Málaga Sun and Folklore

Transcription

Málaga
Sun and Folklore
“Traditional Fiestas”
Tourist Guide 4
TOURIST BOARD &
CONVENTION BUREAU
www.visitcostadelsol.com
index
TOURIST BOARD &
CONVENTION BUREAU
Málaga, Sun and Folklore
.part one: Spring Traditions
.part two: Summer Traditions
.part three: Autumn Traditions
.part four: Winter Traditions
.part five: Traditions without a specific date
.part six: Lost traditions
.part seven: Ancient healing and cleansing practises
.part eihht: Fiestas and Fairs Calendar
PATRONATO PROVINCIAL DE TURISMO DE LA COSTA DEL SOL
Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones de la Costa del Sol
C/ México s/n, 4ª planta
29620 TORREMOLINOS- MÁLAGA- ESPAÑA
Phone: (+34) 952 058 694 Fax : (+34) 952 050 311 / 952 370 406
E-mail: [email protected]
Web : www.visitcostadelsol.com
2
acknowledgements
editorial
. Index
Málaga, Sun & Folklore
part one:
.
.
.
.
.
TOURIST BOARD &
CONVENTION BUREAU
Spring Traditions
Rivalry in Colours Alhaurin el Grande
Running through the Plains Antequera
A Silence broken by the "Zumba" Archidona
Blood Sausages Canillas de Aceituno
Tying up the Devil Cuevas de San Marcos
. Priest washes the Feet of the Locals Frigiliana
. Roped Bull Gaucín
. May Crosses Málaga
. People's Devotion Málaga City and Province
. Soup in a "breast" Monda
. Liquid Gol Periana
. Its Weight in Wheat Periana
. The Passion Riogordo
. The Medlar Sayalonga
3
index
editorial
.
Spring Traditions
r
ivalry in colours
Alhaurín el Grande
You're either "verde" or "morao" - green or purple.
In Alhaurin el Grande, Easter Week is an allconsuming activity for many residents, who
compete to achieve the best decorations,
musical groups and processions.
Despite this rivalry, which was caused long ago by some "marital
unfaithfulness" issue, currently many couples in the area are mixed
and attempt to convince their children to follow in their footsteps.
Later on, there were no reenactments for a period of time until the
middle of the 20th century, when the two
brotherhoods agreed to reinstate the tradition with a
new allocation of dates, so both could do their reenactments on Easter Thursdays and Fridays.
The Last Supper, the arrest, the three falls, the crucifixion, the death
and the descent from the cross are some of the moments most
awaited by the visitors and most prepared for by the brothers.
Aside from Alhaurín el Grande, the brotherhoods of other cities like
Alhaurín de la Torre or Almogía also receive the names of these two
colours, which are changed in Arriate to "Jesuits" and "Christians",
although there is always a degree of rivalry and the desire to outperform
the other.
Those who take their colours more passionately, don't want any item
or appliance with the other brotherhood's colour in their homes, and
conversely, fill them with objects that proclaim the symbols of their own
brotherhood.
Prior to the Civil War, the enactments were done on Easter Wednesdays,
Thursdays and Fridays. The first one was done by the "greens", the second by
the "purples" and the last by both at once.
4
index
editorial
. Spring Traditions: Alhaurin el Grande
t r a d i t i o n
The two Brotherhoods of the Passion,
Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno (the purples or "moraos") and La
Santa Vera Cruz (the greens or "verdes") do re-enactments of the
Passion of Jesus, with such devotion on the part of the members
that in some cases the re-enactment seems real, which is quite
impressive for tourists.
c u l t u r a l
GREENS AND PURPLES SIMULATE
THE PASSION OF CHRIST
Spring Traditions
useful information: Alhaurín el Grande
SURFACE AREA
72.60 Km 2
POPULATION
Around 20,000
WHAT THE NATIVES ARE CALLED
Alhaurinos
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
Belongs to the region of Guadalhorce Valley and borders the regions of the
Western Costa del Sol and Málaga. The urban centre is located at 239 m
above sea level, and is 27 kilometres away from the province's capital. The
average yearly rainfall is 636 litres/m² and the average temperature is about
17º C.
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
The Consistorial House, the Shrine of Santa Vera Cruz, the Shrine of San
Sebastián, the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, Arco del
Cobertizo.
5
index
editorial
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, Plaza del Convento, s/n (29120)
Tel: 952 491 275
Fax: 952 490 252
Web: www.alhaurinelgrande.net
. Spring Traditions: Alhaurin el Grande
r
unning through the plains
Antequera
Spring Traditions
Thousands of Antequerans take to the streets every
c u l t u r a l
"SANFERMINES" WITH THRONES
The running of "La Socorrilla", as the
Virgen del Socorro (Virgin of Providence) is
commonly known, weighing 3,000 kilograms, is one of
the moments, which draws the largest crowds of worshippers.
Easter Thursday and Friday to run through the steep
streets of this Málaga region, shouting "¡A la vega!"
("To the plains!"), following a tradition very similar to
The start signal is marked by the constant sound of the drums, and
the Sanfermines which are celebrated each July
the bells on the thrones, preceded by the "piquete" or guards which are
in Pamplona. The difference is that the
there to prevent possible incidents due to the small distance between the
worshippers do not run from the bull, instead,
crowds and the images.
they try to keep it from getting to their throne.
The bravest ones wait for the start signal in front of the roads, while the
rest, knowing the peril that this tradition involves, follow the images, or
wait by the walls of the buildings or watch from balconies, in order to see
the spectacular passing of the thrones.
The tradition of climbing through these hard slopes seems to have begun in
the 16th century, when the Brotherhoods went from their temples to the Shrine
of Veracruz, from which the fields of Antequera can be seen, according to José
Escalante, an expert on the traditions of the Easter Week in Antequera.
The run was always done quickly, since the steepness of the streets did not allow
for strolling. It was necessary to "run through" and during these runs, they blessed
the fields known as The Plains of Antequera (La Vega de Antequera)
However, the schedule was later modified during the 18th century until
taking its current form, in which running through streets and avenues is
predominant. With the passing of time, the tradition of "running
The most famous one takes place on Easter Friday, when the three teams
from the Brotherhood of Providence go through three roads to get to the temple
through the plains" has become an institution in the region,
of Santa María de Jesús. The length of the road -600 metres- forces them to
drawing large crowds of visitors, including many tourists, who
make some stops between slopes.
are curious about the artistic heritage of the Brotherhoods,
which is relevant due to the antiquity and fine
craftsmanship of many of their works.
6
index
editorial
.
Spring Traditions: Antequera
t r a d i t i o n
With the throne on their shoulders, the members of the Brotherhoods
called "de los Dolores", "Del Consuelo", "de la Paz" and "del Socorro"
(Suffering, Consolation, Peace, and Providence) run back to their
temples through very steep and long slopes.
useful information:
Antequera
SURFACE AREA
810 Km2
POPULATION
Around 43,000
Antequeranos
At the centre of the region which bears its name, in the northern part of
Málaga, being 45 Km away from its capital. It is 577 metres above sea level,
the average yearly rainfall is slightly above 550 litres/m² and the average
temperature reaches about 15.3º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
The Collegiate Church of Santa María, the Palace of Nájera, Alcazaba, the
Churches of San José, and Belén; the Convents of Santa Eufemia, of El
Carmen, the Gate of Granada, the dolmen of Menga, and others.
(Antequera is one of the most monument-filled areas in Andalusia; about 75
percent of the historic and artistic heritage of the province of Málaga can be
found in this district.)
7
index
editorial
.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tourism Office, Plaza de San Sebastián, 7 (29200)
Tel: 952 702 505
Fax: 952 702 505
Web: www.antequera.es
Spring Traditions: Antequera
a
Archidona
silence broken by the "zumba"
Spring Traditions
T he town of Archidona remains in
c u l t u r a l
THE SOUNDS REPRESENT THE THREE
FALLS OF CHRIST
Although there is a somewhat similar
instrument in the region of Elche in Alicante,
Archidonians believe that the "zumba" is unique.
complete
silence
during
the
procession of the Brotherhood of
Humility, only broken by three
It is a cone-shaped instrument, with a narrow tip that
blows of the "zumba", an ancient
gradually increases in size to thirty centimetres. It is made
instrument with a deep, brisk
of narrow wooden boards and covered with leather.
sound that is only found in this
area, and is used to
It is more than three metres in length, so it has to be carried by
represent the three falls of
young men during the procession.
Christ.
This silence is followed by the kneeling of both residents and
members of the processional march, a very emotive moment
which is followed by the turn of the Christ of Humility towards the
Virgen de los Dolores (Virgin of Suffering).
8
index
editorial
.
Playing this instrument is delegated to a Brother with high
lung capacity, which plays until he has no more strength to
continue playing, and is then replaced by another
person.
Spring Traditions: Archidona
t r a d i t i o n
One of the brothers is in charge of playing the "zumba"
approximately for one minute, in the three falls of Christ
which were produced when, carrying the heavy cross, he
walked towards Mount Calvary, where he was crucified.
The "zumba" once measured more than six metres, but it
deteriorated during a number of years in which the Brotherhood
of Humility did not do processions, so they had to cut off the
rest.
useful information:
Archidona
SURFACE AREA
187.10 Km2
POPULATION
Around 8,500
Archidoneses
In the north-eastern part of Málaga, in the region of Antequera, bordering the
province of Granada. The city centre is 50 Km from the Málaga capital, 20
Km from Antequera and 716 metres above sea level. The average yearly
rainfall is 600 litres/m² and the average temperature is about 15º C.
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Convento de las Mínimas, the Building of the Cilla, the Shrine of Nuestra
Señora de Gracia (Our Lady of Grace), the Shrine of San Antonio, the
Shrine of the Nazarene, the Church of La Victoria, the Church of Santa Ana,
the Ochavada Plaza, the ruins of the old medieval Castle, the Convent of
Santo Domingo.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, Paseo de la Victoria, 1 (29300)
Tel: 952 714 480
Fax: 952 714 165
Tourism Office, Plaza Ochavada, 2
Tel: 952 716 479
Web: www.archidona.org
9
index
editorial
.
Spring Traditions: Archidona
b
lood sausages
Canillas de Aceituno
Spring Traditions
c u l t u r a l
BLOOD, ONIONS AND CONDIMENTS
The Málaga locality of Canillas de Aceituno celebrates on
The initiative for the blood sausage cookout
the last Sunday of April the Festivities of its Patron
was originally created to promote the town and,
Saints in honour of the "Virgen de la Cabeza" with a
like in many others, the Patron Saints' days were
buffet of more than 300 kilograms of blood
selected for it, but in this case it is peculiar, especially
sausages, possibly the oldest type of sausage in
due to the magical, ritualistic connotations that the
history given its main ingredient (blood) since
sausage has for many, especially since they are made of
even the most primitive cultures, like the
blood. This may be the reason why many argue whether
Massai, drank ox blood.
they are celebrating Blood Sausage Day or the Virgin's Day.
The events organised to celebrate the Virgin's festivities usually last
several days. Usually they start with a floral offering in the town church,
and during the weekend, a Mass is held in honour of the Patroness, who is
carried in processions through the city streets. After she is placed in the
temples, the blood sausage feast begins, at around two in the afternoon.
In our country there are more than thirty types of blood
sausage, from the sweet ones that have ingredients like
bread crumbs, sugar, raisins and pine seeds, to those made
with rice, potatoes, pumpkin, onions and fried bread,
although all of them are based on pig blood to some extent.
However, in the Basque Country there are also some made
of sheep or lamb's blood.
So there's really one for every taste, each region has its
own.
Thousands of people gather at the different places where the sausage is served,
and eat it raw or cooked on the griddle and, of course, wash it down with some wine
or beer, which is also free. Flamenco groups provide the entertainment.
10
index
editorial
. Spring Traditions: Canillas de Aceituno
t r a d i t i o n
The peculiar trait of the blood sausage in this area is the onions, which
are cut and cooked one day before the slaughter. It is prepared in the
traditional way, with pig blood, onions, spice cloves, thyme, anise and
sometimes rosemary.
useful information: Canillas de Aceituno
SURFACE AREA
42 Km2
POPULATION
Around 2,000
Canilleros
In the north-eastern part of the region of Axarquía, 17 kilometres from VélezMálaga and 51 from the province's capital. The town is 650 metres above
sea level, has a rainfall index of 670 litres/m² and an average yearly
temperature of 17º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
The Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary), the
House of Tithes (Casa de los Diezmos), medieval cistern.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, Plaza de la Constitución, 1 (29716)
Tel: 952 518 002
Web: www.canillasdeaceituno.org
11
index
editorial
. Spring Traditions: Canillas de Aceituno
t
ying up the devil
Cuevas de San Marcos
The fields of the Málaga locality of Cuevas de
c u l t u r a l
BUT SINCE HE IS DANGEROUS AND HARD TO
FIND, THEY TIE WALL ROCKETS
Spring Traditions
The tradition says that during the times of the
Reconquista, the devil himself lived in the Cave of Belda, an
enclave in which Neolithic remains have been found, which struck
fear in its inhabitants, who interpreted the rays of light and sulphur
emissions which came from the cave as the wrath of the devil.
t r a d i t i o n
San Marcos have a very peculiar
appearance on the day of their Patron,
April 25, because thousands of people
make a pilgrimage to the swamps of
The legend says that a group of Crusaders spent the night next to the cave,
Iznájar and on the way they tie up
then located near the so-called Royal Route, which joined Antequera with the
every wall rocket -a wild plant with
Cordoba locality of Rute, which was then inhabited by the Arabs. After a surprising
yellow flowers- that they find in
encounter with the demon that inhabited the place, the soldiers called on Governor
order to "tie the devil" and be protected for the entire year
Fernando of Antequera for aid, and he sent a friar to exorcise the evil presence.
against the evil spirit, who used to inhabit a cave in the
surroundings..
The priest was unsuccessful in all his exorcisms, since the demon answered back
with all his trickery, until the godly friar took off his cross, and shouted "With this cross
One should never break this beautiful plant, which
I bind you!" Then he tied him to the floor with a wall rocket plant, symbolizing that the
symbolizes the devil for one day, in a pilgrimage that each
devil had been defeated and was tied at the foot of the cross.
year gathers more than 10,000 people from the towns of
Málaga, like Cuevas Bajas, Villanueva de Algaidas, Villanueva
Since then, the town was completely peaceful, so the inhabitants decided to
del Trabuco and Villanueva de Tapia, as well as many districts of
repeat the act each year in the festivities in honour of St. Mark (San Marcos).
Córdoba and Granada.
The town of Belda was renamed after the Reconquista with this name due
to the fact that the mountain in which the cave and the old Arab fortress
The image of San Marcos is placed on a chariot which is followed by
are located has the shape of a lion, the traditional symbol of the
other chariots decorated with flowers and bagels, one of the essential
Evangelist.
elements of this festivity along with the large oven, and which is also
traditional in other Málaga regions like Benamocarra, Benaoján, Moclinejo, Istán
and Villanueva del Rosario, among others.
12
index
editorial
. Spring Traditions: Cuevas de San Marcos Málaga, Sun & Folklore
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
37.50 Km2
POPULATION
Around 4,000
Cuevachos
In the northern part of the region of Antequera, bordering the province of
Córdoba. The city centre extends over a hill which is 420 metres above sea
level. The region has an average yearly rainfall of 750 litres/m² and the
average temperature is 16º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Church of San Marcos, Shrine of the Virgin of El Carmen, Belda Cave
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, Plaza Luis Armiñán, 32 (29210)
Tel: 952 727 007
Fax: 952 727 403
Web: www.cuevasdesanmarcos.es
13
index
editorial
. Spring Traditions: Cuevas de San Marcos Málaga, Sun & Folklore
t
he priest washes the feet of the locals
Frigiliana
c u l t u r a l
THEY RE-ENACT THE WASHING OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES AND WEAR MASKS FROM THE 18TH CENTURY
Spring Traditions
t r a d i t i o n
Before the washing, a Mass is held after the
T welve people with masks, white
entrance of the Apostles into the Church of San
robes,
rose-coloured
cape
Antonio, all of them escorted by two guards (except John, who wears green),
commonly known as the "judíos" ("Jews"), with
leather sandals on their feet
masks and dressed like the Spanish soldiers in the
and a candle in their hand,
ranks of Flanders-, who carry a spear with a kniferepresent the twelve apostles
shaped tip that commands respect from the worshippers.
every Easter Thursday in
In the main altar is the priest, who washes the feet of the
Frigiliana, at the moment after the Last Supper in
locals after the ceremony, like Jesus did.
which Jesús rose from the table, put down his cape
There are many towns in which the washing of the
and, after picking up a towel, poured water in a clay
apostles is represented, though in Frigiliana it is
jar and washed the feet of his disciples.
especially enchanting during Easter Week due to its
The most emblematic part of this representation are
s i m p l i c i t y, w h i c h i s d u e t o t h e a n t i q u e n e s s o f i t s
tradition. No one should miss Easter Friday in this
the masks, which are from the 18th century, and are
handed down from parents to children as priceless
region. During the afternoon, after the Via Crucis is
inheritances. Each one is labelled with the name of the
done through the town streets, the church holds a recorresponding apostle and are made with a mixture of
enactment of the Death and Burial of Jesus.
paste and cardboard, with polychrome colours, some with
attached wigs.
14
index
editorial
.
Spring Traditions: Frigiliana
In this new re-enactment, in which everyone wears the
masks once again, there are very emotional moments,
a n d t h e a p o s t l e s P e t e r, J a m e s a n d J o h n i n t e r v e n e
directly when Jesus is taken down from the Cross and
placed in the Tomb.
During the night there are two processions, the first is
for Jesus laying in the Holy Tomb, where the twelve
apostles appear with their masks and garments, always
keeping a distance of five metres between them.
At midnight, they hold the second procession, the one
done by the Cofradía de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad
(Sisterhood of Our Lady of Loneliness), accompanied by
more than 500 women who keep rigorous mourning, each
with a lit candle in their hand. During the procession the
town lights go out and the sisters sing songs in honour of
the Virgin Mary, among which certain ones are especially
valuable due to their antiquity, like those referring to the
"Siete Sufrimientos (Seven Sufferings)", as well as the
Salve.
It is tradition that after the Virgin is placed in the church,
the parish priest pronounces a sermon with all the
sisters gathered in the town square.
15
index
editorial
.
Frigiliana
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
40 Km2
POPULATION
Around 2,300
Frigilianenses. Nickname: Aguanosos
In the eastern part of the region of Axarquía, at the foothills of the Almijara
mountain range. The city centre is located at 430 m above sea level, and is
56 kilometres away from the province's capital and only 6 from Nerja. The
area has an average yearly rainfall of around 600 litres/m² and the average
temperature is 18º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
The Church of San Antonio, old deposit, the remains of the Lizar Castle, the
Apero Palace
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, C/ Real, 80 (29788)
Tel: 952 533 002
Fax: 952 533 434
Web: www.frigiliana.org
16
index
editorial
.
r
oped bull
Gaucín
Spring Traditions
Two bulls, one during the morning and
c u l t u r a l
ON EASTER SUNDAY
Some researchers believe that the
origins of the festivity of the "roped bull"
may have to do with the wedding bull rituals in
which the animal was taken to the bride's house,
where the future groom stabbed the animal with some
flags.
one in the afternoon, roam through the
steep streets of the Málaga region of
Gaucín each Easter Sunday in the
Ronda mountain range, in the
The blood stain in the groom's garment symbolized the
traditional
Roped
Bull
transmission of the animal's sexual power to the man.
festivities.
Others think it may hail back to the times when the butchers
brought in the bulls tied with ropes to be slaughtered later.
There are many Málaga regions which hold some kind of bull-related
holiday, like Fuengirola and Cortes de la Frontera, who celebrate
cow runs.
The idea is not to defeat the bull, but to best him with agility.
The tradition of having a wild bull run loose with a rope tied around
his neck through the streets of Gaucín each Easter Sunday is
timeless. The very oldest locals remember that it always existed and
are also not sure of its origins, though some believe it is tied to the
pagan festivities held during the spring.
17
index
editorial
. Spring
Traditions: Gaucín
t r a d i t i o n
Locals and visitors run in
front of and behind the roped bull, with no more defence than
the speed of their legs or some agile turn to avoid the animal
-who has a large rope tied around his neck so the young men
can pull on it if he charges at a person and also to guide him
along the way- although many locals state that it is the crowds
of people that are truly dangerous.
Gaucín
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
97.30 Km2
POPULATION
Around 1,800
Gaucineños or gaucinenses
In the Genal valley, at the southern part of the Ronda district, a city which is
at 36 kilometres from it, and it is 130 kilometres from the province's capital.
