cortijo de Torres is where the nighttime Fair is held.

Attracting up to one million visitors over its eight days, the Fair is known for its vibrant, inclusive, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Unlike the Seville Fair, entry to the casetas (tents where people eat, drink, and dance) at the Malaga Fair is free and open to everyone. Malaga is also renowned for its warm hospitality and welcoming nature.

Official Programme for the 2024 Malaga Fair

The Fair kicks off on August 16 at midnight with the following events:

11:50 p.m.: Drone show at the Port of Malaga
12:00 a.m.: Fireworks display on the access road to the cruise terminal

Saturday, August 17, 2024:

10:00 a.m.: Traditional pilgrimage to the Basilica Sanctuary of Santa María de la Victoria
9:30 p.m.: The “Pregón de la Feria” (Fair Proclamation) delivered by a notable figure from Malaga, often from the arts. Past heralds include Estrella Morente, Antonio Banderas, and Julio Iglesias. For 2024, the honour goes to Malaga-born singer-songwriter El Kanka.

The Fair’s programme includes nearly 200 shows. Some of the standout performers this year include José Mercé, Lucrecia, Zenet, María Peláe, Carlos Baute, and Adrián Martín.

For the full programme of events, including concerts and shows at various venues like the municipal auditorium, the municipal flamenco and copla booth, the Peña Juan Breva, the Children’s Fair, and equestrian exhibitions.

Please refer to the following link: Malaga Feria 2024 Programme

During the Fair, there are three key moments:

The Pilgrimage: A procession to the church of Santa María de la Victoria (officially known as the Basilica, Royal Sanctuary, and Parish of Santa María de la Victoria y de la Merced). The church stands on the site where Ferdinand II of Aragon camped during the siege of Malaga during the Reconquest. The pilgrimage takes place on the first Saturday of the Fair.
Illumination of the Royal Façade: The spectacular lighting ceremony, marking the official start of the Fair.
The Historical Parade: Held on the Sunday that concludes the Fair, this parade commemorates the entry of the Catholic Monarchs into Malaga during the Reconquest. It begins at Plaza de la Aduana and ends on Alcazabilla Street.

The Malaga Fair by Day

To navigate the daytime Fair, here are the main sites to visit (refer to the map below):

Plaza de las Flores: Often hosts concerts.
Calle Alcazabilla
Calle Marqués de Larios: The main entrance to the daytime Fair, located opposite the port, bustling with activity.
Plaza del Obispo
Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta: Known for horse and carriage parades.

Typical Malaga Feria 2024 Experiences

Cartojal: A famous sweet wine traditionally served very cold.
Rebujito: A refreshing mix of chamomile wine and lime.
Dancing: Join in at Plaza de la Constitución during the concerts.
Verdiales Bands: Witness an ancestral form of fandango still vibrant in Málaga, often performed in Calle Larios.
Tapas: Enjoy the local culinary delights with a variety of tapas.