Feria de Málaga
Malaga Fair 2023

Feria de Málaga – Malaga Fair 2023

Malaga Fair is the biggest Summer spectacular in Southern Europe, each August attracting more than 1 million visitors.

• Stay in the centre of Malaga, close to all of the daytime celebrations at Molina Lario rated “Fabulous” by guests. The hotel is spread across two renovated 19th-century buildings with spacious rooms and a beautiful rooftop terrace.

The Fair

• Malaga fair commemorates when the city became part of Castille after Catholic King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella conquered Malaga from the Moors on August 19 1487.
• The fair has been celebrated since 1491. Nowadays, it’s one of the largest held in Spain during the Summer season.
• Feria de Málaga is held over seven days in two locations with daytime and nighttime events, concerts, amusement rides and a spectacular fireworks display.
• August 19 is a local holiday, and August 15 is a national holiday, so the two holidays are included in the Malaga Fair in 2023.

The Old Quarter

• Daytime events (from noon until 6 pm) are held around the famous Calle Larios, decorated with lanterns and floral arrangements.
• The city’s streets are packed with visitors from across Spain and beyond, street dancers, bands and acrobats.
• Enjoy daily horse and carriage parades with many dressed in traditional Andalusian costumes.
• Parties spill out onto the street as the sun shines, especially in the squares of the old quarter.
• The busiest squares include Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza Uncibay, Plaza Mitjana, Plaza de las Flores and Plaza de San Pedro de Alcántara (off Calle Carreteria).
• Plaza de la Constitución has a stage for musical performances and tents serving food and drink.
• Stay just steps from the daytime fair at the Room Mate Valeria rated “Superb” by guests featuring designer rooms with views of the Mediterranean sea. The rooftop terrace is a popular meeting spot.

Real de la Feria

• The fairground,  Cortijo de Torres ( Teatinos area ), hosts nighttime celebrations in the west of the city.
• Real de la Feria is divided into a funfair and a party area with more than 200+ casetas (little houses or huts), complete with a bar and music.
• Note! – Unlike the Seville Fair, where the booths (of the night fair) are mostly closed/private, here almost everything is open to the public.
• The Malaga fairgrounds have two entrances with two different gates, both of which are illuminated with a breathtaking light display.
• Flamenco dancing shows kick off every evening in the City Hall Caseta from 11 pm.
• Horse shows are held from 4 pm to 8 pm daily, with horses dressed in finery ridden by handsome Andalucian men in uniform.
• Avoid the traffic and take the Line F bus, which runs 24 hours a day between the centre of Malaga and the fairground.
• Another good option is to take the Metro. Currently, the closest stop is Perchel (María Zambrano train station).
• Upgrade your Malaga Fair experience at the “Superb” rated Vincci Hotel offering guests luxurious rooms with private terraces, a modern gym and highly-rated breakfasts.

The Food and Drink of the Feria

• Cartojal is the drink of choice during the Malaga fair, a sweet wine from the region.
• Rebujito is another popular option consisting of a glass of fino or manzanilla sherry mixed with lemonade or Sprite. Tasty and dangerous!
• Between all the drinking and dancing, fill up on pescaito (fried fish), including squid, anchovies and sardines.

The Fireworks

• Date to be confirmed, Typically, the opening night – An elaborate Fireworks spectacular kicks off the Feria de Málaga celebrations at midnight.
• Fireworks are launched from the access area to the cruise terminal and are visible from many parts of the city.
• The best viewing spots in the city include the beaches of La Misericordia, Huelin and La Malagueta.
• Fireworks last for 20 minutes and are followed by live shows and performances.

Gay Malaga

• El Carmen Bar – Cozy bar and restaurant with a spacious interior and a large terrace overlooking the Plaza de la Merced, with weekly drag shows.
• Lola’s Copas – Small new gay bar with two floors, an outdoor terrace and an intimate vibe.
• Calle de Bruselas – Popular gay bar with a colourful interior featuring eclectic decoration inspired by Andalusia, plus an outdoor terrace. Serves Cocktails, Cakes and Cocktails.
• Kipfer & Lover – One of the longest-running terrace bars in Malaga right in the centre and owned by José Kipfer,  one of the best art collectors in the city.
• La Comedia – The only gay nightclub in downtown Malaga, open from Wednesday to Saturday until 7 am. The club is small but fun, and the entrance price includes one drink.
• Torremolinos – 40+ gay bars and clubs are just a 20-minute commuter train away from Malaga.

Where to stay in Malaga

Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action

Only YOU Hotel,  Palacio Solecio,  AC Hotel Málaga Palacio, Vincci Larios Diez