The town is 630 metres above sea level, has a yearly rainfall index of 1,340
litres/m² and an average temperature of 14.5º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Eagle's Castle (Castillo del Águila), San Sebastian Parish, the Carmelite
Convent, the Six-Spouted Fountain (Fuente de los Seis Caños)
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, Plaza Guzmán El Bueno, 23 (29480)
Tel: 952 510 000
Fax: 952 151 130
Web: www.visitacostadelsol.com/gaucin
18
index
editorial
. Spring
Traditions: Gaucín
m
ay crosses
Málaga
Spring Traditions
O n the fifth month of the year, Malaguenians
c u l t u r a l
IN GARDENS, MONASTERIES, FOLK CLUBS,
SCHOOLS AND ASSOCIATIONS
t r a d i t i o n
It is a festivity that unites the whole
create thousands of flower crosses, floral
family, friends and neighbours who make
monuments and true works of art in
parties and gatherings to celebrate the arrival of
gardens, monasteries, folk clubs,
spring, the season when flowers "show off their
schools, associations and outdoor areas
garments", where visitors are greeted with the
to commemorate the traditional May
traditional cuisine of the region and dance to
Cross festival (Festival de la Cruz de
flamencos and "malagueñas".
Mayo).
The worship of the cross dates back to the 3rd and 4th
centuries AD, when, according to tradition, Saint Helen,
The practice of decorating or
mother of Emperor Constantine "The Great" found the
dressing up crosses is practised in
cross of Christ and honoured its sacred character by
many regions of Spain, though
building two temples in Jerusalem.
Málaga and its towns have their own
peculiar styles and characteristics.
Theologians consider the cross as the "tree of life" since
for Catholics, the death of Christ in this Roman
They are usually very gaudy, so they cannot be done on the
instrument of torture represents the birth of a new
street like in other provinces.
existence. The flowers, thus, represent the life that
Aside from covering the crosses with flowers -some with over 300
flows from the cross, and its use is tied to the
carnations-, it is also blessed with Manila scarves (some may have
season of the year in which most flowers bloom.
more than 20), old dishes, metal saucepans, jars, seashells and
different copper utensils. They also use pots, wells, fountains and farm
utensils.
19
index
editorial
. Spring
Traditions: Málaga
p
eople's devotion
Málaga and Province
20
index
editorial
. Spring
Traditions: Málaga
t r a d i t i o n
The procession held near the end
of April for the Virgen de los Remedios
towns celebrate festivities in honour of the
(Virgin of Remedies), in Cártama, from its shrine
Virgin, covering the streets with flowers
or rosemary, which give a particular
to the Parish of San Pedro Apóstol -where it remains
odour to the Málaga streets and,
until the first Sunday of June- is followed by many people
also, when they are taken out of
each year who make prayers to her or thank her for favours
their temple or shrine and
received.
carried through the streets,
During the month of May, the Virgen de los Remedios may be visithey are followed by bands,
ted in the Church of San Pedro Apóstol, where it is cared for with
horns and drums, and by the
very rigorous devotion, and depending on the day it is visited, the
light of the candles of the
image is surrounded by numerous flowers, always of the same colour,
penitent and believers..
which changes every time they are changed.
They are the subject of
The traditional procession of the Virgen de la Cabeza in Ronda during
many religious ceremonies and each one of them has a
June brings thousands of people together, who follow the image to
legend, a tradition, and according to believers, a power to
an Arabesque shrine located in the Caves of San Antón, near the
cure different types of illnesses, to heal, solve marital
place where, according to tradition, it was found near the start of
issues, get someone a job or aid pregnancies.
the 17th century.
Over 50 Virgins are venerated in the province of Málaga,
Also in June, another important procession is the Pilgrimage
including: the Virgen del Rosario (Virgin of the Rosary),
of Fuensanta, held in Coín, established as one of the bigMonsalud (Health), Amparo (Providence), Fátima, Ana, Carmen,
gest in the province, in which the believers go to the
de la Cabeza, de Cañosanto, de la Salud (of Healing), de los
shrine with more then 80 chariots, horses and
Rondeles, Fuensanta (Holy Fountain) and many more.
wagons pulled by oxen.
c u l t u r a l
W ith the arrival of each season, many
Spring Traditions
In the month of May, when the tiny image is taken to its sanctuary about three kilometres from town- hundreds of people travel on foot
each day to venerate her, either to give thanks, to make vows or simply
to keep her company.
In August in Archidona, the pilgrimage of Virgen de Gracia (Virgin of
Grace), to which hundreds of miracles are credited, draws crowds of
more than 20,000 people around its shrine, the only Arab mosque
remaining in the province of Málaga, built during the 8th century and
adapted to Christian practise when the Count of Ureña put an image of
the Virgin Mary at the site after the Reconquista.
Near the end of October, hundreds of people march next to the Virgen
de los Remedios, Patron of Vélez-Málaga, from its shrine to the Church
of San Juan, where it stays until mid-November, when it is once again
taken in procession back to its shrine, located in El Cerro, a place
where many people make pilgrimages to during the year.
21
index
editorial
. Spring
Traditions: Málaga
Málaga
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
385.50 Km2
POPULATION
Around 550,000
Malagueños
On the coast of the southern Mediterranean, 50 nautical miles from the Strait
of Gibraltar and 520 kilometres from Madrid. The capital has an average
yearly rainfall of 470 litres/m² and the average temperature is 18.5º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Roman Theatre, Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle, Cathedral, Church of
Sagrario (Sanctuary), Episcopal Palace, Palace of the Counts of
Buenavista/Picasso Museum, Church of Santiago, Merced Plaza,
Picasso Foundation, Customs Hall, Paseo del Parque (Park Pass),
Rectorate of the University of Málaga (former Post Office), Banco
de España (the Bank of Spain), Town Hall, Gardens of Puerta
Oscura, Gardens of Pedro Luis Alonso, The Fountain of Tres
Gracias (the Three Graces), Plaza de Toros (Bullfighting Arena),
Palace of Justice (formerly the Miramar Hotel), monument to the
Marquis of Larios, Larios Street, Génova Fountain, Chinitas Pass,
Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País (Friends of the Nation
22
index
editorial
. Spring
Economic Society), Málaga Atheneum, Church of Santo Cristo de la
Salud (Holy Christ of Health), Church of Santos Mártires (the Holy
Martyrs), Arts and Common Traditions Museum, Atarazanas Gate,
Santuario de la Virgen de la Victoria (Sanctuary of the Virgin of
Victory), Concepción Farm, El Retiro Farmhouse.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tourism Office, Plaza de la Marina, 11
Tel: 952 12 20 20
Fax: 952 12 20 23
Web: www.malagaturismo.com
Traditions: Málaga
s
Monda
oup in a "breast"
Spring Traditions
Soup in a "breast" to fight the cold, but... please
c u l t u r a l
IT'S PERFECT TO BEAT THE COLD
First the locals pile enough wood to start
a good fire, and then put on a frying pan.
Then they pour in some oil and make a sauce with
peppers, garlic, tomato and salt. When it's ready they pour in
water.
don't think anything wrong, in a cork oak breast,
the instrument used by miners and farmers
to prepare their "Sopa Mondeña" (Monda
Later they take hard bread, which has been previously cubed or ground,
soup). These two tough professions
and they pour it into the breast. First a layer of bread and another of sauce,
required ingesting large amounts of
and so on until they cover the whole saucepan. It has to be poked with a
calories, which explains the content of
wooden spoon to know how much broth it needs and when it is just right, they
the recipe, based on tomato, peppers,
pour the eggs (which have been previously poached).
garlic, oil, bread, water and salt.
A cork oak breast measuring 1.4 metres in diameter, taken from
the tree's bark, is where the locals of this district prepare their
soup each year, on a March Sunday, and everyone takes a taste
of it.
To prepare this succulent dish in the giant boiler, they use over 400 litres of
water, about 70 kilograms of hard bread, 50 kilograms of "beefsteak" tomatoes
-a variety which can be hanged and lasts for the year- and similar amounts of
peppers, three kilograms of garlic, water and eggs.
Also, in almost every house they prepare a small kitchen at the door, where
they put all the needed utensils to prepare the soup and invite family
members, friends and anyone who wants to have a taste.
The hungriest diners also throw in some wild asparagus, lima beans,
peas, salad, olives, cucumber, orange, grapes and anything you can
imagine. As dessert, and prelude to a good afternoon nap, watermelon,
cantaloupe and some coffee and possibly wine, also traditional in this town.
23
index
editorial
. Spring
t r a d i t i o n
This is the only case where the
saying "breast and soup" is a reality.
The "Sopa Mondeña" (Monda Soup) can be eaten in two ways: as
the only course, or as a starter and main course, since they leave
the eggs for this second one, and they pour oil and salt on it,
something known by locals as "el sopeao".
Traditions: Monda
Monda
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
58 Km2
POPULATION
Around 2,000
Mondeños
In the southern part of the Guadalhorce region. The town, which is 44
kilometres from the capital of the province and 10 from Coín, is 380 metres
above sea level. The average rainfall in the district is 700 litres/m² and the
average yearly temperature is about 17º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Church of Santiago, La Villeta Castle, Fuente de la Jaula
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall: C/ José Macías, 1 (29110)
Tel: 952 457 069
Fax: 952 457 180
Web: www.monda.es
24
index
editorial
. Spring
Traditions: Monda
L
iquid gold
Periana
Spring Traditions
“Verdial" oil is drawn from the fruit of the "verdial"
c u l t u r a l
WITH SWEET, DELICATE, SOFT TASTE.
GOLD COLOURED, WITH AN INTENSE AROMA
The organoleptic properties (smell, taste
and colour) of Axarquía's olive oil, a region
with 31 districts, are unique, according to
experts.
A miller's breakfast with coffee, bread, verdial oil and codfish
usually welcomes guests, which come in crowds of around 10,000,
to the Church square, where bottles and pitchers of oil can also be
purchased, all of it to the music of the municipal marching band and
flamenco groups, and catered with different types of hams, cheeses
and beers.
Axarquía has 15,000 hectares of olive groves, which have
around a million olive trees in more than 17,000 private
groves.
Around 3,000 breakfasts are distributed among the visitors and locals,
after making more than 50 litres of oil, 180 kilos of bread, 30 kilos of codfish,
60 of ham and cheese and 500 litres of beer, approximately.
25
index
editorial
. Spring
Traditions: Periana
t r a d i t i o n
olive trees which are found in the nature reserve in
the municipality of Periana, where there are
century-old trees which produce a fruit that
yields an oil with very peculiar properties,
Sweet, delicate, soft, with no bitterness and an almonddue to its sweet, soft, delicate flavour, its
like taste are the main properties of the Nevadillo,
golden colour and intense aroma.
Verdial and Picudo varieties in the Axarquía region,
although in the Northeast of the area there is also the
Due to that, the locals in this district celebrate each year, near the
end of March, "Verdial Oil Day" to promote the traits of this product
Hojiblanca (white-leaf) variety, with very different traits, but
also considered valuable.
and pay tribute to its greatness.
i
ts weight in wheat
Periana
Spring Traditions
c u l t u r a l
THE CEREAL IS POURED OVER THE SAINT
Their weight in wheat, that is what each
resident must pour over San Isidro on his
The throne has a concave shape and when it's
festivity, on 15 May, in the Málaga
full, which makes for about 500 kilos of weight, the
region of Periana, a locality which
custodians open the doors and once again pour the
keeps this tradition so that he will
wheat in sacks, which remain piled behind the procession,
protect their crops and provide a
to be sold later to pay for part of the costs of future Patron
good harvest next year.
Saints' holidays.
It is rare to find someone in Periana who hasn't ever made an
offering or has simply thanked the patron for the health and wellbeing of his family, and among the most loyal believers you can
see how a child throws 25 kilos with a bucket helped by his
parents, and a strong man throws 85 kilos to see his prayers
answered.
The saint stays in front of each balcony for around fifteen
minutes, during which locals spread around 400 and 1,000
kilos of wheat per house, which after falling on the image,
fall at its feet, where a channel allows its custodians to collect
the wheat in sacks.
26
index
editorial
. Spring
It is also a tradition that the families which have had children
during the year show their kids to San Isidro, and if possible,
touch him. For this purpose a custodian takes the child up
to touch the saint, so that he will always have prosperity
during his life.
Traditions: Periana
t r a d i t i o n
Around 40,000 kilos of wheat and flowers fall from the sky
in a procession that stretches for around a kilometre, but
which annually lasts around ten hours, since all the
residents want to give their offerings of this valued cereal
from their balconies.
t r a d i c i ó n
ORIGINS
To celebrate San Isidro's holiday, ten to
The tradition started when the farmers wanted to thank San Isidro for the good
fifteen custodians are appointed, who take
harvest, but the years have gone by and wheat is barely grown in this
care of the preparations for the holiday during
region now, so the locals import it in order to make the offerings.
the year, and later sell all the wheat gathered for 15
According to the older residents, previously only the rich could afford
cents a kilo. This wheat is mostly destined to feeding
to pour sacks of wheat, while the rest could only offer a plate of this
cereal or a few plates of chick peas.
cattle.
San Isidro, who worked as a farmer, is deemed to be the worker
of many miracles, one of the most renowned being the time
when his son fell into a well, and the holy man called to God
for aid, after which the water rose and the boy could escape.
He also left his farm work to attend a Eucharist, which
caused the anger of his boss, but he saw how the oxen did
the work by themselves.
c u l t u r a l
There are many towns which celebrate San Isidro's holiday,
so it is also worthwhile to mention the Rocío Masses, rural
pilgrimages, equestrian exhibitions and night time celebrations
which take place on this day in Viñuela, Nerja, Alcaucín,
Benamocarra, Alameda, Archidona, Teba, Sierra de Yeguas,
Villanueva de la Concepción, Villanueva de Algaidas, Guaro,
Almogía and Cuevas del Becerro.
In Alameda there are street and chariot contests and it has been
declared a National Tourism Highlight of Andalusia.
Simplicity, humility and good work on the field were his
biggest virtues, during difficult times, because at the time the
Moors were still in Spain and the Reconquista had not started
yet.
The image of the saint, decorated with wheat ears and red and
white carnations, leads the procession, which stops at every house
which has a Manila scarf or a linen sheet out on the balcony, implying
that they want to make this offering.
27
index
editorial
. Spring
Traditions: Periana
Periana
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
58.50 Km2
POPULATION
Around 3,500
Perianenses. Nickname: "Los manga anchas" (Wide sleeved)
In the northern part of the region of Axarquía, bordering the province of
Córdoba. The town is at 550 metres above sea level, it is 23 kilometres from
Vélez and 48 from Málaga capital. The region has an average yearly rainfall
of 620 litres/m² and the average temperature is 16º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Church of San Isidro the Farmer, Vilo Baths, panoramic views of the
Axarquía, birth of the Guaro River
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, Plaza de Andalucía, 1 (29710)
Tel: 952 536 167
Fax: 952 536 276
Web: www.visitacostadelsol.com/periana
28
index
editorial
. Spring
Traditions: Periana
t
he passion
Riogordo
Spring Traditions
More than 500 locals from Riogordo re-enact the
c u l t u r a l
RE-ENACTMENT OF THE LIFE, PASSION AND
DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST
The role of Jesus requires great
physical and mental effort, not only due to the
thickness of the script, but also due to the physical
resistance needed to undergo the entire flagellation and
crucifixion process. The whips used to beat the character
are made of rope and not leather, but they do cause pain.
The representation of the Passion starts off in the Old Testament,
whith a scene of the sacrifice of Isaac, and is completed with thirteen
other scenes which end with the crucifixion of Christ.
All the characters, after the end of the Christmas season, begin rehearsing,
and they always have a substitute in case of illness or some other setback,
since the participants have different careers.
29
index
editorial
.
Spring Traditions: Riogordo
t r a d i t i o n
life, passion and death of Jesus Christ during
Easter Friday and Saturday.
One of every five locals of this town,
between Axarquía and the Mountains of
The representation of the Passion of Christ is also wonderful in
Málaga, acts in the Pass, a
other regions of Málaga, like Istán, Benalmádena, Igualeja and
representation which goes back to
Moclinejo.
1951, with a versed text which comes
from the 17th century.
There are many Málaga towns which stage plays during Easter Week,
like Alhaurín el Grande ("Verdes y moraos"), Álora ("La Despedía"),
So popular is "The Passion (El Paso)"
Carratraca ("La Pasión"), Algarrobo ("Corrida de San Juan"), Sedella ("El
of Riogordo, declared as a National Tourism Highlight, that
Pedro"), Iznate ("Niño Jesús o Niño Resucitado"), Alcaucín ("Los
25,000 travel every year during Easter Week to enjoy one of its
Judíos"), Casarabonela and Alozaina , among others.
acts -each lasts about three hours- which are played in a natural
stage measuring 10,000 square metres.
Riogordo
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
40.60 Km2
POPULATION
Around 3,000
Riogordeños. Nickname: Panzones
In the north-eastern part of the Axarquía region. The town is at 400 metres
above sea level, it is 33 kilometres from Málaga, around the same distance
from Vélez-Málaga and 6 from Colmenar. The average rainfall in the district
is 575 litres/m² and the average yearly temperature is about 16.2º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Parish of Nuestra Señora de Gracia (Our Lady of Grace), Shrine of Jesus
Nazareno
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tel: 952 732 154
Fax: 952 732 380
Web: www.visitacostadelsol.com/riogordo
30
index
editorial
.
Spring Traditions: Riogordo
t
he medlar
Sayalonga
Spring Traditions
The medlar is a priceless fruit in Sayalonga, so
During this holiday, declared a National
Tourism Highlight of Andalusia, more than 1,000
kilos of medlars are distributed each day and there is
also the opportunity to taste many products derived from
the fruit, like jams, all of it with musical entertainment.
To grow them, farmers use a technique called "el clareo (clearing)",
which involves removing some of the fruits from the branches so the
ones that remain grow more and with more flavour.
index
editorial
.
Spring Traditions: Sayalonga
t r a d i t i o n
much that the residents of this locality hold a
holiday in its honour every year, after the
harvest, the visitors enjoy the fruit just
picked from the tree, whether in jam, in
conserves, in syrup, covered in
The production of this subtropical fruit is mainly done in
confectioners' sugar and in liquor.
Estepona, Torrox and Sayalonga, a town which is struggling to
achieve the designation of origin for the quality of Axarquian
It is rare to find a family in Sayalonga that does not have
medlar trees in their yard of the variety known as Golden medlar.
originally from California- which, according to its growers,
Thanks to the climate in the region of Axarquía and the richness
was introduced in this town around thirty years ago from the
of its lands, there are huge groves and plantations of olives,
farms in Almuñecar.
vineyards, tomatoes, potatoes and tropical fruits such as
Growing medlars is a very complex process, since it is a very
avocados, custards, medlars, kiwis and others.
delicate fruit that can be affected by many external factors.
This variety tends to have a greater size than the wild variety
and its orange-coloured skin does not have spots on it.
31
c u l t u r a l
FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AND DINNER
useful information:
Sayalonga
SURFACE AREA
18.20 Km2
POPULATION
Around 1,300
Sayalonguinos. Nickname: Sayones
In the Axarquía region. The town is 360 metres above sea level, it is 38
kilometres from Málaga's capital and 12 from Velez-Málaga. The average
yearly rainfall is 620 litres/m² and the average temperature is about 18º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Parish of Santa Catalina (Catherine), Corumbela's minaret, circular
cemetery
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tourism Office, Plaza de la Constitución, 2 (29752)
Tel: 952 535 021
Fax: 952 535 050
Web: www.sayalonga.es
32
index
editorial
.
Spring Traditions: Sayalonga
part two:
.
.
.
.
Two Corpuses Arriate
Moorish wars Benalauría
Bacchus' Feast Cómpeta
.
Flamingos Fuente de Piedra
Witchcraft Málaga City and Province
The Queen of the Seas Málaga City and Province
.
A noisy tradition Tolox
.
index
editorial
.
Canine passion Archidona
.
.
Summer Traditions
Century-o
old trades Coín
.
33
TOURIST BOARD &
CONVENTION BUREAU
Málaga fritters Torremolinos
Summer Traditions
c
anine passion
Archidona
Summer Traditions
Man's best friend has his own fair in Archidona
c u l t u r a l
DOG AS MAN'S BEST FRIEND
Thousands come from all parts of Spain and
make deals similar to those made in the old cattle
fairs, in which canines can be bought for prices which
adjust to every taste and budget, from 60 to over 600 euros.
t r a d i t i o n
during July each year, in a festivity that has
been declared National Tourism Highlight
and draws all types of attendants, from
hunters who are looking for a reliable dog
Many breeds can be found here, and while special effort is
to take to the hunt to children looking for
made to promote the native Spanish breeds, there are also
a Yorkshire or poodle.
English, German, Portuguese and Italian dogs to be found.
The stars of the festival can get away with almost anything on
Many of the transactions involve hunting dogs, since the Hunting
that day, and there are dogs who prefer to take a dip in the
Federation of Andalusia has its headquarters in Archidona, and
municipal pool and show off their skills with beach balls in the
collaborates with Town Hall to organise the event.
water, while others prefer to go for a walk and participate in a
parade through the town, led by the sound of a gun and a horn
Man's best friend is not only honoured in Archidona, since other
carried by their owners, who wears a traditional leather suit.
towns also hold dog shows at different times during the year, like
Vélez-Málaga, to reward dogs for their loyalty, brag about them,
The cuter dogs participate in beauty and purity contests, the
and also make business deals.
more athletic ones in races and the police dogs in demonstrations
on how they help catch the criminals. There are also some who aid
in humanitarian efforts and rescue people in simulations. They can be
bought and sold. And others just ride along with their owners, in their
arms or walking, depending on their friendliness and size.
34
index
editorial
. Summer
Traditions: Archidona
useful information:
Archidona
SURFACE AREA
187.10 Km2
POPULATION
Around 8,500
Archidoneses
In the north-eastern part of Málaga, in the region of Antequera, bordering the
province of Granada. The city centre is 50 Km from the Málaga capital, 20
Km from Antequera and 716 metres above sea level. The average yearly
rainfall is 600 litres/m² and the average temperature is about 15º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Convento de las Mínimas, the Building of the Cilla, the Shrine of Nuestra
Señora de Gracia (Our Lady of Grace), the Shrine of San Antonio, the
Shrine of the Nazarene, the Church of La Victoria, the Church of Santa Ana,
the Ochavada Plaza, the ruins of the old medieval Castle, the Convent of
Santo Domingo
35
index
editorial
. Summer
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, Paseo de la Victoria, 1 (29300)
Tel: 952 714 480. Fax: 952 714 165
Tourism Office, Plaza Ochavada, 2
Tel: 952 716 479
Web: www.archidona.org
Traditions: Archidona
t
wo corpuses
Arriate
Summer Traditions
The only region of Spain which celebrates the
c u l t u r a l
THANKS TO A PAPAL BULL ENACTED
IN THE 18TH CENTURY
On this holiday the town brings together
religious and secular elements, like the groups of
maids of honour elected during the festivities, the music
of several artists, the delicious cuisine of the region or other
century-old traditions such as horse races.
t r a d i t i o n
Corpus Christi on two different days is the
locality of Arriate, thanks to a papal bull
enacted during the 18th century by Clement
XIV in response to a request by the
townspeople, who couldn't participate in
Like other Málaga and Andalusian towns, Arriate dresses its
the original holiday because they had to
streets and balconies with scarves and branches which create a
harvest their fields.
wonderful ambiance in white and green and, during the second
Corpus, this gives way to a predominance of red, since, according
In 1769, the residents of this municipality located in the
to Parson Pedro Soriano, "it's the day of Paul and Peter, two of the
mountains of Ronda requested the grace of the Pontiff, who,
first Martyrs of the Church".
seeing the devotion of the locals, granted them the date of 29
June, precisely on the holiday of the first Pope of the Catholic
Women place their best linens on their balconies early in the
Church, Peter, and also of Paul.
morning to honour the Holy Sacrament, and during the afternoon,
after Mass, the procession leaves, accompanied by musical
Many of the field workers were in the provinces of Sevilla, Cádiz,
groups, children who have taken their First Communion that
Jaén and Córdoba during the days the Corpus was celebrated,
year, and the maids appointed for the fair, as well as
between May and June, since it was harvest season.
representatives of every business. This scene has been
With the mediation of the then Bishop of Málaga, José Franquis Lasso of
repeated since 1769.
Castila, the residents of Arriate got their second Corpus, which has
surpassed the first one in terms of importance during the years, giving origin
to the "Ferias de San Pedro" (Peter's Fairs) in the region, which gather
many tourists and visitors from the Ronda mountains.
36
index
editorial
. Summer
Traditions: Arriate
Arriate
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
8.30 Km2
POPULATION
Around 3,600
Arriateños
In the area of the Ronda mountains, at 6 kilometres from this city and 120
from Málaga's capital. The town is 600 metres above sea level, has a rainfall
of 718 litres/m² and an average temperature of 15.5º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Parish of San Juan de Letrán
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, C/ Cordones, 4 (29350)
Tel: 952 165 096
Fax: 952 165 141
Web: www.arriate.es
37
index
editorial
. Summer
Traditions: Arriate
m
oorish wars
Benalauría
c u l t u r a l
MOORS AND CHRISTIANS
Summer Traditions
F or a long time, even before the Civil War,
t r a d i t i o n
This is not the only town which stages the
the residents of the Málaga village of
festival of Moors and Christians each year, since
Benalauría recreate the Christian
only 5 Km away, in Benadalid, there is also a similar
Reconquista to honour the locality's
festivity, and there is a rivalry between both districts to
Patron, Santo Domingo de Guzmán,
know which one has held it for the longest time, as well as
who is "taken captive" by the Moors
who does the best representation of the events.
and finally liberated by the
According to residents of Benadalid, their festival is the oldest
Christians.
of its kind in Andalusia, since it has been held since the 18th
century.
The battle takes place in two acts: In the first one, the
Christians counterattack, and after some attempts at
Other towns, like Alfarnate, also remember the battles between
dialogue by the leaders of each side and a bloody battle in
Moors and Christians, in this case under the name of "La
which the Christians attack the fortress, they reconquer the
Embajada (The Embassy)" in which the rapture and recovery of
building and the saint, who is returned to the church.
the image of Nuestra Señora de Monsalud, Patron of the
locality, is represented.
Santo Domingo de Guzmán, founder of the Order of the
Dominicans, is regarded at this locality's patron due to a
settlement of this Order in the area, whose presence is
confirmed by the existence of special seating for fifteen friars in
the church of Benalauría.
Both men and women take part in this tradition, which takes place in
Benalauría, located in the Ronda Mountains, which recreates the real
situation lived by this locality in the 15th century.
38
index
editorial
. Summer
Traditions: Benalauría
Benalauría
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
20.60 Km2
POPULATION
Around 500
Jabatos
In the Genal valley (an area in the Ronda Mountains), at 30 kilometres from
this city and 143 from Málaga's capital. The town centre is 670 metres above
sea level, has a rainfall of 1,170 litres/m² and an average temperature of
nearly 15º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Consistorial House, Church of Santo Domingo
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, Plaza Teniente Viñas, 1 (29491)
Tel: 952 152 502
Fax: 952 152 538
Web: www.benalauria.net
39
index
editorial
. Summer
Traditions: Benalauría
c
Coín
entury-o
old trade
Summer Traditions
One of the oldest cattle fairs in Spain is
c u l t u r a l
IN THE CATTLE FAIRS
While cattle raisers trade in horses, goats, sheep and
cows, among others, farmers offer lettuce, tomato,
peppers and other vegetables, as well as many citrus fruits
grown in the Málaga Guadalhorce Valley, like lemons and
oranges.
t r a d i t i o n
the one in Coín, which was created by
an edict of King Carlos III in 1765,
through which permission was granted
to celebrate it, and every year during
the August holidays, in the middle of
During the Patrons' festivals, also because of the cattle fairs, they also
the month between 10 and 15,
hold meetings of breeders and lovers of exotic birds, who show off
they celebrate it, attempting to
hundreds of wild species, like partridges and goldfinches of every
preserve the native Spanish breeds.
imaginable colour.
Despite the decree, the cattle raisers in the region already
Many cattle fairs are celebrated throughout the year in all the towns of
held meetings before that date for the holidays of the Virgin
Málaga, like Ronda, Casabermeja, Villanueva de Tapia, Cártama, Vélezof Fuensanta, to sell their products and barter animals.
Málaga, Almogía, Riogordo and Villanueva del Trabuco, among others.
THE TRANSACTIONS
It is frequent to see parallel activities performed in cattle fairs, such
The deals were made through negotiating and were closed
as animal exhibitions and demonstrations, herding, harvesting,
with a handshake, sometimes three hours, or even days, of
traditional farm work and tilling as it was done prior to the
offers and counter-offers. Therefore, it was usual that many of the
industrialisation of agriculture, as well as samples of artwork
agreements were already done in many other fairs of the region, so
and sales of all kinds of products, and the latest
buyers and sellers came for their last chances to make business
advancements in machinery and chemical products.
deals. Sometimes they also held bullfights, and in many cases the
cattle raisers provided young bulls for the sport.
40
index
editorial
. Summer
Traditions: Coín
Coín
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
128.40 Km2
POPULATION
Around 20,000
Coineños / coinos
In the south of the region of Guadalhorce valley, 38 kilometres from Málaga
and 210 metres above sea level. The average yearly rainfall is 610 litres/m²
and the average temperature is about 17º C.
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Shrine of Fuensanta, Torre de los Trinitarios (Tower of the Trinitarians) and
the churches of San Andrés, San Juan and Santa María de la Encarnación
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, Plaza Alameda, 10 (29100)
Tel: 952 453 018
Fax: 952 453 284
Tourism Office, Plaza de Santa María (Convento de la Encarnación)
Tel: 952 453 211
Fax: 952 453 211
Web: www.ayto-coin.es
41
index
editorial
. Summer
Traditions: Coín
b
acchus' feast
Cómpeta
Summer Traditions
The so-called Wine Night, which gets its name
c u l t u r a l
TO THE DELICIOUS WINE
The tradition established that four men from
the town carry in their baskets to the winepress
the 50 kilos of grapes in one pass, so they place a
pillow on their necks to prevent the baskets from
scratching the skin.
t r a d i t i o n
because once night falls the locals drink wine with
renewed energy, comes from the desire of the
residents of Cómpeta to make a special
occasion out of the grape harvest festival, so it
is celebrated in August, when the harvest
Behind the press, other residents prepare the traditional
begins.
fried bread in giant frying pans heated with firewood, which
they eat along with "picadillo salad" (tomatoes, pepper,
The festival, declared as a National Tourism Highlight of Andalusia, has
its origins in the feasts made in honour of the Greek deity Bacchus,
onions, codfish and olives).
considered to be the god of wine and wine harvesting, and in a more
This festivity continues late into the night, at which time
general sense, the one who gave nature the fluids which fruits and
flamenco groups also provide entertainment, remembering
crops needed to grow.
the old days in which the festivities were known as "flamenco
To taste the wine -more than a thousand litres are consumed- tourists
nights in honour of the local wines".
only have to go to one of the many barrels which are placed in the town
There are many Málaga towns which have exquisite
centre, where they are served by the waiters -all of them town residentswines, including all of those in Axarquía, as well as
or can wait until an expert fills their cups gracefully.
Mollina, Ojén, Parauta, Casares, Cuevas de San
Marcos, Genalguacil, Igualeja, Júzcar, Manilva,
Wine Night does not really start on nightfall, since the festivities begin in the
morning. One of the most exciting moments happens at noon, where many town
Moclinejo, Pujerra, Ronda, Totalán, Yunquera,
residents walk into a winepress to step on over 500 kilos of grapes with straw shoes
and many more.
and extract the must, which is ready for drinking in about a month.
42
index
editorial
. Summer
Traditions: Cómpeta
Cómpeta
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
54.70 Km2
POPULATION
Around 3,200
Competeños
In the north-eastern part of the region of Axarquía, in the slopes of the
Almijara mountain range. It is 28 kilometres from Vélez Málaga and 52 from
the province's capital. The urban centre is 640 metres above sea level. The
capital has an average yearly rainfall of 630 litres/m² and the average
temperature is 17.5º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Shrine of San Antón, Shrine of San Sebastián, Church of Nuestra Señora de
la Asunción (Our Lady of the Assumption)
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tourism Office, avenida de la Constitución, s/n (29754)
Tel: 952 553 685
Web: www.competa.es
43
index
editorial
. Summer
Traditions: Cómpeta
f
lamingos
Fuente de Piedra
c u l t u r a l
VOLUNTEERS "COLLAR" THEM EVERY YEAR
Summer Traditions
t r a d i t i o n
After collaring, the chicks remain in
the nature reserve for several weeks more,
from where they will be taken to several parts of
Bird lovers can participate each year in the "collaring"
of hundreds of flamingo chicks which is performed
Spain, like the Ebro River or the lagoons of Guadalquivir,
every year in the Fuente de Piedra nature
however, several species of Málaga origin have also been
reserve, a lagoon which offers the ideal natural
found in France, Mauritania, Ethiopia, Cape Town and Senegal.
conditions for the reproduction of the
According to experts, adult flamingos come during the night to the
flamingos, since its mud has, after the
Fuente de Piedra lagoon to feed the chicks and then go to other places,
winter rains, the substances needed to
like the salt deposits of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, for which they travel 150
feed them during their first weeks of life.
kilometres each time.
The main purpose of collaring the birds is to study the scientific
This reserve has a surface area of 1,500 hectares, and is the largest interior
aspects of the distribution and biology of this migrating bird, which is
lagoon in Andalusia and one of the most valuable bodies of water in all of
made possible by the identification codes in the collars which are
Europe. It is elliptically shaped, and measures 6.5 kilometres in length and
placed on the chicks.
2.5 in width. It serves as a winter migration spot or mating area for 170
We know details about the conservation of the species, such as
other bird species aside from the flamingo.
survival, mortality rate, movements and migrations, reproductive
success, habitat use and mating between different populations.
The lagoon, which was a salt deposit until 1951 and was declared as a
Nature Reserve in 1984, is considered along with La Camargue (in
Love for birds is the main reason for the hundreds of volunteers who
southern France) as the one which has the greatest number of
each year cooperate to surround the chicks before daybreak, and silently
birds of this species in Europe. the difference between the two
take them to a main corral -placed in the centre of the lagoon- and send
colonies is that while La Camargue is located on salt deposits
them later to six marking corrals, where they are collared, measured, weighed
where the water level has to be maintained artificially,
and blood sampled are taken from each, to analyse the structure of the species,
Fuente de Piedra is the only one which maintains it
their genes and any heavy metals that may be present in their blood.
naturally.
44
index
editorial
.
Summer Traditions: Fuente de Piedra
useful information: Fuente
de Piedra
SURFACE AREA
90.10 Km2
POPULATION
Around 2,000
Villafontenses
In the north-western part of the region of Antequera, 19 kilometres from this
city and 73 from the province's capital. The town centre is 443 metres above
sea level, has a yearly average rainfall of 500 litres/m² and an average
temperature of 15.5º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Parish of Nuestra Señora de las Virtudes (Our Lady of Virtues), Fuente de
Piedra Lagoon
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, C/ Ancha, 9 (29520)
Tel: 952 735 016
Fax: 952 735 317
Web: www.fuentedepiedra.es
45
index
editorial
.
Summer Traditions: Fuente de Piedra
w
itchcraft
Summer Traditions
One of the most awaited festivities during the start of
46
index
editorial
. Summer
Traditions: Málaga
t r a d i t i o n
Some rituals on John's Eve are:
the summer season is John's Night, a holiday in
which people of all ages participate, and take the
opportunity to make weather forecasts, divine
Weather forecasts:
the fate of a romance, protect themselves
To know in which month of the coming year it will rain,
from the evil spirits, purify their bodies and
they cut an onion in twelve parts. In each piece they
preserve their beauty, and there are also
place a handful of salt and place them in a row,
those who place their wool clothing
somewhere where they are exposed to the nightly dew, and
outside to prevent it from getting moths
each one is assigned to a month.
and some even try to find out if they will live for another year.
On the morning of 24 June, they look at the onion parts, and
In the holiday, which takes place on the day of the summer
those in which the salt has turned to water indicate a month in
which it will rain.
solstice, visitors will see a large number of wood fires which light
up the shortest night of the year (when the sun makes its longest
To know if love is true:
run through the skies), in order to scare away the evil spirits and
To know whether love is mutual, place two black fig tree
allowing romance to bloom in a night in which pagan rites are
leaves outdoors on John's Eve, one representing each lover.
mixed with Christian traditions.
On the next day, how fresh the leaf looks will indicate how
The tradition of burning the "júas" (Judas dolls) is done in
much that person loves the other.
neighbourhoods, parks, and the entire Málaga coastline and river
For good luck and preserving beauty:
banks. People usually bring food: sardines, mackerels, floured fillets,
Wash your feet and face in sea or river water. For
meat in marinade or spices, peppers, fried eggplants and salads, as well as
the most daring, jump over a fire.
many types of drinks. There are also those who prefer to dine in restaurants,
but all of them celebrate the arrival of summer and watch the burning of some
pyre made with old household items.
c u l t u r a l
ON ST. JOHN'S NIGHT
Dead man's face:
In a frying pan, pour alcohol or liquor with sulphur, and light it. Turn
off the lights, and the faces of all those present will truly look like the
face of a dead person.
To banish evils:
Write them on a paper, and then toss them in the fire. There are also
those who throw prayers into the fire.
Going to a ditch:
And wash your head three times, while asking for three wishes.
One more year of life:
The first rays of sunlight on John's Day are magical, according to
some, and can help to predict whether one will live until the night of
24 June next year.
First look for a door frame which is wide enough (in the old days,
most of them were). Stand facing the door frame (from the outside)
and wait until the first rays of dawn come. If the shadow reflected on
the wall has no head, you will die before the next twelve months are
up.
To know if death will come soon:
If on the morning of John's day someone looks at his reflection in the
river and sees two faces, he or she will die soon.
To know the name of your future soul mate:
To know the name of the person who you'll marry in the future, place
a bucket of water on midnight of John's Eve and leave it until the sun
47
index
editorial
. Summer
rises. At daybreak, toss the water to the street and when a person
goes by, the first one you see, ask for their name, and that will be the
name of the person you'll marry.
To find out if love is true:
- You also have to use the water which has been out through the
night on John's Eve. Water is poured in a plate, and on it, float two
small needles, one for each lover. If they love each other, the needles
will float in the water and one will chase the other. If not, there is no
real romance.
- At midnight, place the handle of a mortar in a basket and hang it
from an old iron key, which is held on each side by the finger of a
young lady friend. The girl must say out loud: "By the three stars of
heaven and three stars of the sea, let this key spin if ….. really
loves me". If the young man was in love, the key would spin.
- Knowing which lady friend would get married first:
Hide three beans: one peeled, one half peeled, and one with its skin
intact. The lady who found the "dressed" bean would be the first to
put on the wedding dress. The lady who finds the half peeled one, will
remain in the same state she was in, and the one who finds the
peeled one will not see much romance during that year.
Conserving wool clothing:
Leave wool clothes out through the night and take them inside before
daybreak, to prevent moths from chewing them. This method was
widely used long ago, however, there are still people who do this
ritual.
Traditions: Málaga
t
he queen of the seas
c u l t u r a l
THE VIRGIN OF EL CARMEN,
PROTECTOR OF FISHERMEN
Summer Traditions
T he "Queen of the Seas, protector of
Flower crowns and sounds of ship horns are mixed with music, songs
and shouts of "¡Guapa! (Beautiful!)" to the "Queen of the Seas", which
is always protected by the throne stewards, which dress as seamen
and have all the tools traditionally used by sailors.
The entire coast, as well as some of the towns in the
interior, makes preparations for the festivities: they
organise vigils, musical acts, Masses, processions
and other religious, cultural and sporting events.
THE FIRST BATH
Fishermen tell that in the old days the first baths in the
sea were not taken until 16 July, because it was on that
date that the waters were blessed by the Virgin.
48
index
editorial
t r a d i t i o n
fishermen" is how seamen describe
Many of the processions leave at dusk, after the
the Virgin of El Carmen, which
seaside Mass. The Virgin is escorted through the sea in
each year gathers crowds of
different beaches, during which time the skies are full of
thousands of people on the
doves, as well as colour, due to the fireworks that light up the
coasts and interior of Málaga
Málaga bay.
on 16 July to celebrate their
The image is taken in procession to the beach and is balanced on
Patroness' holiday, by
the sea, escorted by other boats which are used for fishing as well as
taking her image in
sporting boats, and it doesn't go back to its temple until well past
procession through the
midnight.
Mediterranean Sea.
Each town has its particular ways of celebrating. In Málaga,
divers pull an iron image of the Virgen of El Carmen from the
sea floor, which has been submerged in the bay all year, in
the Torremolinos district of La Carihuela she its taken by
air before the crowds, who watch her until she sails,
and in the region of Los Boliches, in Fuengirola,
they carry her on their shoulders.
. Summer
Traditions: Málaga
The "marbellíes" (residents of Marbella) release doves in honour of the
patron and residents of other regions celebrate the Day of El Carmen
with sardine skewers and sangria.
HISTORY
The Old Testament places the tradition of the "Queen of the Seas" at
the moment in which the prophet Elijah retired to live in a cave on
Mount Carmel, located in modern-day Haifa, after dedicating much of
his life to preaching.
Centuries later, in the 12th century some Christian hermits went to live
in this mountain to imitate the life of silence and solace with God that
Elijah pursued, following the ultimate motto of the prophet: "Only God".
They put themselves under the protection of Mary and named her:
Santa María del Monte Carmelo (Saint Mary of Mount Carmel), also
known as Virgen del Carmen.
The vicar José Ruiz Navarro narrates that near the end of the 12th
century the Order went through significant internal problems, and the
head of the Order, the Englishman Simon Stock, asked the Virgin for
aid, for a signal (this is the only Order whose members have the
privilege of being brothers of the Virgin).
According to tradition, the Virgin appeared on a boat and gave him a
scapular, as a signal of salvation, and told him: "This will be a privilege
for you and all the Carmelites: whoever dies with it (the scapular) will
not suffer in the fires of Hell, that is, whoever dies with it will be saved".
And he wrote the famous hymn "Stella Maris", Star of the Seas.
49
index
editorial
. Summer
This holiday is deeply rooted in Málaga and its seaside towns (Nerja,
Torrox, Vélez-Málaga, Rincón de la Victoria, Torremolinos,
Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella, Estepona and Manilva), as
well as in seaside regions and urban areas, such as El Palo,
Pedregalejo, Las Melosas, Caleta de Vélez, Los Boliches, La
Carihuela, Torcal, Huelin and Perchel, as well as La Cala del Moral,
Benajarafe, Almayate and Torre del Mar, among others.
There are also towns, like Campanillas, lacking a marine coastline, but
where they also take the Virgin of El Carmen through their streets. She
is usually carried by about a hundred men, who later pass the image to
around one hundred women, who take the Patron in a flowercovered throne through a road of more than two and a half
kilometres.
There are non-coastal districts, like Yunquera, Alhaurín de la Torre,
Antequera, Cuevas de San Marcos and Teba, among others, who also
honour this Virgin.
Traditions: Málaga
Málaga
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
385.50 Km2
POPULATION
Around 550,000
Malagueños
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
50
index
editorial
. Winter
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tel: 952 12 20 20
Fax: 952 12 20 23
Traditions: Málaga
n
oisy tradition
Tolox
Summer Traditions
c u l t u r a l
RESIDENTS BLOW UP MORE THAN 60,000 ROCKETS
t r a d i t i o n
Before the procession, a Mass is attended by
almost all the townspeople and afterwards the image
No area of Spain is noisier than Tolox on San
goes through the main streets of the towns, to the rhythm of
Roque's Day, on 16 August, when the
residents of this town blow up more than
drums and the sounds of rockets. An average of four or five dozen
60,000 rockets when their Patron goes
rockets is what each person shoots when the saint passes.
by in the traditional "cohetá" (Rocket
There are moments of great emotion during this celebration, which can lead
Festival),
a
holiday
not
to dangerous situations. Even though someone gets hurt each year, the locals
recommended for those with heart
want to keep the tradition, so Town Hall gives small wood planks for people to
disease.
burn the rockets on so no one will burn their hands when launching them, although
This tradition has uncertain origins, with both pagan and
someone always gets burned or hurt.
religious versions of its history. The older residents say
that the tradition of shooting rockets to the sky goes back On that day, visitors to the Fuente Amargosa spa -the only one in Europe in which the
to the period of the Reconquista, when the Christians took main attraction are the vapours, not the waters, and which achieves unparalleled
improvements in asthma, bronchitis, chronic colds, and other illnesses- close their
the land back from the Arabs, although it is also said that
windows and do not go out through the town, since it is hard for them to breathe due to
it comes from the time in which immigrants returned to the
the strong smell of gunpowder, which is worsened by the heat and light of the rockets.
area in August, when they launched rockets in honour of
San Roque, Patron of the town.
We cannot deny that the residents of this locality have many original traditions:
Dusting Day, the "Cohetá" and Ladies' Day. This tradition is celebrated in
The religious version talks about San Roque suffered from
December, on the Day of the Immaculate Conception, and has its origins
leprosy, and when he went through the towns, the townsfolk
on a legend which narrates the noisy entrance of the Christians of
threw stones and made noise to scare him away, though the saint's
Alozaina, who were coming to the aid of the Christians of Tolox, who
intention was helping the townsfolk.
had to lock themselves in the church during the Moorish
San Roque, according to tradition, died in a cave, being fed by a dog before
rebellion in the middle of the 16th century.
his death, hence the Saint's image appears next to the animal and a piece of bread.
51
index
editorial
. Summer
Traditions: Tolox
Tolox
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
95 Km2
POPULATION
Around 2,300
Toloxeños
In the region of Guadalhorce Valley. The town centre is 315 metres above
sea level, it is 52 kilometres from Ronda and 57 from Málaga's capital. The
average rainfall in the locality is 750 litres/m² and the average yearly
temperature is about 17º C.
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Castle Walls, Church of San Miguel, Casa Museo de Artes y Tradiciones
Populares (Popular Traditions and Arts House and Museum), the shrine of
San Roque, Fuente Amargosa Spas, Sierra de las Nieves Nature Reserve
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tel: 952 487 097
Fax: 952 487 108
Web: www.tolox.es
52
index
editorial
. Summer
Traditions: Tolox
m
álaga fritters
Torremolinos
Summer Traditions
The "pescaíto frito" (fried fish) is a timeless
tradition, but one which had great popularity in
the Torremolinos region of La Carihuela in the
1960's, which surprised even the fishermen
themselves, who up until then gave tourists
free samples from the leftovers of the
morning "copo" (catch).
Consistency in good work, friendly treatment, quality and
unbeatable prices are some of the slogans of the owners of these
restaurants, who try to keep the image and taste of this fishing town.
The masters in this art stress that to prepare a good Málaga
fritter; there are certain rules to follow:
Use a proper container, according to the quantity and type of fish.
Use enough oil so that the fish is completely submerged, since
using too little causes the fish to get watery. Also, never mix olive
oil with others. The flame should not go above the base of the
container, and you should always control the temperature.
There are many famous faces which can be seen each year round these
corners, but, according to residents, the best part is not what they say
when eating the "pescaito", but that they want more, and whenever they can
they visit Costa del Sol even if they have to take a plane trip.
53
index
editorial
.
Restaurants, bars and kiosks in
La Carihuela have huge terraces with
views to the sea but, if still in doubt, just wait for
the month of June, when they celebrate "el Día del
Pescaíto" (Fried Fish Day), and give away more than
5,000 kilos of fried fish for free, and at the same time
provide traditional music and children's parties for the
younger tourists.
Don't pour the fish in too cold, because the temperature of
the oil goes down and also, the fibres of the fish's meat
break, which causes a loss of texture and taste.
Summer Traditions: Torremolinos
t r a d i t i o n
With the passing of time, the "pescaito frito" became a gastronomic
specialty in La Carihuela, which was later considered to be "the
largest restaurant in Europe". It brings together over a hundred
businesses and restaurants specialised in seafood, which provide
a luxurious service at an affordable price.
c u l t u r a l
AN ART GIVEN BY THE LAND
There are many other specialities in these restaurants which
are worthy of taste, like clams, sardine skewers, salted fish,
curry, paellas, seafood soups and pepper salads, all of them
accompanied by a refreshing gazpacho (tomatoes, peppers
and other salad vegetables in cold soup) and a nice gourd of
sangria.
Torremolinos
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
20 Km2
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
San Miguel Street, Pimentel Tower, Navajas House, Inca Mill, Sports Hall,
La Carihuela district, Conference Hall, Príncipe de Asturias Auditorium
POPULATION
Around 53,500
Torremolinenses
On the western part of the Costa del Sol district. Its main town centre is 50
metres above sea level, it is 12 kilometres from Málaga's capital and 5 from
the Pablo Ruiz Picasso International Airport. The average rainfall in the
district is 500 litres/m² and the average yearly temperature is 18º C
54
index
editorial
.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, Tourism Delegation, Plaza Blas Infante, 1 (29620)
Tel: 952 379 511. Fax: 952 379 551
Web: www.ayto-torremolinos.org
Tourism Office, Plaza de la Independencia, s/n
Tel: 952 374 23
Summer Traditions: Torremolinos
party three:
.
.
.
.
Almonds to quench thirst Almáchar
The Olive Alozaina
Every Sunday at dawn Arriate
.
Remembering Moroccan nights Carratraca y Guaro
.
Raisins El Borge
Ribbon race Fuente de Piedra
.
The skies ablaze Rincón de la Victoria
.
Roasted chestnuts and liquor Ronda
.
The Goyesca Ronda
.
index
editorial
.
Autumn Traditions
New wine Atajate
.
55
TOURIST BOARD &
CONVENTION BUREAU
Night of the Bonfires Sayalonga
Autumn Traditions
a
lmonds to quench thirst
Almáchar
Autumn Traditions
The ajoblanco is an almond broth, which is taken very
For this purpose they use all kinds of old furniture and
household items, and make life-sized dummies that
represent people in everyday situations, like herding, tilling,
weddings, putting grain in the barns after tilling, or separating
grapes.
cold on the hot days to quench thirst, and has a
great deal of popularity in Almáchar's cooking,
so much that the people of this locality
celebrate a holiday in its honour each year,
in which they serve thousands of litres of
Others install the decorations but do not make the dummies, because
this drink to visitors, along with muscatel
they dress themselves, the whole family, to do small representations.
grapes, local wine and raisins.
Aside from tasting the ajoblanco, the locals decorate their streets, with
all their facades recently refurbished; they decorate with ceramic plates,
fans, mirrors, paintings, planters and scarves. And in the best looking
corners, they represent scenes of old-time country life.
56
index
editorial
This product is Arab in origin, since they planted the first almond trees in
this population located in the inner part of the Axarquía. The drink was
initially called "almond gazpacho" but the garlic which was added later
caused it to be renamed to ajoblanco (literally "white garlic").
The recipe was popular in previous centuries, after an engineer who was
doing an agrarian tax appraisal asked for a glass of water and the
woman gave him some ajoblanco. He liked it so much that he placed
the recipe in the Mercantile Circle and thus made the cold soup
famous among friends and acquaintances.
. Autumn
Traditions: Almáchar
t r a d i t i o n
This festival, which is celebrated in September, was declared as a
National Tourism Highlight of Andalusia, and started in 1968 to
claim the construction of a street to join it with the capital, something
which was achieved near the beginning of the 70, so the festivity
took a different focus. It was no longer with the purpose of making
claims, but to make the town famous from a tourism viewpoint.
c u l t u r a l
A REFRESHING DRINK
It is easy to prepare, but it must have the right ingredients
and quantities for a perfect combination.
Ingredients:
150 grams of raw almonds, 3 garlic cloves, 300 grams of fried
bread, a quarter of a litre of olive oil, vinegar and some salt.
Preparation:
The bread is dipped in water and later ground up along with the
almonds, oil, vinegar, salt and a bit of water until a light cream
is made. Add cold water until the cream dilutes, cool in the
refrigerator or add some ice cubes upon serving.
useful information:
Almáchar
SURFACE AREA
14.30 Km2
POPULATION
Around 2,000
Almachareños
In the western part of the region of Axarquía, 35 kilometres from the
province's capital, 14 from Vélez-Málaga and 200 metres above sea level.
The average yearly rainfall is 560 litres/m² and the average temperature is
16.5º C
57
index
editorial
. Autumn
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Parish of San Mateo, visit to the Museo de la Pasa (Raisin Museum) going
through the Calle de Mártires (Martyrs' Street) and the unique dome which
surrounds it next to the Church of San Mateo. A stroll through the old urban
centre of the locality, visiting the gardens of El Forfe and the entrance to the
Moor's Cave (see legends).
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, C/ Almería, 14 (29718)
Tel: 952 512 002
Fax: 952 512 140
Web: www: la-axarquia.com/almachar
Traditions: Almáchar
t
he olive
Alozaina
Autumn Traditions
c u l t u r a l
THEY MAKE FOR GREAT HOSTESSES
And, not to be outdone by other Málaga
food products, they also have their holiday, in this
Would you like some olives? A simple question, but
case, in the Málaga locality of Alozaína, a town that can
ideal for starting off conversation in a business dinner,
a meeting of friends, or even for sharing moments
certainly boast about the quality of their olives. The "Olive
of solace and sadness in a pub or at home.
Festival", where 500 kilos of olives are consumed, is celebrated
every year in September, in honour of the Sweet Name of Mary,
Olives are garnished with a myriad of
and falls around the time when the olives are ready for harvest.
ingredients, which make different types:
chamomiles, blacks, stuffed, sliced, with
To those who want to marinade olives at home, here is a recipe from the
dressing, Aloran and oily, among others.
senior citizens of Alozaina:
The freshly picked olives are cut and placed in salted water (6.5 percent salt).
This first salt washing softens the normally bitter taste of green olives.
After three days, change the olives to a different salt solution, adding salt up
to what they call the "egg point" (place and egg in the water and mix salt in
slowly until the egg floats).
There are also those who recommend eating, immediately after waking
Afterwards, add the traditional dressings: whole and crushed garlic cloves,
up, a cup of tea with a spot of lemon, with some olives and fresh cheese,
fennel and thyme branches (chopped) and optionally pieces of red and
a ritual which was consistently practised by Isaac Shamir, former Israeli
green peppers.
prime minister, who never could pass up a few fresh olives.
After one or two days the olives will take the taste of the dressings,
and then they are ready for serving on any table. For those who
Eating this delicious fruit appeals to all the senses: touch, scent, taste and sight.
would rather not risk making their own dressed olives, they
Experts say, however, that the taste, colour and aroma depend on the variety of
do sell them in the town market, pubs and even in
olives consumed, much like in wines.
some homes.
58
index
editorial
. Autumn
Traditions: Alozaina
t r a d i t i o n
We recommend that each time you travel to a village of Málaga, as
well as admiring the beautiful sceneries, take some time to dine in the
region. And what better way to start than with some local olives and
wine, although some say that this should be accompanied with
unrefined bread cooked on firewood.
Alozaina
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
34.50 Km2
POPULATION
Around 2,200
Pecheros
Between the district of Guadalhorce Valley, to which it belongs, and the
Ronda Mountains, 52 kilometres from Málaga's capital and 41 from Ronda.
The town centre is 386 metres above sea level, has a yearly average rainfall
of 700 litres/m² and an average temperature of 17º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Arco de Alozaina (Alozaina Arch), Torre de María Sagredo Castle, Church of
Santa Ana, Hoyo de los Peñones (Rocky Canyon)
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, C/ Coín, 10 (29567)
Tel: 952 480 013
Fax: 952 480 923
Web: www.visitacostadelsol.com/alozaina
59
index
editorial
. Autumn
Traditions: Alozaina
e
very Sunday at dawn
Arriate
Autumn Traditions
c u l t u r a l
THEY SING VERSES TO THE VIRGIN
Each Sunday before dawn, between four and six
Liturgical lyrics were added later to the Arabic music, related
to the life of Christ, the Virgin and some saints, like James,
Michael and, above all, Valentine, patron of this beautiful town
located in a niche on the Ronda Mountains.
Two hours before dawn, the faithful go to the Parish of Nuestra
Señora del Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary), accompanied by the
local priest, and go through the main streets of the town praying
the Rosary and singing religious songs, accompanied by
musical instruments like guitars, lutes, bandurrias, chimes and
Also, each year in October, the Virgen de la Aurora (Virgin of
flutes.
Dawn) is taken through the streets on Sunday mornings, a tradition
which endures in the form of requesting an offering on Saturday
afternoons with slogans like "The Virgin reward you" and "To you the good
deed"
60
index
editorial
.
Autumn Traditions: Arriate
t r a d i t i o n
This tradition should not be confused with the
in the morning, a group of six to ten people go
one known as "Los campanilleros" (The bell-ringers)
through the streets of Arriate to sing verses
who sang verses at dawn to call workers to form troops,
to the Virgin, accompanied, aside from
or with the later tradition of singing carols on Christmas
the nightly silence, by guitars, chimes,
Eve, or with the so-called "muñidores" who announce the
cymbals and a triangle, in a 13th
beginning of some type of holiday, like Easter Week, the
century tradition with Mozarabic
"Rosario de la Aurora" (Rosary of the Aurora), Christmas, etc.
origin.
Other towns, like Alhaurín el Grande, honour the Virgen of the
Rosary during October with the procession known as "Los
This religious and folkloric tradition is preserved in this town
Mulliores", an old tradition with unknown origins, but which has
thanks to the perseverance and efforts of the brothers of "La
endured without interruption for hundreds of years.
Aurora".
Arriate
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
8.30 Km2
POPULATION
Around 3,600
Arriateños
In the area of the Ronda mountains, at 6 kilometres from this city and 120
from Málaga's capital. The town is 600 metres above sea level, has a rainfall
index of 718 litres/m² and an average temperature of 15.5º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Parish of San Juan de Letrán
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, C/ Cordones, 4 (29350)
Tel: 952 165 096
Fax: 952 165 141
Web: www.arriate.es
61
index
editorial
.
Autumn Traditions: Arriate
n
ew wine
Atajate
Autumn Traditions
c u l t u r a l
REDUCES THE RISK OF HEART DISEASE
A tajate, the town with the least number of
Atajate's grapes mature a bit later than those of other areas of
Andalusia, like those of Jerez or Manilva, possibly due to the difference
between the coastal climates and that of this area, where it is colder.
Even though most villagers extract the juice with the aid of
machinery, some still press the grapes with their feet in an oldstyle winepress.
Once the grape is pressed, the extract must be left out for a
Previously the entire town of Atajate was full of vineyards and,
according to some townsfolk, the village had more than 40 alembics
month to ferment, then it is transplanted (moved from
to distil liquor.
one place to the other to remove impurities) and in
40 days it will be ready for drinking.
This is an effort to promote the consumption of grape juice
since, even though its main ingredients are carbohydrates,
it is also rich in mineral salts, nitrogenated compounds,
proteins and vitamins like calcium, potassium, magnesium,
iron and phosphorous.
62
index
editorial
. Autumn
Traditions: Atajate
t r a d i t i o n
inhabitants in the province of Málaga,
However, the vineyards were caught by the disease
invites tourists every year to taste the
known as phylloxera. The town was practically left empty, in
fresh wine extracted from its
fact, today it is the smallest in the province and has only 200
vineyards, to serve to locals and
residents.
visitors and promote the Ronda
With the passing of time, the vineyards recovered and there are
mountains region.
currently 60 hectares of vineyards, and the locals prepare their juices
every year.
Their residents stress the nutritional values of this drink and
its benefits on reducing the risk of heart disease, due to its
One part of the juice extracted is set aside to celebrate the Juice Festival
content of tannic acid, which prevents the formation of
on the last Saturday of November.
clots in the coronary arteries.
Some set the grapes in the sun for some time before the pressing,
and in this process they lose a bit of water and the resulting juice
is sweeter and has higher quality.
The locality of Colmenar also celebrates the "Fiesta del Mosto y la
Chacina (Pork and Grape Juice Festival)", with the purpose of
promoting the traditional products and the town itself.
This holiday is held at year's end, in an effort to promote the
consumption of natural juice, with no artificial additives.
Atajate
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
11 Km2
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Church of San Roque, Torre de la Santa Cruz (Tower of the Holy Cross),
remains of caves in Los Tajos
POPULATION
Around 175
Atajateños
In the region of Ronda, between the Genal and Guadiaro valleys, 18
kilometres from Ronda and 142 from Málaga's capital. The town centre is
745 metres above sea level, has a rainfall index of 1,175 litres/m² and an
average temperature of 14.5º C
63
index
editorial
. Autumn
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, Plaza de la Constitución, s/n (29494)
Tel: 952 183 504
Fax: 952 183 697
Web: www.visitacostadelsol.com/atajate
Traditions: Atajate
r
emembering moroccan nights
Carratraca y Guaro
Autumn Traditions
WITH CANDLES, MUSIC, CULTURE AND CRAFTS
A round 10,000 candles are placed
64
index
editorial
Concerts are held and craftsmen sell their products
dressed in traditional Moorish style, which allow tourists
to take a trip back in time while touring the urban centre.
cultural
Also, this provides an
opportunity to taste the
Muslim cuisine and bakery,
with recipes that are five
hundred years old, and conserve eggs and almonds as
their main ingredient, as well as the famous Moorish
tea.
tradición
along the road which was built by the
Arabs and in front of the most
important buildings of the
districts of Carratraca and
Guaro to celebrate their
festivals and remember the
These traditions are held on the month of September,
ancestral traditions inherited
in an atmosphere that intends to revive Muslim
from the Muslims centuries
Andalusia, in which three cultures blended together with
ago.
tolerance and no geographical boundaries.
. Autumn Traditions: Carratraca y Guaro
Carratraca
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
21 Km2
POPULATION
Around 850
Carratraqueños
In the north of the Guadalhorce Valley, close to Antequera. The urban centre
is located at 540 metres above sea level, and is 56 kilometres away from
Ronda and from the province's capital. The region has an average rainfall of
450 litres/m² and the average temperature is 16º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Church of Nuestra Señora de la Salud (Our Lady of Health), Town Hall,
Plaza de Toros (Bullfighting Arena), Spa
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, C/ Glorieta, 2 (29551)
Tel: 952 458 016
Fax: 952 458 276
Web: www.visitacostadelsol.com/carratraca
65
index
editorial
.
Autumn Traditions: Carratraca
Guaro
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
22.50 Km2
POPULATION
Around 2,100
Guareños
On the Guadalhorce Valley region, next to Sierra de las Nieves. The town
centre is 500 metres above sea level, it is 50 kilometres from Málaga and 15
from Marbella. The region has an average yearly rainfall of 660 litres/m² and
the average temperature is 17º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Parish of San Miguel, Polvillar Hill, Guaro el Viejo (the Old)
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tel: 952 457 573
Fax: 952 457 660
Web: www.guaro.es
66
index
editorial
. Autumn
Traditions: Guaro
t
he raisin
El Borge
Autumn Traditions
El Borge, a raisin producer par excellence,
This holiday is celebrated each year in
September, when the process of drying and
preparing raisins is at full speed.
During the holiday, they make different demonstrations of the
work they do to prepare them, from the harvesting of the grapes,
transfer, layout and drying in the raisin fields, as well as the
cutting of the raisins, wrapping, packaging and pressing of the
muscatel grape (the juice produced is served to the visitors).
67
index
editorial
. Autumn
Recent studies have proven that the Málaga raisin is good
for keeping cholesterol levels in check, since the natural
sugars of the raisin make for a great energy source for
the body, and thus make for a good regulator.
Traditions: El Borge
t r a d i t i o n
celebrates "El Día de la Pasa" (Raisin Day)
each year, a holiday focused on promoting
this product, which is vitally important to
There are three main types of muscatel grape:
the
local
economy,
where
demonstrations of its preparation and
1. Green muscatels, that is, those which must be eaten
carriage on the heads of harvesters
immediately and which make for a delicious and nutritious
are done.
dessert.
This small village of about 1,000 residents celebrates Raisin
2. Muscatels for sun raisins, a fruit that can be eaten anytime
Day, with a Málaga name, for more than 10,000 people who,
and is ideal for exporting.
as well as receiving free bags of raisins, are also catered
with gazpacho, muscatel wine, sausages and other products
3. Muscatels destined for the winepresses, to be turned into
of Axarquía's traditional gastronomy, all of it entertained by
wine eventually.
flamenco groups and Rocío choirs.
c u l t u r a l
HELPS CONTROL CHOLESTEROL LEVELS
Raisins are also recommended for people who perform
significant physical activity, since their fibre content eases the
metabolism of natural sugars, as well as intestinal functions.
Thus, dried raisins are a worthy addition to your diet, since they
reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, thus
preventing diseases.
Some of the main producers of this raisin, aside from El Borge,
are Almáchar, Cútar, Comares, Moclinejo and Totalán.
El Borge
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
25.70 Km2
POPULATION
Around 1,000
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
The Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary),
Rinconcillo neighbourhoods, Arco de la Pasa (Arch of the Raisin)
Borgeños
In the western part of the region of Axarquía, next to Málaga's Mountains,
24 kilometres from Vélez Málaga and 28 from the province's capital. The
town is 240 metres above sea level, has a rainfall index of 580 litres/m² and
an average temperature of 16.6º C
68
index
editorial
. Autumn
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall: Plaza de la Constitución, 1 (29718)
Tel: 952 512 033
Web: www.elborge.es
Traditions: El Borge
r
ibbon race
Fuente de Piedra
M any sports and contests are revived in
c u l t u r a l
FOR RIDERS TO SHOW OFF THEIR SKILL
Autumn Traditions
These competitions go back to the Middle
Ages, a time in which larger javelins were used,
as well as larger rings. Its roots are mainly in the
medieval jousts and tourneys, specifically in the socalled "juego del aro" (ring game).
t r a d i t i o n
Málaga districts to prevent their
disappearance, and one of them is the
ribbon horse races, declared as a
national Tourism Highlight in Fuente
de Piedra and celebrated each year
Currently the stunt is quite difficult, not only because the
in September, in the Patron Saints'
horses are going at full speed, but also because the rings,
holidays in honour of the Virgen de
which are attached to a ribbon that comes off when they are
las Virtudes (Virgin of Virtues).
pulled, are smaller, only two centimetres in diameter.
The riders start off with their horses riding from one of the
The Town Hall marks the start of these races on 1547, as an
main streets of the town, armed with a 15-centimetre
initiative of Antequera, when Fuente de Piedra was a suburb in
javelin ending in a sharp edge. The goal is to pass the
which the sick people of the area came to drink the local waters,
stick through one of the rings, which are located on a rope
because they had healing properties, and they helped
stretched across the street.
eliminate kidney stones, as well as curing heart, liver and
pancreas diseases, among others.
In this tradition, in which the horses are really the stars and
the riders are participants, the "manolas" also play an
important role (these are women dressed in head scarves) by
leading the festivities and making a traditional parade
accompanied by the marching band, and once they are in the
theatre box the show begins. When the race ends, the Patron goes
off in her procession.
69
index
editorial
.
Autumn Traditions: Fuente de Piedra
useful information:Fuente
de Piedra
SURFACE AREA
90.10 Km2
POPULATION
Around 2,000
Villafontenses
In the north-western part of the region of Antequera, 19 kilometres from this
city and 73 from the province's capital. The town centre is 443 metres above
sea level, has a yearly average rainfall of 500 litres/m² and an average
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Parish of Nuestra Señora de las Virtudes (Our Lady of Virtues), Fuente de
Piedra Lagoon
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, C/ Ancha, 9 (29520)
Tel: 952 735 016
Fax: 952 735 317
Web: www.fuentedepiedra.es
70
index
editorial
.
Autumn Traditions: Fuente de Piedra
t
he skies ablaze
Rincón de la Victoria
Autumn Traditions
CLOSING THE HOLIDAY SEASONS
WITH THE "FLAME NIGHT"
F ireworks are always pleasant, but if
This beautiful scenery is used
by many coastal towns to
make their holidays have a
special light, colour and
sound.
T h e p y r o t e c h n i c t r a d i t i o n s h a v e d i ff e r e n t i a t i n g
elements across many towns in the interior, in
which the gunpowder burning is done in "wheels".
These devices are also used to make promises to the
town's Patron during the Patron Saints' holidays, like
in the districts of Cuevas del Becerro, Frigiliana and
Nerja.
71
index
editorial
.
Autumn Traditions: Rincón de la Victoria
cultural
An example of this is the Málaga region of Rincón de
la Victoria, which closes its holiday season each year
with "La Noche del Fuego" (Fire Night), in which they
burn over 7,000 kilos of gunpowder, most of them on
the sea.
tradición
the Mediterranean Sea is the
b a c k g r o u n d f o r t h e s h o w, t h e
pyrotechnics take on a celestial
tone, even if the heavens are
ablaze.
useful information:Rincón de la Victoria
SURFACE AREA
27.50 Km2
POPULATION
Around 31,000
Rinconeros
In the south-western part of the region of Axarquía, in the Eastern Costa del
Sol. It is 12 kilometres from Málaga, the average rainfall in the locality is 480
litres/m² and the average yearly temperature is about 18º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Bezmiliana Fortress, Church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, Church of
Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, mosque towers of Cantal and
Benagalbón, Cueva del Tesoro (Treasure Cave), Cueva de la Victoria
(Victory Cave)
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, Plaza Al-Andalus, 1 (29730)
Tel: 952 402 300
Fax: 952 402 900
Web: www.rincondelavictoria.es
72
index
editorial
.
Autumn Traditions: Rincón de la Victoria
r
oasted chestnuts and liquor
Ronda
c u l t u r a l
ON ALL SAINTS' DAY
Autumn Traditions
t r a d i t i o n
During the picking of this fruit the
animals could not go into the chestnut
Roasted chestnuts and liquor, anise or hot coffee
are the main products for the celebration of the
groves for pasture, so they had to remain in
"Día del Tostón", which coincides with All Saints'
their corrals, but once finished, when the leaves
Day and is mainly celebrated in the Ronda
had fallen, they had to be brought in to clear off the
Mountains, as well as in coastal and nearby
leaves and allow the farmers to do their planting tasks,
towns like Marbella, Manilva and Istán.
and they also brought in neighbours who had no chestnut
trees so they could pick out whatever was left, in a
An old frying pan with holes, some
tradition known as "la rebuscá" (literally "the handpicking").
chestnuts with an incision in the middle to keep them from popping
and a good bonfire are essential on this day, which is celebrated after
In the 15th century, during the conquest of the Catholic
the end of the harvest of this product, in a tradition that goes back a
Kings, the Arabs were removed from the Genal Valley and
very long time and has been passed down for many generations.
other people migrated to this area, which produced a change
in the crops grown and ways of life.
On this day they represent the cleansing done in the chestnut groves
after the harvest, when they pick up all the leaves, branches and
One of the crops which they brought in was the chestnut,
debris under the chestnut trees and they make a great bonfire where
which was mainly used for wood, and the fruit was used to
they toast the chestnuts, always taking care not to harm the trees.
feed the animals, and around the chestnut trees they
planted other crops.
Despite the fact that chestnuts are currently toasted in frying pans, the old
tradition was to burn all the underbrush, and when the burn was done, they
looked for the toasted chestnuts among the ash, since these had exploded
upon contact with the fire.
73
index
editorial
. Autumn
Traditions: Ronda
With the passing of time the chestnut's fruit became more valuable
than cutting the tree for wood, so the trees were no longer cut down,
and instead they began to harvest the chestnuts, especially after the
French discovered the "marrón glace".
Some districts in which this tradition is deeply rooted are Alpandeire,
Alcaucín, Cartajima, Faraján, Igualeja, Júzcar, Parauta, Pujerra,
Jubrique, Genalguacil, Algatocín, Benalauría, Cuevas del Becerro,
Cortes de la Frontera, Istán, Manilva and Marbella.
In other districts within Axarquía, like Torrox and Cómpeta, the holiday
is known as "La Fiesta de la Castaña" (Chestnut Day) and consists of
get-togethers in houses and farmhouses to eat them roasted with some
anise, after going to the cemetery to pay respects to the dead. In the
Nerja village of Maro they celebrate the "Noche de los boniatos y las
castañas" (Sweet potato and chestnuts night) in which visitors can
taste delicious sweet potatoes candied with sugar cane money, one of
the desserts which are most frequently eaten during autumn and
winter, as well as roasted chestnuts and anise.
In Benamargosa, resident also celebrate the Day of the Dead in a
peculiar way, since they have the tradition of visiting the cemeteries
repeatedly during the night to make sure that the candles lit in
remembrance of their dead friends and loved ones don't go out.
During the days prior to the celebration of All Saints' Day, the visits to
the graveyards become more frequent, in order to clean up the resting
places of their loved ones, and it is not strange to see many buckets,
ladders, swabs, rags and brooms in the area, as well as children
74
index
editorial
. Autumn
running round while their family members clean the tombs of their loved
ones.
Flowers are undoubtedly very important on this day: chrysanthemums,
carnations and roses mainly, although all kinds are used. We should
not forget to mention the local cuisine and the consumption of sweets,
like fritters and "saints' bones".
All Saints and the Day of the Dead are two different celebrations: 1
November is All Saints' Day, and 2 is the Day of the Dead, although
they have commonly been united with the purpose of honouring the
dead. Anthropologists attribute the tradition of roasting chestnuts to the
coming of the cold season, and the first fires of wintertime.
Traditions: Ronda
t
he goyesca
Ronda
Autumn Traditions
E ach year, the Royal Order of
c u l t u r a l
AN EVENT OF INTERNATIONAL
PROPORTIONS
t r a d i t i o n
The Goyesque Bull run draws the interest of
Chivalry of Ronda hosts the "Corrida
many bullfighting fans, among them State
Goyesca" (Goyesque Bull run), an
ministers and members of the Spanish Royal Family,
event of international renown
to the point that the requests never cease in the offices
initiated in 1954 to celebrate
of the bullfighting arena, which is sold out weeks before
the Bicentennial of the birth
the event.
of the Ronda horse master
The presence of chariots carrying the Goyesque women fills
Pedro Romero, a precursor
the streets of the monumental "Ciudad del Tajo" (town at the
of bullfighting on foot.
gorge) with colour, a spectacle which draws the attention of all
passers-by, many of them foreigners who are attracted to the
With traits that are unique to this province, it was created in
fame of this Málaga region.
order to be a festivity similar to those reproduced by Aragon
painter Francisco de Goya, and is enjoyed even by those not
In the building that hosts this event lie the ashes of the master
affiliated with the world of bullfighting.
bullfighter Antonio Ordóñez since 1998, whose grandson,
Francisco Rivera, is the entrepreneur who owns the Royal
The holidays of Pedro Romero, which include a singing festiOrder of Chivalry, and each year hosts a prestigious bull run
val, a folkloric gala and a roping contest, among other activities,
with a roster worthy of the Order.
have earned the title of National Tourism Highlight of Andalusia.
75
index
editorial
.
Autumn Traditions: Ronda
Ronda
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
477.50 Km2
POPULATION
Around 35,000
Rondeños
In the northern part of the region of the same name, between the nature
reserves of Sierra de las Nieves, Grazalema and Los Alcornocales. The
urban centre is located at 740 m above sea level, and is 113 kilometres
away from the province's capital. The region has an average rainfall of 650
litres/m² and the average yearly temperature is 15º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Old town centre, the Tajo, Baños Árabes (Arab Baths), Plaza de Toros
(Bullfighting Arena), the Acinipo ruins, and many more (It is one of the cities
with the most monuments in Málaga)
76
index
editorial
.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, Plaza Duquesa Parcent, s/n (29400)
Tel: 952 873 240
Fax: 952 875 441
Tourism Office, Paseo Blas Infante, s/n.
Tel: 952 187 119
Web: www.turismoderonda.es
Autumn Traditions: Ronda
n
ight of the bonfires
Sayalonga
Autumn Traditions
M ost districts in Axarquía celebrate the
c u l t u r a l
CELEBRATES THE BIRTH OF THE VIRGIN MARY
After the harvest, it's time to burn the
useless debris. It is time for a cleansing, for
cleaning up after the whole job.
t r a d i t i o n
"Noche de las Candelas (Night of the
Bonfires)" on September to celebrate the
Children and even adults who feel young at heart
birth of the Virgin and the holiday of
cooperate in picking up old furniture, wood and even dried
Nuestra Señora de la Victoria (Our
shoots, abundant in Axarquía, and those who love a good
Lady of Victory), Patron of Málaga,
joke hide pita leaves in the bonfire, whose great noise when
with many bonfires in which they
they vibrate scares those who get too close.
roast walnuts and chick peas, to be
later washed down with a pint of liquor.
While the fire burns, the children eat chick peas and almonds
toasted in the fire, and cops of local liquor and wine, whilst
The bonfires lit in honour of the Virgin light up the mountains
someone plays an old snail trump, previously used by locals to
and hills of Axarquía, in a celebration which is rooted in the
communicate.
grape harvesting season and has moved from the
farmhouses, where it was previously celebrated, to the city
At the time that shots from hunting shotguns are fired into the
streets.
air and cheers are shouted for the Virgin, the people of
Sayalonga sing and dance around the fire to flamencos and
The Tejeda and Almijara mountains, which border the region,
"Fandangos de Güi", an element of the local folklore, sung
take on a peculiar colour, something which makes visitors think
with violins, guitars, reeds, bottles of anise and
more of a forest fire than a celebration in honour of the Virgin.
castanets, while the braver ones jump over the flame
With this festivity they ask the Holy Mother that the raisins do not
when the fire grows weaker.
get wet and that it doesn't rain, although among so much fire, some of
them take the opportunity to try to "kindle the flame" among the local
youths.
77
index
editorial
. Autumn
Traditions: Sayalonga
Aside from the 30 or so districts of Axarquía, other Málaga
towns also celebrate the "Oil Lamp Holiday" with fire, in which
they burn puppets and make competitions of the oldest and
best preserved oil lamp.
The tradition of lighting bonfires is revived on 2 February, with
the "Festividad de la Candelaria" (Bonfire Holiday), in
Alfarnate, Alfarnatejo, Alhaurín de la Torre, Colmenar, Fuente
de Piedra, Gaucín, Mollina, Rincón de la Victoria and
Villanueva del Trabuco, a tradition which has lasted up to our
times, though it suffered a slight decrease in popularity during
the 60s.
All these holidays where fire is the predominant element are
related to old beliefs which worshipped the Sun, and are similar
to those of San Juan's Day and Fallas de Valencia.
78
index
editorial
. Autumn
useful information:
Sayalonga
SURFACE AREA
18.20 Km2
POPULATION
Around 1,300
Sayalonguinos. Nickname: Sayones
in the Axarquía region. The town is 360 metres above sea level, it is 38
kilometres from Málaga's capital and 12 from Velez-Málaga. The average
yearly rainfall is 620 litres/m² and the average temperature is about 18º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Parish of Santa Catalina ( Catherine), Corumbela's minaret, circular
cemetery
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tourism Office, Plaza de la Constitución, 2 (29752)
Tel: 952 535 021
Fax: 952 535 050
Web: www.sayalonga.es
79
index
editorial
. Autumn
part four:
.
.
.
.
Fire for the shepherd Casarabonela
New Year, new disguise Coín
Three Patrons for the New Year Frigiliana
.
The saint's groin works miracles Mijas
So many times the gourd goes to the fountain… Montejaque
Ancestral songs Málaga
.
Powder for all Tolox
.
index
editorial
.
From the pig, even the feet Ardales
.
.
Winter Traditions
Blessed bagels Colmenar
.
80
TOURIST BOARD &
CONVENTION BUREAU
A day with lots of bread Torrox
Winter Traditions
f
rom the pig, even the feet
Ardales
c u l t u r a l
WE ADVISE AGAINST CHECKING YOUR CHOLESTEROL THE NEXT DAY
Winter Traditions
t r a d i t i o n
This locality wanted to bring back
the tradition so the younger ones could
understand how they did it in the old days, and for
Around 1,000 kilos of pork products are given away
each year near the end of February on the
this purpose they also place tables where they
"Slaughter Festival", in the Málaga town of
demonstrate the making of the sausages. The pig is not
Ardales, a locality located in the Guadalhorce
killed in the festivity itself and the meat is already cut when it
Valley, where it is not recommended to check
arrives, so as not to scare tourists, since they will surely love the
your cholesterol on the next day.
meat, but seeing the actual slaughter could be unpleasant for
many.
Gizzards, sausage, salami, blood
sausage, tripe, stew, paella and broths are given out by some fifty
The slaughter begins at six or seven in the morning when the owners
people (all townsfolk, cooks for a day), whom since early in the
of the farm awaken. Firstly, the cutting machines, water bowls and the
morning, begin preparing these delicious plates.
numerous containers and plastic bowls are cleaned in large cauldrons
filled with water.
Amazingly, the ton of pork goes out in less than four hours, so if you
are still hungry, you can also taste and eat sausages, bakery
They usually go about it slowly,
products, cheeses, oils, almonds and bread, all to the tune of
because it will be a long chore for
musical performances by Rocío choirs and verdiales groups whose
the whole family, on which they will
good music helps for a good digestion.
have to work through the day
without rest. It is a holiday, but it
This unique gastronomic event originated in 1997, as a consequence of
may be hard for some, since
the fact that in many districts of Spain, especially those who are farming
they put the blade of a
or cattle raising regions, household slaughters were formerly done, a
knife to the neck of a
tradition that goes back to Roman times.
pig.
81
index
editorial
. Winter
Traditions: Ardales
There are many places where you can taste pork and pork
derivatives, just like in the entire region of the Serranía de
Ronda (Ronda Mountains): Cañete de la Real, Algatocín,
Almargen, Alpandeire, Cartajima, Serrato and others. Ronda is
particularly noteworthy because of the excellent quality of the
pork products made in this area.
However, we should not forget to mention Benahavís,
Campillos, Valle de Abdalajís and Fuente de Piedra, which also
make great pork products.
Ardales
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
110 Km2
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (Our Lady of Remedies), ruins
of Bobastro, Castillo de la Peña (Peña Castle), Convento of the Capuchinos,
Doña Trinidad's cave, Desfiladero de los Gaitanes (Coomb of the Gaitanes),
Caminito del Rey, reservoir area
POPULATION
Around 2,700
Ardaleños
In the region of Antequera, bordering the regions of Ronda and Guadalhorce
Valley. It is 62.5 kilometres from Málaga's capital, and its urban centre is at
454 metres above sea level. The average yearly rainfall is 400 litres/m² and
the average temperature is about 15.3º C
82
index
editorial
. Winter
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tel: 952 458 087
Fax: 952 458 169
Web: www.ardales.es
Traditions: Ardales
f
ire for the shepherd
Casarabonela
CWhen darkness falls on the streets of the Málaga
c u l t u r a l
CANDLES AND BURNING SCARVES ESCORT
HER ON THE WAY
Winter Traditions
These people escort the Virgin during the
entire procession, providing light for the long,
hard trip, not only through the steep streets of
Moorish construction, but also over the oil which falls
on the floor from the wheels, which makes the road
slippery.
t r a d i t i o n
town of Casarabonela, located in Guadalhorce
Valley, the neighbours pay tribute to the Virgen de la
Divina Pastora (Virgin of the Holy Shepherd) on 12
December, in a procession of flaming rags which
thanks a rustic, farm-like Virgin for the olive
The nightly silence is broken by two pastorals, one for adults
harvest.
and one for children, which make the trip merry with carols over
five centuries old, which announce the start of Christmas with
Nightfall announces the start of the tradition, which goes back many
centuries, when mill workers lit the alfalfa wheels, used to grind olives in
tambourines and drums.
the mills, with oil, in a simple but sincere act of thanksgiving to the Holy
The ceremony, which closes with an emotive Salve when the Virgin
Shepherd.
arrives at the church, is a true lightshow, accented by the
The town lights go out and only 200 oil lamps remain lit on windows and
whitewashed walls; and also a feast of odour, given off by the oiled
balconies, as well as 24 alfalfa wheels rolled in their corresponding wooden
rags upon burning; and sound, made by pastorals with castanets;
and, of course, devotion.
pegs, which serve as torches to light the way for the Virgin's pass up to the
Church of Santiago Apóstol.
Finally, the local Plaza hosts a celebration in which visitors
and residents are given "tostones" (toasted bread with
The rags are lit with a large bonfire lit before departing from the shrine of Veracruz
olive oil), fritters and chocolate, all of it to the tune of the
by some residents dressed in old-style clothes, with coats and handkerchiefs tied
around their necks.
pastorals, who merrily offer a sample of their
musical repertoire.
According to the older residents, the rags had to be used before on olive mills so
they do not light excessively during the procession.
83
index
editorial
.
Winter Traditions: Casarabonela
Casarabonela
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
114.10 Km2
POPULATION
Around 2,500
Moriscos
In the north-western part of the Guadalhorce Valley region, bordering
Antequera and Ronda. The town is located at 500 metres above sea level,
and is 48 kilometres away from the province's capital. The region has an
average yearly rainfall of more than 710 litres/m² and the average
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Church of Santiago, Shrine of Vera Cruz, Arab castle, Mizos Mills, niches
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tourism Office, C/ Real, 5 (29566)
Tel: 952 456 067
Fax: 952 456 976
Web: www.casarabonela.es
84
index
editorial
.
Winter Traditions: Casarabonela
n
ew year, new disguise
Coín
T he coming of the New Year has special
c u l t u r a l
THE FIRST CARNIVALS OF THE YEAR
Winter Traditions
t r a d i t i o n
Though the exact origin of this celebration is
meaning on the Málaga town of Coín,
unknown, between 1973 and 1975 a group of
where thousands of people celebrate
friends started to go to this square in costumes to
New Year's Eve dressed in original
celebrate the arrival of the New Year. The costumes
hand-made costumes. After the
were not elaborate, but gradually, as the years went by,
traditional in-house dinner, the
more people began to attend and the complexity of the
neighbours go on a spontaneous
costumes also increased.
parade and crowd in the main
A competition was made between groups to get the most
streets of the locality.
original costumes, and these groups also tried to make sure that
their coterie was the largest. There are groups of as much as
Residents and tourists gather in
sixty members, all costumed with a common theme (a rugby
the centric Plaza named Bermúdez de la Rubia with
team and its cheerleaders, a tribe of cannibals cooking the usual
grapes while they wait for the 12 chimes of the clock
explorer, a Viking ship and its crew, or a gang of Smurfs).
tower of the Church of San Juan, one of the biggest
temples in the province. It is a spectacle of imagination
and colour which is qualified by many as the first Carnival
of the year.
85
index
editorial
.
Winter Traditions: Coín
Coín
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
128.40 Km2
POPULATION
Around 20,000
Coineños / coínos
In the south of the region of Guadalhorce valley, 38 kilometres from Málaga
and 210 metres above sea level. The average yearly rainfall is 610 litres/m²
and the average temperature is about 17º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Shrine of Fuensanta, Torre de los Trinitarios (Tower of the Trinitarians) and
the churches of San Andrés, San Juan and Santa María de la Encarnación
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, Plaza Alameda, 10 (29100)
Tel: 952 453 018
Fax: 952 453 284
Tourism Office, Plaza de Santa María (Convento de la Encarnación)
Tel: 952 453 211
Fax: 952 453 211
Web: www.ayto-coin.es
86
index
editorial
.
Winter Traditions: Coín
b
lessed bagels
Colmenar
Winter Traditions
San Blas's holiday on 3 February is a major celebration in the
t r a d i c i ó n
THEY PREVENT THROAT DISEASES
c u l t u r a l
Since then, this martyr is regarded as the
protector of the vocal chords and the healer of
Málaga town of Colmenar, where hundreds of residents
mouth and throat affections, which leads the elderly to
take their bagels to the Parish of Nuestra Señora de
la Asunción to have them blessed in honour of
keep the pieces of the bagel in a container to take them
their Patron's day.
throughout the year with a glass of milk, as if they were another
pill prescribed by their doctor.
About 1,000 bagels are blessed in this
parish to celebrate San Blas's holiday,
These bagels tend to be made in bakeries and in some specific houses, and
who, according to tradition, protects the
even though they are round in this town, in other parts of Spain they make them
faithful against throat illnesses,
cone or star-shaped, and they can have the most varied decorations.
although wool carders also selected him as patron of their
The ingredients needed to prepare them are the same as those used for
profession.
bread, although there are also places where bakers add eggs, oil and sugar.
Over 300 people go to the parish carrying sacks filled with
bagels so the town priest will bless them by spraying them with On this day, there are also people who bless other food products, and some
Spanish districts have the tradition of blessing animals' feed, and keep it in
holy water. These bagels are kept by adults to keep them in their
storage in case they get sick.
homes during the year or send them to friends and family,
convinced that they will help them with their throat problems and
This saint is also popular due to the saying "por San Blas la cigüeña verás,
illnesses, although children tend to eat them before leaving the
si no la vieres, año de nieves, y si la vieres, año de bienes" ("around San
parish.
Blas you will see the stork, if you see it, a cold year it will be, if you
don't, a warm one you will see"), which according to the Parish's
Tradition narrates that San Blas, bishop of Sebaste de Armenia in the
priest, Roberto Rojo, means that "after the date of this holiday
4th century of the Christian era and a martyr of the persecutions made
the weather becomes hot, but if you don't see the stork,
against early Christians by the Romans, cured a child who had a fish spine
it means the cold will last longer".
stuck in his throat and was about to die from asphyxiation by giving him
some bread crumbs.
87
index
editorial
. Winter
Traditions: Colmenar
This is not the only town in Málaga that has this holiday, since in
Pizarra, the residents go to the convent to have a bagel blessed, as
well as in Canillas de Albaida, Alameda, and Canillas de Aceituno,
where children wear the bagel around their necks like a medal and eat
it as the day goes by.
Also, in Alhaurín de la Torre, a day before, on the day of the Candelaria
they make an offering of bagels to the Virgin, as well as the traditional
bagel blessing.
There are many Málaga towns which celebrate the holidays of the
Virgen de La Candelaria and San Blas on the first week of February,
taking advantage of the fact that there is only one day of difference.
useful information:
Colmenar
SURFACE AREA
65.50 Km2
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria; church of Nuestra Señora de la
Asunción (Our Lady of the Assumption), Puerta de la Cruz
POPULATION
Around 3,200
Colmenareños. Nickname: Tinajeros
To the north in the Málaga Mountains, bordering Axarquía and Antequera.
The city centre is located at 700 m above sea level, and is 35 kilometres
88
away from the province's capital and 44 from Vélez Málaga. The average
yearly rainfall is 765 litres/m² and the average temperature is about 16.5º C.
index
editorial
. Winter
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, Plaza de España, 9 (29170)
Tel: 952 730 000. Fax: 952 731 068
Web: www.visitacostadelsol.com/colmenar
Traditions: Colmenar
t
hree patrons for the new year
Frigiliana
Winter Traditions
t r a d i c i ó n
PINWHEEL FIREWORKS
ACCOMPANY THE SAINTS DURING
THE LITURGY
The pilgrimages are done in all districts of Málaga, normally near a shrine
where the Patron is kept or near a river or fountain, and aside from a
procession for the image, they also consist of spending a day in the
country with family and friends. Some can enjoy sitting in the shade of
the trees, and the more active fellows can enjoy songs and dance.
Many districts also celebrate San Sebastián's day, like
Frigiliana's residents don't always enjoy good weather on San Sebastian's Day, but
Salares, Algarrobo and Benamargosa. The latter invites
all, residents and visitors, to join the festivities.
they don't mind. Each year they name stewards to work 365 days a year on organising
the acts in honour of the Patrons.
Afterwards, they are carried through the narrow streets, which make
up a monumental complex which some authors have called "the purest
common use work of Arab architecture in all of Málaga", and received
the First National Prize for Beautification and Improvement of Spanish
Districts.
89
index
editorial
. Winter
Traditions: Frigiliana
c u l t u r a l
Until 1967, the fair known as "La
Función" was also held in honour of the Holy
Patron San Sebastián, but due to weather irregularities
FFrigiliana, a town in Axarquía, is
one of the few towns in Spain, or
which constantly spoiled the celebrations, the Municipal
perhaps the only one, which
Corporation decided on 5 November of 1996 to move "La
takes three images in
Función" to 13 June, and thus the central role passed to the other
procession during their liturgies, specifically, their patron, San Sebastián;
Holy Patron of the Village, San Antonio de Padua.
the saint that gives the parish its name, San Antonio de Padua, and
Since then, on 20 January they only hold a Mass in honour of the saints and
San Antonio Abad, to ask for protection and honour the saints in the
a [procession it its end, during which the residents give honour to the images
New Year.
of San Sebastián, San Antonio and San Antón.
On 20 January, holiday of the patron San Sebastián, many Málaga
On 13 June, on San Antonio's day, a pilgrimage begins in which the Holy Patron
towns celebrate different religious and traditional ceremonies after
is carried in a procession on a wagon pulled at the slow pace of oxen, in
the bells sound and the rockets are fired, though Frigiliana has a
remembrance of the victory of the Christians over the Moors in the "Batalla del
peculiar custom on this day, when they place the three saints at the
Peñón".
doors of the church and offer a fireworks spectacle.
Frigiliana
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
40 Km2
POPULATION
Around 2,300
Frigilianenses. Nickname: Aguanosos
In the eastern part of the region of Axarquía, at the foothills of the Almijara
mountain range. The city centre is located at 430 m above sea level, and is
56 kilometres away from the province's capital and only 6 from Nerja. The
area has an average yearly rainfall of around 600 litres/m² and the average
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
The Church of San Antonio, old deposit, the remains of the Lizar Castle, the
Apero Palace
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, C/ Real, 80 (29788)
Tel: 952 533 002
Fax: 952 533 434
Web: www.frigiliana.org
90
index
editorial
Winter Traditions: Frigiliana
t
he saint's groin works miracles
Mijas
Winter Traditions
Hundreds of local singles go on 17 January,
c u l t u r a l
SINGLE WOMEN STONE SAN ANTON'S GENITALS
TO ASK FOR A HUSBAND
The old women who live here stress that you
must throw three stones, which have previously been
picked from the surroundings.
The ancestral tradition comes from an old ritual which has been
passed from generation to generation, and we continue what out
great-great-grandfathers already did.
Also, to finish up the lovely scenery of this day in Mijas, sheep,
rabbits, pigs, horses, dogs and cats are taken by their masters
to the shrine early in the morning to be blessed before the
stoning of San Antón.
There are writings from shortly after the shrine was built, in 1490, which
mention women going to this temple to ask for a husband, but the origin of
the custom of throwing stones or why the desire to hit the genitals is unclear.
91
index
editorial
. Winter
Traditions: Mijas
t r a d i t i o n
Day of San Antón, to a shrine in the Málaga
region of Mijas to throw stones at the
saint's genitals so he will grant them a
There are many women who assure the effectiveness of this
soul mate, according to a 15th century
method, and some assure us that it gives such good results that
tradition of unknown origins.
sometimes two boyfriends have come instead of one, so they go
At the shrine's entrance, every
next year to ask the saint for advice on which they should keep.
year, on the day of San Antonio Abad, the anchorite who always
Each year thousands of people come from all parts of Spain to this
defended animals and who is known as San Antón, patron of the
shrine, which was built by the survivors of a shipwreck in front of the
animals, is pulled out of his urn so the young ladies of the town
coast of Mijas, on top of the terrain previously occupied by Muslim
can throw small stones at him, and if they fall on his groin, they
and Phoenician temples. The visitors taste the traditional "callos de
will have better chances of finding a boyfriend and getting
San Antón" and buy palmetto and sugar cane next to the temple.
married.
Mijas
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
147 Km2
POPULATION
Around 53,000
Mijeños
On the western part of the Costa del Sol. The city is located at 430 metres
above sea level, and is 30 kilometres away from the province's capital and
only 8 from neighbouring Fuengirola. The region has an average yearly
rainfall of 660 litres/m² and the average temperature is 17º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Shrine of the Virgen de la Peña (Virgen of the Rock), Church of Inmaculada
Concepción (Immaculate Conception), Plaza de Toros (Bullfighting Arena),
La Cala de Mijas Turret, Museo de Miniaturas (Miniatures Museum) Carromato de Max (Max's Car), Museo Histórico-Etnológico de Mijas (Mijas
Historical-Ethnological Museum), Museo del Vino Málaga (Málaga Wine
Museum), Centro de Interpretación de las Torres Vigías del litoral de Mijas
(Mijas Coastline Watch Tower Interpretation Centre)- La Cala Turret.
92
index
editorial
. Winter
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tourism Office, Plaza Virgen de la Peña (29650)
Tel: 952 58 90 34
Fax: 952 58 90 35
Web: www.mijas.es
Traditions: Mijas
s
o many times the gourd goes to the fountain…
Montejaque Winter Traditions
c u l t u r a l
THAT OLD LADIES HERE HAVE ACHING NECKS
Coming and going every day to the fountains gave the town an appearance of hustleand-bustle, and also, the fountain doubled as the local rumour mill.
93
index
editorial
. Winter Traditions: Montejaque
t r a d i t i o n
If the process of taking the water
back and forth is difficult by itself, it is even
In Montejaque, like in other towns in Spain, up until a few years
more so in Montejaque, since this beautiful
ago, no one had running water in their houses, so they had
to go up to the nearest public fountain to get drinkable
mountain town has a steep orography, with very
water, which was also used for different household
steep streets (a maze of narrow, stone-covered streets,
tasks and personal hygiene.
with a beautiful Arabic decoration), which meant a great
sacrifice and effort for these women every day.
The women had to think of ways to not make so many trips to the fountains
and they invented a system: taking two large jars and filling them with water
During the 60s, running water finally came to most houses and
to the brim to prevent it from moving about inside and possibly falling over,
the tradition was gradually lost, so every year the Town Hall
though they probably did not think that eventually they would have pain in
organises, at the same time of the Carnivals, "El juego del cántaro
their necks.
(The water jar game)", with a demonstration from the older women
in the town on how they carried up to three water jars.
The first one they placed on their head, with only a rag or rolled
handkerchief to prevent direct contact with the jar and possible injuries,
They form as many teams of six and seven people as there are jars
and the second one they put on their right hip, though some women, the
available in the game. The centre of the Plaza is marked with a
braver ones, also added a third jar in their left hip.
cross, and around this one they mark seven other crosses (one for
each player) in a circle leaving an equal distance between
This way, carrying two or three jars, they went home and repeated the trip
players, and then they mark a series of concentric circles which
depending on the amount of water needed, all of it without neglecting the other
are further and further away from the centre of the Plaza, so
household chores.
the distance between players become greater each time.
The first team places itself on the crosses closer to the centre and they
start tossing the jug among the players until three laps are completed.
If after three laps the jug has not fallen from the hands of any player or
broken, the players go to the second circle and repeat the process until
one player drops the jar. Then the next team starts.
In the end, the team which got to the circle furthest away from the
centre and completed the most laps within that circle is declared the
winner.
Montejaque
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
46.60 Km2
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Parish of Santiago
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tel: 952 167 196
Fax: 952 167 351
Web: www.visitacostadelsol.com/montejaque
POPULATION
Around 1,000
Montejaqueños
On the western part of the Ronda Mountains, to which it belongs. It is 140
kilometres from Málaga's capital, 21 from Ronda and only 2 from Benaoján.
The town centre is 700 metres above sea level, the area has a rainfall index
of over 1,600 litres/m² and an average yearly temperature of 16º C
94
index
editorial
. Winter Traditions: Montejaque
a
ncestral songs
Málaga
Winter Traditions
c u l t u r a l
IN THREE STYLES: MONTES DE MÁLAGA
(MÁLAGA MOUNTAINS), COMARES AND ALMOGÍA
Its name comes from the green Andalusian olive sort, which is still
grown.
There are three styles: Almogía, Montes and Comares, and each one
has its particular form of singing, playing and dancing.
95
index
editorial
. Winter
The mayor is the person who directs the party with his
baton, the entrance of the violin, singer, dance and
parade. When raffles are held, he is also the person
who keeps the accounts and is the one who seeks
performance arrangements in parties.
Traditions: Málaga
t r a d i t i o n
In Almogía, the violin is particularly predominant,
Thousands gather every year on 28
December, Innocents' Day (Día de los
because aside from creating the melody and
Inocentes), in the Venta de San Cayetano,
providing a background for the songs, it usually does
located in the Málaga village of Puerto de
solo performances which are well liked by the public and
la Torre, to enjoy the music of many folk
are very beautiful, despite their simplicity. In Montes, the
music groups who come from different
violin is still predominant but the tambourine is also relevant, a
places in Málaga to revive the oldest
very large one for that matter, which creates a hard and fast beat
traditions of our ancestors.
with its riffs and pounds. Comares is the only style which uses the
lute and recently the bandurria, which gives it an even more
The "verdiales" date from ancestral times and originated from
Moorish tone, if at all possible.
the songs and dances performed by farmers as they worked,
tied to the summer and winter solstices. They are merry
This dance is routinely accompanied by four guitars, a violin, a
fandangos, of uncertain origin, but which clearly have
tambourine and four cymbals, with a lively and passionate
Moorish roots older than the birth of Flamenco singing, which
movement that has great symbolism in each movement, the baton,
were used for a man to declare his love for a woman, and
the ribbons and the "mayor", who is known for his ability to
were always present at baptisms, weddings, parties and
organise all the members of the group, and who never forgets any
pilgrimages.
detail.
t r a d i c i ó n
The songs tend to be inspired on women, love, praising of the land and on occasions
The "clash" is a type of challenge of
there can be lyrics which are quite filthy, but they always represent the feelings
two flamenco groups who play in the same
of the people. The singers look for personal styles which adapt to the feeling
style, playing in unison, accelerating the rhythm until
of the party.
one of them makes a mistake or falls behind the winner.
This contest can be watched on September in Benagalbón,
Also, the dance is not exempt of some rules: the men and women
do not touch each other at any time, but the looks, gestures and
a peculiar traditional greeting between flamenco groups, which
positions play a prime role, and also, the participants must
led to an excessive rivalry during the 60s that led to the tradition's
never lost the beat with their arms and feet.
disappearance.
And when it is necessary to mark the territory or the front
of a group, a man waves a flag moving to the beat of the
dance, especially in the older dances.
The reception between flamenco groups is done when one
waits for the arrival of the other, at that time, the flag bearers
cross their flags and the mayors cross their batons, though it
has currently lost all implications of a challenge, and represents
a handshake between flamenco groups.
Previously they dressed in Sunday clothing, and currently the men wear
shoes, black coat and trousers, red sash, white shirt and flamenco hat
(made of palm straw, covered with coloured fabric, flowers, mirrors,
necklaces, medals and bows woven by their girlfriends or sisters, or has
been won in some ribbon horse race. In earlier times, they also used
a picture of a girlfriend or partner).
The sound of a snail trump announced the arrival of a flamenco group.
96
index
editorial
Women wear black skirts, white blouses, red sash, espadrilles
with ribbons, a flower in their hair, a handkerchief and sticks
in their hands, and in old times they also wore
stockings, petticoats and shorts.
Winter Traditions: Málaga
c u l t u r a l
The "clash" of flamenco groups was born from the idea of
the groups greeting each other, a tradition which is
celebrated on May 1 on the shrine of Tres Cruces
(located on the intersection of the districts of Almogía,
Alora, Cártama and Pizarra) and on 25 December in Jeva
(in the region of Antequera) and Los Montes.
At the start of the 50s, the flamencos left the rural areas and
went into the capital, due to the demographic shifts and influx
of people into the cities, and "verdiales neighbourhoods" were
born, like: Campanillas, Las Castañetas, Huertecilla Mañas,
Ciudad Jardín, Puerto de la Torre, San Alberto and El Palo,
among others.
Throughout the year, you can attend numerous festivals related
to verdiales, like those in Almogía, Benagalbón, Villanueva de
la Concepción, San Cayetano, Casabermeja and the pine
groves of Torremolinos, to name a few.
Málaga
useful information:
VERDIAL
It goes back to ancestral times and comes from the songs and dances
performed by farmers as they worked.
"MAYOR"
The person who directs the party with his baton, the entrance of the violin,
singer, dance and parade.
STYLES
Montes de Málaga, Comares and Almogía.
CLASH
The "clash" is a type of challenge of two verdiales groups who play in the
same style, playing in unison, accelerating the rhythm until one of them
makes a mistake or falls behind the winner.
INSTRUMENTS
Four guitars
A violin
A tambourine
Four cymbals
97
VERDIALES HATS
Made of palm straw, covered with coloured fabric, flowers, mirrors,
necklaces, medals and bows woven by their girlfriends or sisters.
index
editorial
Winter Traditions: Málaga
p
owder for all
Tolox
Winter Traditions
c u l t u r a l
MEN SHOW THEIR LOVE FOR THEIR WOMEN
ON THIS DAY
All the residents of the Málaga town of Tolox
t r a d i t i o n
exchange their partners in the
This original declaration of love, according to the older
celebration commonly known as "Día
townsfolk, may have its origin in Christmas of 1539, after a huge
de los Polvos" (Powder Day), a
fight between Muslim and Christian women in front of a public oven,
tradition whose origin goes back to
in which they ended up throwing all kinds of objects at each other,
the 19th century, which the men
including handfuls of flour, maybe because of the saying "there is a thin
used to show their love for their
line between love and hate".
ladies, but, since the times have changed, currently
This holiday, which is held during the Carnival, is not exempt from a few jokes,
everyone throws talcum powder.
since it comes just a few days after Ash Wednesday, in which Christians go to
church and the priest, making a cross on their forehead with the ash, reminds
In the Memorandums of the Town Hall in this locality,
them that "ye are dust, and to the dust ye shall return". In this holiday they also
located at the heart of Sierra de las Nieves, this fact is
dance "El Baile de la Guasa", in which they sing verses related to events which
cited, which according to the tradition, was an excuse to
happened during the year.
seduce the young women in the town, which didn't leave
their houses that day. It was the boys who had to find ways
A similar celebration is held in Alozaina, when hundreds of town residents go
to dust their girlfriends and thus demonstrate their love for
to the streets to enjoy the traditional "hariná" (flouring), which remembers
them.
how their ancestors covered the ladies with flour from the mills after they
Then the young men poured flour on their hands and tried to
finished grinding the wheat, in order to demonstrate their love.
enter the houses of their ladies to put flour on their face. If they
found all the doors and windows closed, it was a sign that they were
not wanted, although they tended to be persistent, and some even made
holes in the ceilings, and even broke down doors and windows, while the
less romantic chaps threw small bags of talcum from a distance.
98
index
editorial
. Winter
Traditions: Tolox
Tolox
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
95 Km2
POPULATION
Around 2,300
Toloxeños
In the region of the Guadalhorce Valley. The town centre is 315 metres
above sea level, it is 52 kilometres from Ronda and 57 from Málaga's
capital. The average rainfall in the locality is 750 litres/m² and the average
yearly temperature is about 17º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Castle Walls, Church of San Miguel, Casa Museo de Artes y Tradiciones
Populares (Popular Traditions and Arts House and Museum), the shrine of
San Roque, Fuente Amargosa Spas, Sierra de las Nieves Nature Reserve
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tel: 952 487 097
Fax: 952 487 108
Web: www.tolox.es
99
index
editorial
. Winter
Traditions: Tolox
a
day with lots of bread
Torrox
Winter Traditions
c u l t u r a l
FROM CLAY BOWLS TO SILVER PLATES
The appropriate combination of oil, water, semolina, garlic
The plate is normally accompanied with
olives, green onions, radishes and grapes.
and salt can become a real delicacy. "Migas" (garlic
breadcrumbs) is a plate of the most humble
However, if your guests are still hungry, you can
Mediterranean cuisine that used to be eaten at the
also add sardines, herrings, cod or fried egg,
start of the cold and rainy season, washed down
sausage, meat and even chocolate, for those with a
with wine from the land.
sweet tooth.
This holiday was first celebrated in 1981 after José Antonio Olmedo, a
pioneer in this original festival, decided it would be better to have it not
on a fixed day, but to leave it to the last Sunday before Christmas; that
way it can be enjoyed by all those already on holiday and attended by
whole families.
All washed down with wine from the land and accompanied
with a good arriera salad, made with orange, tomato, onion,
cod, olives, olive oil, salt and vinegar.
The Festival of the 'Migas', declared a National Tourism
Highlight of Andalusia, also offers a chance for the town to
display its products to its visitors, who can buy muscatel
raisins, oil, figs, almonds, avocado pears, beans, tomatoes
and wine.
During the festival, fifty men are put in charge of making
the migas. This is because, even if it is already a difficult
plate to make, when it requires the mixing together of
The migas of Torrox are not much different from those of any other town in the
more than 2,000 kilos of flour with a further 200 of
Axarquía region (Vélez-Málaga, Sedella, Macharaviaya, Cútar or Iznate);
garlic and up to 600 litres of oil, the extra
however at the same time no tourist should visit Málaga without tasting those of the
strength is essential.
mountains, especially in Casabermeja, Colmenar, Alfarnate, Alfarnatejo and Viñuela, or
those of the Ronda region in Jimera de Líbar, Algatocín, Benadalid and El Burgo.
100
index
editorial
. Winter
Traditions: Torrox
t r a d i t i o n
Migas are the typical plate of the peasants of
Axarquía that they would cook out in the
sticks after a day's hard work. Those in charge of cooking them would
inform their companions it was ready by banging a shell to signal the
end of the working day, just as the garlic breadcrumbs were starting to
smoke.
Torrox
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
50 Km2
POPULATION
Around 17,000
Torroxeños. Nickname: Hocicones
To the south of the region of Axarquía, at the foot of the Tejeda and
Almijara mountains. The urban centre is located at 145 metres above
sea level, is 40 kilometres away from the province's capital and 20 from
Vélez Málaga. The average precipitation of the township is around 530
litres/m² and the average annual temperature is 19º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
The Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación (Our Lady of the
Incarnation), shrine and convent of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves
(Our Lady of the Snows), Roman ruins of the lighthouse of Torrox
(Roman villa, springs, cemetery...), Arab tower, Chapel of San
Roque, House of la Hoya, The Watchtowers of Huit and Calaceite,
the Mills of San Rafael and San Javier, Molino Pérez, Casa de la
Moneda-Aduana (Minting and Taxation House), Bust of Almanzor
101
index
editorial
. Winter
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall:
Plaza de la Constitución, 1 (29770)
Tel: 952 538 200
Fax: 952 538 100
Tourism Office:
Centro Internacional, bloque 79 bajo (29793)
Tel: 952 532 155
Fax: 952 530 225
Web: www.turismotorrox.com
Traditions: Torrox
part five:
.
.
.
.
The messengers Antequera
In search for love Árchez
Rude serenade Málaga City and Province
.
In the new home Málaga City and Province
A different kind of walk Málaga City and Province
Prediction through dreams Málaga City and Province
.
The "cabañuela" Málaga City and Province
.
index
editorial
.
An inn with a history Alfarnate
.
.
Timeless traditions
Underwear, on the outside Humilladero
.
102
TOURIST BOARD &
CONVENTION BUREAU
The donkey-ttaxis Mijas
Timeless traditions
a
n inn with a history
Alfarnate
Timeless traditions
THE BANDIT'S TAVERN
There are a great number of inns
and restaurants in Málaga towns
from which, as well as enjoying the
different dishes that give Málaga
such a rich and varied gastronomy,
the visitor can become culturally
enriched learning of the history of
the different towns thanks to photographs, newspaper clippings, farming utensils and manuscripts.
One of the typical dishes of this inn is the "huevos a lo bestia"
(beastly eggs) that contain fried bread with fried eggs, loin with
butter, sausage, blood sausage and olives.
One of those is the Inn of Alfarnate,
a house-museum two kilometres
from the town, where in past times travellers, among them King
Alfonso XIII and famous bandits such as José María "El
Tempranillo" and Luis Candelas, stopped to rest.
Some historians consider this to be the origin of the town of
Alfarnate, as it was an essential route for travellers passing
through from the coast to the inlands, and where the changing of
horses took place.
103
index
editorial
. Timeless
traditions: Alfarnate
Alfarnate
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
34 km2
POPULATION
Around 1,600
Alfarnateños. Nickname: Palancos
To the northwest of the region of Axarquía, 50 kilometres from the Málaga
capital and 925 metres above sea level. The average annual rainfall is 1,000
litres/m² and the average temperature is about 12.6º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Shrine of the Virgin of Monsalud, Town Hall, church of Santa Ana
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tel: 952 759 028
Fax: 952 759 752
Web: www.visitacostadelsol.com/alfarnate
104
index
editorial
. Timeless
traditions: Alfarnate
t
he messengers
Antequera
Timeless traditions
T elephones, vehicles, radio stations and
c u l t u r a l
ANNOUNCING EVERYTHING, FROM WEDDINGS
TO FUNERALS
If someone is ill and doesn't have the strength
to get an appointment at the doctor's office, they
need only to call for the messenger and she will do it
for them, or even go to the pharmacy to buy their
medicines.
t r a d i t i o n
public videos give praise to the latest
"avisadoras" ("messengers") who stay in
the region of Antequera; a group of
ladies who take it upon themselves to
go from door to door announcing the
Villanueva del Rosario, Villanueva de la Concepción, Mollina,
happy news of a wedding, the
Villanueva del Trabuco, Villanueva de Algaidas and
fitting of a wedding dress and the
Humilladero are some of the towns which try to keep the
birth of a child. They do not always bring good news,
tradition unchanged. But, as the women dedicated to this
however, as they also give notice about the death of one
profession die, as in Sierra de Yeguas and Almargen, others
of the neighbours and of the Mass for the deceased.
must take over to spread word of the masses for the deceased,
such as the sacristan and the relatives.
The people who hire these services are aware of the
effectiveness of passing a message face to face, in
All of this would maybe surprise young people who are in
exchange for their choice of donation which, in most
contact with modern life, but there are many towns that still
cases, is no more than 30 euros; and of course, they do not
don't have a lot of technology or, if they do, they still want to
have enough to save for retirement.
continue preserving their most ingrained traditions. So,
Because of this, this laborious profession is dwindling.
those who do not employ this system of avisadoras,
instead use the church bells or a megaphone from the
However, there do still exist characters such as "Mariquita
Town Hall, as in Benalauría, to give news; from the
Muñecos" who, at 80, still covers the streets of Humilladero every
day and announces door to door the happy and sad news; dressed in
arrival of the latest batch of fresh fish to a
mourning wear with cloth shoes and, of course, having taken sedatives
wedding or burial.
to be able to last the whole day.
105
index
editorial
. Timeless
traditions: Antequera
useful information:
Antequera
SURFACE AREA
810 Km2
POPULATION
Around 43,000
Antequeranos
At the centre of the region which bears its name, in the northern part of
Málaga, 45 kilometres away from its capital. It is 577 metres above sea
level, the average yearly rainfall is just over 550 litres/m² and the average
temperature reaches about 15.3º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
The Collegiate Church of Santa María, the Palace of Nájera, Alcazaba, the
Churches of San José, Belén; the Convents of Santa Eufemia, of El
Carmen, the Gate of Granada, the dolmen of Menga, and others.
(Antequera is one of the most monument-filled areas in Andalusia; about 75
percent of the historic and artistic heritage of the province of Málaga can be
found in this locality)
106
index
editorial
. Timeless
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tourism Office, Plaza de San Sebastián, 7 (29200)
Tel: 952 702 505
Fax: 952 702 505
Web: www.antequera.es
traditions: Antequera
i
n search for love
Árchez
Timeless traditions
107
index
editorial
.
Timeless traditions: Árchez
c u l t u r a l
to the minaret bell tower of the church
of Nuestra Señora de la
In Daimalos, a hamlet belonging to
Encarnación (Our Lady of the
Arenas, you can find "The Fountain of Love",
Incarnation), built in the 13th
also known as "The Lost Fountain", an Arab
century in the Málaga town of
construction from the 12th century which has
Árchez, to touch a stuffed
"powers" to help you to find a partner if you drink
lizard which is in one of the
from it.
bells.
According
to
The elderly swear that those men and women who
tradition, whoever touches
believe to have found love and do not want to lose it,
it one hundred times will
must tie two knots into a handkerchief to make sure
find a partner.
this doesn't happen, and through this their love will
"remain tied".
The red brick tower,
declared a Historic, Artistic
Monument of national character, stands fifteen metres tall and
has a square floor of 3.64 m, from where the youths who want
to touch the lizard -which fell into the bell while it was in the
crucible, back in 1876- must climb up a spiral staircase in small
groups.
t r a d i c i ó n
T here are a great many youths who go
Árchez
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
5 Km2
POPULATION
Around 350
Archeros
to the centre of the region of Axarquía, 21 kilometres from Vélez Málaga and
435 metres above sea level. The average yearly rainfall is 670 litres/m² and
the average temperature is about 17º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Minaret tower of the church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación (Our Lady
of the Incarnation)
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, C/ Clara Campoamor, 1 (29753)
Tel: 952 553 159
Fax: 952 553 019
E-mail: archez_alcaldí[email protected]
Web: www.visitacostadelsol.com/archez
108
index
editorial
. Timeless
traditions: Árchez
u
nderwear, on the outside
Humilladero
Timeless traditions
S aucy underwear, knickers, bras,
The underwear and linen is hung on the walls
and the ornaments and decorative trinkets are
placed on tables put in place for the exhibition. The
only thing left unseen is the wedding dress of the
fiancée, the best kept secret.
index
editorial
. Timeless
traditions: Humilladero
t r a d i t i o n
pyjamas, sheets and towels are hung
up and on show in the houses of
Humilladero every time a young
woman is to be married, with the
intention of showing all the
The tradition also states that the single friends of the fiancée
neighbours her bottom drawer,
put their bundles of presents under her nightgown, as a wish to
following an ancient tradition
find a partner and marry too in the near future. And to close the
of this town in the region of
exhibition, on the last day they throw a party to which only the
Antequera.
girls can attend, with strictly no boys allowed.
Over a period of two weeks the fiancée displays, in the
Almost every Málaga town has its own traditions for when a
master bedroom of her future house, all of their things
couple is to be married; one of such is Moclinejo, whereby no
including her underwear, in a peculiar exposition known as
girlfriend is to be without a beautiful crochet bedspread made
"La ropa puesta".
by their mother or grandmother, to form an essential part of
their bottom drawer.
Sometimes, the show -that always takes place in a location
selected especially by the friends of the girlfriend- is carried
out in the house of the fiancée's parents or in that of a relative,
so as not to damage the walls of the house intended for the
couple to be married.
109
c u l t u r a l
KINKY ITEMS, BRAS AND KNICKERS ARE
ON SHOW IN THE NEW HOUSE
Humilladero
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
34.20 Km2
POPULATION
Around 3,000
Humilladerenses or Gatos
To the north of the region of Antequera, bordering on the province of Seville,
78 kilometres from the Málaga capital. The town is 450 metres above sea
level, has a yearly rainfall index of around 480 l/m² and an average
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Parish of Virgen del Rosario (Virgin of the Rosary), Cross of Humilladero
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall, avenida del Emigrante, 1 (29531)
Tel: 952 737 023
Fax: 952 737 292
Web: www.visitacostadelsol.com/humilladero
110
index
editorial
. Timeless
traditions: Humilladero
r
ude serenade
There are still a few towns that celebrate "la
c u l t u r a l
AN UNPLEASANT WAY TO WAKE UP
Timeless traditions
It is understood that the lovers always
tried to consummate their wedding late at
night; but, at small villages, nobody could
escape the noise which was only accentuated by
the silence of the night.
The most daring pranksters start the serenade in celebration of the bond "to
enliven it", although this is now dying out and is saved for when the newlyweds
first move into their new house, to provide them with background music for their first
matrimonial games.
111
index
editorial
. Timeless
traditions: Málaga
t r a d i t i o n
cencerrada" ("the chaos"), an unpleasant
serenade made to the widow or widower
who remarries, with bells, horns, pans,
tins or any other scrap iron or metal
that is capable of producing a loud
At times, the noise from the serenades together with
clanging sound.
the cups of the rest of the "musicians" can reach such
a level, that it can create minor problems of public
This tradition could date back to the last century and, according to the
elderly, derives from the fact that it used to be "frowned upon" to marry
order, although everybody on this day tries to have a
little more patience -even the biggest sleepyheads.
twice. This was then seen as a way to ridicule those getting married and to
have a night of fun, although the fiancées never thought so, yet they were
This little prank is not unfamiliar in Spain, if we look at
always patient and waited to have their intimate moments.
one of our phrases regarding remarriage:
This custom, which would occasionally be accompanied by nasty lyrics, was
"Those who married once, are worth pity; those who
aimed at the widowers and widows who got remarried with a single person,
married twice, do not have God's forgiveness"
although it became stretched to the remarriage between widows.
i
n the new home
Timeless traditions
OIL, VINEGAR AND SALT
When a person or couple buy a new
house, the first things to go in it must
be oil, vinegar and salt, so that the new
house will never be without food.
These three garnishes have to be put in
the house even before it is furnished
and, of course, before any family or
friends come to visit.
It is also good to have a "botijo" -a
porous clay jug-, but this is to make
sure there is always fresh water without
needing to put it in the fridge.
This utensil, which is usually kept on the main table in the dining
room, is easy to buy in any Málaga town; although it can vary in
shape, the most common has a large belly with a handle at the top.
112
index
editorial
. Timeless
traditions: Málaga
a
different kind of walk
c u l t u r a l
BUT, ABOVE ALL, ORIGINAL
Timeless traditions
t r a d i t i o n
The cemetery of Casabermeja, declared a
National Historic, Artistic Monument in 1980, has
T here are so many cemeteries that must
be seen in the province of Málaga
vertical 'nichos' (a deep recess in a wall used as a
because, although they are seen as
tomb) to make it appear like a small town, with its streets
ominous by many, you have to recogwell looked after and its chapel in the centre. No traveller
nise the real architectural jewels that
can drive through the town without taking notice of its peculiar
exist within them; little cities of the
structure and its crosses -on top of every tomb- crowning the
dead that are paradoxically known
landscape.
as places of beauty, for their
Others, such as the town of Sayalonga, boasts the only round
sculptures, their location or for the views that can be
cemetery in Spain, which is visited by thousands of people every
enjoyed from the tranquillity therein.
year.
Furthermore, according to the elderly, the first thing you
The origin of this necropolis dates back to the end of the 18th
should always do when you arrive at a town is go to the
century, after which King Carlos II issued a royal charter, on the 3rd
churchyard to meet its ancestors and to better understand
of April 1787. In this he passed the segregation of burial spaces
the culture, traditions and customs of the place.
from urban zones to improve their healthfulness, and so ever
since, burials have taken place in lands adjacent to churches
And as there are no rules regarding taste, there are still
and monasteries. This royal command was gradually taken on
those who swear that certain cemeteries are perfect for finding peace and tranquillity, and so recommend them to those
in the cities, although Sayalonga was the only place that
chose to enclose the 'nichos' with a circular wall.
who want to relax, to read a good book or to study. The residents
of Casabermeja claim that they do it.
113
index
editorial
. Timeless
traditions: Málaga
There are so many stories told about the cemeteries, some of
which will keep you awake, but there are others that have a special
charm. They say that in Sayalonga, a gypsy boy died but nobody
would take flowers to his grave as he lived alone. This created the
tradition whereby every 1st November, the small children of the
town put flowers at the foot of his grave.
That of Benadalid is located inside its Roman castle, in a square
form finished off with cylindrical towers in the corners and a shield
at the entrance.
This castle -with a perfect strategic location- has not lost its
haughtiness as guardian of the area, even though it has been
converted into a cemetery. Furthermore, the remains of the Arab
village of Benamaya can be found near this cemetery.
We must also consider that of Álora, that sits alongside the ruins of
an old castle which is the symbol of the city. Of the church of the
castle-graveyard they preserved only the main chapel, from the
end of the 15th century, covered with a gothic cross-ribbed dome.
There are many more cemeteries that are worth a visit, but for
those who are not convinced by the phrase "Donde hay muerte no
hay buena suerte" ("where there is death there is no good luck"),
they must also take account of others such as "Nadie se muere
hasta que Dios no quiere" ("Nobody dies until God wishes so") and
"Quien teme la muerte no goza la vida" ("He who fears death does
not enjoy life").
114
index
editorial
. Timeless
traditions: Málaga
p
rediction through dreams
Málaga and Province Timeless traditions
YOUR FUTURE SPOUSE
To find out whom your future spouse will
be, all you have to do is go to bed with the
pod of a broad bean -a plant believed to
originate from Persia, but which used to be
grown throughout Europe- under your
pillow.
Not as easy as it sounds, as the bean pod
has to contain nine seeds; this is not very
common, as the majority carry between six and eight. What's more,
you are not allowed to break the pod and must check how many seeds
it contains by feeling it with tip of your fingers.
This intriguing tradition can be carried out any day of the year and, so
they say, it's common that the loved one will appear in your dreams,
since your psyche makes you think about them subconsciously. The
unluckiest women are those who do not remember their dreams, as
they must carry on in doubt until they receive a new signal.
There are so many plates to try in the towns of Málaga that are based
on, or at least contain, broad beans. This fruit must contain something
magical, because as well as adding a special touch to Málaga
gastronomy, it provides a tool through which one can guess the person
they will marry; not forgetting its powers for spells and sortilege, from
where "echar las habas" ("tossing the beans") comes.
115
index
editorial
. Timeless
traditions: Málaga
t
he "cabañuela"
Timeless traditions
T he "cabañuela" is the prediction of the
c u l t u r a l
LOST, THANKS TO THE WEATHERMAN
They also took notice of the clouds, in particular
one known commonly in some parts as "the cloud of
Alcalá"; white and of great size, which brought wind and
rain.
weather made by townspeople many years
ago. The most skilled at this, however,
were those who lived in the country;
these people always needed to know
Another factor to bear in mind when predicting the weather is
with great accuracy whether it was
the rooster, as if it sings during the night, particularly between
going to rain, the winds and the
twelve and one in the morning, there will be a definite change of
temperature, so they could yield a
weather the following day.
better harvest.
The dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy defines "cabañuela
"as the calculation that, observing atmospheric variations on the first
12, 18 and 24 days of January or August, forms the ability to foretell
the weather during each and every month of that year, or of the
following year.
Nowadays, some countrymen can still predict a weather
forecast for the coming days or even for the following year,
although the role of the weatherman in the media has taken
away the importance of this rural technique.
116
index
editorial
. Timeless
traditions: Málaga
t r a d i t i o n
According to many elderly people, those with the greatest
skill at this were farmers and cattle ranchers, due to their
hard work; not only would they observe the sky, the
clouds and the wind, but also the behaviour of their
animals.
Málaga
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
385.50 Km2
POPULATION
Around 550,000
Malagueños
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
117
index
editorial
. Timeless
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tel: 952 12 20 20
Fax: 952 12 20 23
traditions: Málaga
t
he donkey-ttaxi
Mijas
Timeless traditions
c u l t u r a l
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CHARMS
OF COSTA DEL SOL
El burro-taxi (donkey-taxi) is one of the
t r a d i t i o n
most important tourist symbols of the Costa
In Mijas, at the beginning of the 60's, some workers
del Sol, with more than forty years of
who rode home on their donkeys were asked for a
history; a method of transport every
photograph or even a ride by the visitors. The tips almost
tourist wants to try in the Málaga town
always exceeded their salaries. And so, a new profession was
of Mijas, to be able to pass down the
born. Today, the number of Donkey-Taxis - a real institution in
narrow streets of the town whilst
Mijas and one of the town's principal tourist attractions, is around
enjoying the countryside and
60, and they have urged the city government to build a special
discovering its interesting
parking lot for them.
monuments.
Although Mijas has always been and will always be known for its
The people dedicated to the care
"burro-taxis", there exists another fashionable equestrian activity in
of these animals and to the transport of the visitors, carry the
this town -the horse races at the Costa del Sol racecourse. There is,
profession in their blood; it is passed down from a father to his
however, no great rivalry between the two, but a long life predicted
sons, who begin to learn their trade at an early age of around 12
for both.
or 14 years old.
Another indication that the past and the future can not only
The process of selection of these animals is not an easy one, given
coexist, but can work together to keep alive the Málaga roots
the main characteristic they must possess is docility. This is why two
and traditions.
out of every three candidates are discarded.
118
index
editorial
. Timeless
traditions: Mijas
Mijas
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
147 Km2
POPULATION
Around 53,000
Mijeños
On the western part of the Costa del Sol. The city is located at 430 metres
above sea level, and is 30 kilometres away from the province's capital and
only 8 from neighbouring Fuengirola. The region has an average yearly
rainfall of 660 litres/m² and the average temperature is 17º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
Shrine of the Virgen de la Peña (Virgen of the Rock), Church of
Inmaculada Concepción (Immaculate Conception), Plaza de Toros
(Bullfighting Arena), La Cala de Mijas Turret, Museo de Miniaturas
(Miniatures Museum) - Carromato de Max (Max's Car), Museo
Histórico-Etnológico de Mijas (Mijas Historical-Ethnological Museum),
Museo del Vino Málaga (Málaga Wine Museum), Centro de
Interpretación de las Torres Vigias del litoral de Mijas (Mijas Coastline
Watch Tower Interpretation Centre)- La Cala Turret
119
index
editorial
. Timeless
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tourism Office, Plaza Virgen de la Peña (29650)
Tel: 952 58 90 34
Fax: 952 58 90 35
Web: www.mijas.es
traditions: Mijas
part six:
.
.
.
.
TOURIST BOARD &
CONVENTION BUREAU
Lost traditions
The gunshot El Borge
The "ureña" Málaga
The pig of San Antón Málaga
Washing and singing Málaga City and Province
. Threshing Málaga City and Province
. The gourd Málaga City and Province
. The dog Málaga City and Province
. The alarm clock Málaga City and Province
. Hiding the hair Málaga City and Province
. Games Málaga City and Province
. The "smoking" Málaga City and Province
. A phantom lover Málaga City and Province
120
index
editorial
.
Lost traditions
t
he gunshot
El Borge
Lost traditions
T he men of El Borge would declare their love
c u l t u r a l
PASSIONS THAT KILL
Come the afternoon the boy would visit his future in-laws, but
if when he entered the house, he was not faced with two chairs
in the living room, it was a bad sign; this meant he was not
accepted, or that he should try again next year for some reason,
perhaps that she was too young or that he wasn't so well off.
121
index
editorial
. Lost
traditions: El Borge
t r a d i t i o n
for their girlfriend with the "trabucazo"
There are many other traditions around
(gunshot), even though it sounds
Málaga towns for declaring love for a woman,
unbelievable; but this ancient tradition
perhaps not all so loud but some very intriguing;
was preserved up to just a few years
such as throwing talcum powder (in Tolox), the
ago when, in the end, the gun was
'enhariná' -covering with flour- (Alozaina), 'entrar de
replaced by firecrackers that had to
yerno' -where the son-in-law moves into the house of his
be hurled at the feet of the beloved
in-laws before the marriage to get know them- (in the
woman.
regions of Antequera and in Valle del Guadalhorce) and
going to visit the future in-laws in the company of friends
This ritual could not just take place any day; they had to
and taking turns to sit on a round table.
wait for the Patrons' festivities in March, when the girls
came out of church. The boys would wait in the
If the boy was accepted, he would celebrate with friends
surroundings of the church and, when the girls came out,
over a few drinks which, naturally, he would buy; although
they had to fire a gunpowder shot that must land within a
if the answer was no, his friends would still take him to the
metre of her.
pub for a few glasses of wine to drown his sorrows.
El Borge
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
25.70 Km2
POPULATION
Around 1,000
Borgeños
In the western part of the region of Axarquía, next to Málaga's Mountains,
24 kilometres from Vélez Málaga and 28 from the province's capital. The
town is 240 metres above sea level, has a rainfall index of 580 litres/m² and
an average temperature of 16.6º C
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
The Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary),
Rinconcillo neighbourhoods, Arco de la Pasa (Arch of the Raisin)
TOURIST INFORMATION
Town hall: Plaza de la Constitución, 1 (29718)
Tel: 952 512 033
Web: www.elborge.es
122
index
editorial
. Lost
traditions: El Borge
T
he "ureña"
Málaga
Lost traditions
c u l t u r a l
HAMPER CONTAINING FOOD OR MONEY
IN THE MONTH OF THE DECEASED
t r a d i t i o n
When they called on the doors
of the houses they sang a few verses,
The ureña was the gift box, either with a cash donation -a few "gordas" (old
depending on whether the owners gave
Spanish currency) or pesetas- or in food form -pomegranates, melons
or something sweet, along with bread and cereal crops-, that were
them "la ureña" or not.
given to the server boys so they would toll the bells on the 'Noche
If the answer was no:
de los Difuntos' (Night of the Deceased), in memory of friends
¡Ureña, Ureña!
and families lost.
¡Vamos por la leña! (Let's get the firewood)
¿Hay Ureña? (Is there any Ureña?)
The tradition was to toll the bells to the chime of the dead from three o'clock in the
¡Nooo!
afternoon on the eve of All Saints' Day, until the very eve of the day of 'Todos los Fieles
En esta mala casa (in this bad house)
Difuntos ' (All Deceased Churchgoers), following the procession through the cemetery.
al infierno vayan, vayan; (to hell they will go, they will go;)
The request of the "ureña" took place on the days leading up to Noche de los Difuntos,
las ventanas son de alambre (the windows are made of wire)
normally one week before, and the neighbours who took part did so in the belief that y las puertas de cartón (and the doors of cardboard)
these boys took their work very seriously, and because they needed food to get And if it was yes:
through the night.
¡Ureña, Ureña!
¡Vamos por la leña! (Let's get the firewood)
The altar boys ran through the streets with a type of esparto basket with two handles,
¿Hay Ureña? (Is there any Ureña?)
a bucket and a hyssop to bless the houses, sprinkling blessed water on the pictures of
¡Sííí! (Yesss!)
religious images, for which they received thanks through donations. This brought about
En esta buena casa (In this great house)
the custom whereby many elderly people would call any paintings "saints", even though
a la gloria vayan, vayan; (to heaven they will go, they will go;)
they are probably a countryside image or a family photo.
las ventanas de hierro (windows made of iron)
y las puertas de madera (and the doors of wood)
This term, which is not recognised by the DRAE (Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy),
could have come from the taxes that were paid to the dukes of Ureña, although its origin is
uncertain. It was used mainly in the local towns of Cuevas de San Marcos, Casabermeja, Cuevas
Bajas, Villanueva de Algaidas and Villanueva del Rosario.
123
index
editorial
. Lost
traditions: Málaga
t
he pig of san antón
Málaga
Lost traditions
A PIGLET THAT GAVE MONEY
Every year on the 17th of January, Day of
San Antón, Patron of animals, the town
vicar would bless a newborn pig which was
then set free and fed by the neighbours,
until it became very fat. Subsequently, when
the patron festivals came around, it would
be raffled off or sold to help pay for part of
the festivities.
These piglets, baptised pigs of San Antón, would consume everybody's
rubbish and would always go to houses where they were better treated,
although not as though they were pets.
They have tried to re-establish this tradition in Daimalos, municipal
district of the Málaga town of Arenas, by way of blessing a baby pig,
which they would call "Mari Flor"; this would be left in the town to
preserve the tradition and also to recycle all the food, leaving behind no
rubbish.
The idea was well accepted and she was even given a boyfriend,
"Manolito", but they showed them both so much affection they didn't
want to kill them. So, they finally had to give them away as they tried
getting into peoples' houses or eating their crops.
124
index
editorial
. Lost
traditions: Málaga
w
ashing and singing
Lost traditions
MANY WOULD HAVE WANTED WASHING
MACHINES AND DISHWASHERS
Almost all of our grandmothers know about
the hard task of doing the washing in the
river and collecting water from the fountain
using pitchers: something that is nowadays
almost impossible to see, thanks to houses
with modern running water as well as a
washer, dryer and a dishwasher.
The women took pitchers to the fountain to collect water for their daily
consumption, as well as for different domestic chores and for their
personal hygiene. They used to go to the river with the dirty laundry in
baskets and a homemade soap made of oil and soda. Only those with
a large income could afford to buy a servant to do this hard work for
them.
The river and the fountains were the meeting point for these women,
who tried to make the best out of their work entertaining themselves
with the latest gossip, as well as singing and dancing.
The strongest women carried up to three pitchers; one on the head with their only protection being a kind of bandana, or a twisted dishcloth
to avoid direct contact with the pitcher and possible injuries- and two
others, one on each hip, right and left.
125
index
editorial
. Lost
traditions: Málaga
t
hreshing
Lost traditions
SEPARATING THE SEED FROM THE CHAFF
Threshing is a traditional form of farming,
for which they would use a board and
knives, with or without wheels, which was
dragged by mules to separate the straw
from the grain. This technique is in the
process of extinction because in the country
it is now much quicker to use combine
harvesters.
The contests are usually accompanied by the tasting of typical plates
of the region: 'olla' -a traditional pan; 'pringá'- traditional Spanish dish
consisting of bread topped with sweet peppers, meat, chorizo and
black pudding, and 'gazpacho' - a traditionally cold Spanish soup,
washed down with wine from the land.
However, many towns see their festivals as an opportunity to stage
contests in threshing, so as to encourage more interest from youths
and tourists in this traditional art.
Normally, the contests are made up of different competitions:
-Cante de la Trilla ('The Song of the Thresher'), where the farming is
accompanied by popular, unique songs of threshing.
-Trilla en Rulo ('Threshing on Wheels'), whereby the board is
supported by wheels with knives, and on top of it sits the farmer on a
type of chair.
-Trilla en la Tabla ('Threshing on the Board'), the knives are fixed
directly to the board, which would support the weight of the farmer who
then carries out his work standing upright.
126
index
editorial
. Lost
traditions: Málaga
t
he gourd
Lost traditions
walking every morning to work, they or
their women would carry a small hollow
pumpkin containing a mixture of oil,
vinegar and salt to use as a dressing for
food.
It was common practice for
countrymen, who generally worked
hard, to put urine on their hands to
make them harder.
It also acted as an antiseptic, as they
developed many cracks through
working with heavy tools.
This condiment was typically used in
gazpacho, 'porra antequerana' (a thick
kind of gazpacho with a few extra
ingredients) or on tomatoes, onions and
peppers that were eaten straight from the
ground.
he dog
THE GUINEA PIG
T he dog, man's best friend, has been so
The owner of the farm looked at the
dog and if he didn't die or become ill, it
was a sign the meat was in good
condition and so his family could enjoy
eating it.
loyal that on some occasions, when it
was appropriate, his owner would let him
taste the meat from a kill so as to check it
was in good condition; a custom derived
from other cultures centuries ago.
127
index
editorial
. Lost
traditions: Málaga
t r a d i t i o n
t
c u l t u r a l
W hen the workers of the land used to go
t
he alarm clock
Lost traditions
CBefore alarm clocks existed it posed a serious problem
to be able to wake up at a certain time to carry out the
work on the land, in the house or any other
domestic tasks.
Because of this, our ancestors would draw
upon the blessed spirits.
This was also a bit of an old wives' tale and they still say
that those who live in the country are awoken by the call
of the rooster.
t r a d i t i o n
h
They say that if you were to ask them
during the night, to wake you up at an
exact time, that they would do so and so
nobody arrived late.
There are those who believe they were
awoken by their own subconscious, that
knowing they have to carry out their tasks woke
them up, although others are sure it was the
blessed spirits.
iding the hair
TO PRESERVE BEAUTY
In olden days, they would not throw away their hair because
they believed that if they preserved it, they would have a
beautiful head of hair until they grew old.
Women, after brushing their hair, would gather all the locks that
had fallen off, wind them together and hide them in places only
they knew about, like in a crack in the wall or under a rock.
128
index
editorial
. Lost
c u l t u r a l
THE BLESSED SPIRITS AND THE ROOSTER
The sharpest women, or those who had poorer quality hair, would spy on
the girls who boasted long and beautiful manes so that, when they left the
hair they had hidden, they could steal it and put it with their own in the
belief that they were "stealing their beauty".
They say there were cases when girls whose "poor hair" would, in
a short space of time, become magnificent, whilst the hair of the
girl from whom she had stolen it, got worse.
traditions: Málaga
g
ames
THEY WERE LESS MATERIALISTIC
THAN WE ARE
ON NEW YEAR'S EVE
The game of the deeds
When Christmas arrived there was always
one night when the youths of the town
would not sleep; they would entertain
themselves by writing "deeds" -on papers or
parchments, the names of all the unmarried
or widowed men and women in the town.
During the New Year's Eve celebrations, the men would take out a
"deed" from the women's drum and one from the men's to form
symbolic couples during the new year. The game was a lot of fun and
everybody laughed endlessly, especially when odd couples were
matched such as a 60 year old widower with a young girl of 16.
BALLS
Not every child could have one
Balls were a toy that only the richer children could have. But, thanks to
a good imagination, the poorer children who didn't have a "lovely ball"
would make one using a pig's bladder. These children would eagerly
await the day of a pig slaughter, when they would take the bladder of the
animal and, having inflated it, would use it as though it were the best ball
around.
129
index
editorial
. Lost
Lost traditions
THE APRICOT
Whoever had the most pits was the best player
The game of the apricot consisted of three seeds, or 'pits' being joined
together by the children to form a triangle, on top of which they put a
fourth pit. They then painted a white line on the floor at a considerable
distance from the triangle. From behind the line they would throw other
pits at the structure and, if they knocked it down, they would win all the
pits.
BASKETBALL
With shoeboxes
They played a similar game with shoeboxes, in which they would make
a hole and try to drop the pits inside. If they got a "basket" they would
win three pits.
BUTTONS
No longer wanted by mothers
Buttons were also used as part of children's games. One of these
games consisted of throwing a button against a wall and as it fell to the
ground, a second player would throw their button with objective of it
landing as close to the button of their opponent as possible. If, after the
buttons landed, the gap between them was no greater than the
distance between the thumb and the little finger with the hand
extended, they won the game.
traditions: Málaga
t
he “smoking”
girlfriend. Whilst the young boy was at the girl's house with, according to the
custom, her parents sat on either side, his friends would put through the catflap a bowl in which they made a fire, using a mixture of hair, animal
hooves and matches, amongst other things.
a
The smell and the smoke that came
from it made it impossible to stay in the house,
forcing everybody out immediately, suffering from
itchy eyes and coughing fits at not being able to breathe
properly. The pranksters, all hidden, would laugh at the
situation.
phantom lover
c u l t u r a l
In winter, the boys would make jokes at those who went to visit their
Lost traditions
TO ENJOY LOVE
that seemed to be a great success:
"The phantom lover".
The lack of public lighting along the streets helped to create an
atmosphere of mystery.
As a result, when people had suffered several "shocks", they
chose never to go down that road again; so, it was left open
for the loving couple to meet up during the night.
To do this, the man would fix something to his
head to seem taller, whilst covering himself in a
white sheet to give off the appearance of a
ghost. Then on top of his head he would fix a
candle and, dressed as so, he would spend several
nights on the street where his lover lived, to scare off
any passers-by.
130
index
editorial
. Lost
traditions: Málaga
t r a d i t i o n
In extramarital affairs they used a system
Málaga
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
385.50 Km2
POPULATION
Around 550,000
Malagueños
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
131
index
editorial
. Winter
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tel: 952 12 20 20
Fax: 952 12 20 23
Traditions: Málaga
part seven:
TOURIST BOARD &
CONVENTION BUREAU
Ancient healing and cleansing practices
Málaga City and Province
. The dentist: A barber
. Removing thorns
. Stomach ulcers
. Prolonging the period of breastfeeding
. Against sins of passion
. Insomnia
. Nightmares
. Constipation
. Headaches
. Menstrual pains
. "Hunchbacked children"
. Sties
. Heartburn
. Accelerated childbirth
. Removing worms
. Colds
. Lice
. Tooth cleansing
. Manicure
. Washing
. Shaving
. Brightness
. Perfume
. Laundry
132
index
editorial
. Ancient healing and cleansing practices Málaga, Sun & Folklore
a
ncient healing processes
THE DENTIST: A BARBER
The job of the barber did not solely consist of shaving, beard trimming
or cutting hair but, years ago, they were also classed under the
professional category of "sacamuelas" ("tooth remover").
The "medical" instrument they used in the barbers with an ailed patient
tended to be something quite simple, like a set of pliers or forceps.
However, those who did not dare to put themselves in the hands of the
barber used another method, neither recommended by dentists.
They attached a thin but long piece of string around the tooth they
wanted to remove. They then attached the other end of the string to a
wooden doorknob so that when it was opened quickly, the tooth would
come out easily.
Those who used this method usually asked for help from a friend or
relative whereby they open the door; those most corageous however,
said nothing and waited for someone to open the door so as to catch
them by surprise.
REMOVING THORNS
When picking up a prickly pear it is easy to be pricked by a thorn, as
was the norm after gathering this fruit you would find many thorns in
your hands.
133
index
editorial
Healing Practices
They would look for flies that would hover around horses so they could
put them on their hands, and they would set upon removing the thorns.
STOMACH ULCERS
Many years ago, when a person had a stomach ulcer, they would drink
a glass of human urine every day for at least fifteen days straight. This
fluid could be your own or that of another person, although those
affected normally preferred to drink their own. The unpleasant drink,
not recommended even by its leading tasters, did not cure the ulcer but
it did seem to make a notable improvement.
PROLONGING THE PERIOD OF MATERNAL LACTATION
Those in the process of childbirth, to be able to prolong the
breastfeeding period, used to eat a fried lizard because, according to
their mothers, it helped you "to keep producing milk" and hence made
sure that in times of food shortage, the little ones would not go hungry.
Ingredients: A live lizard and some oil
Preparation: They would put plenty of oil into a frying pan or saucepan
and, as soon as it boils, put in the live lizard; after a few minutes, it's
ready to eat!
Women who had just had a baby, as well as having eaten the reptile,
would tie a female-bit key around their back, with a hollow bit and
interior in order to be able to breastfeed the new baby for longer.
. Prácticas
curativas: Málaga
AGAINST SINS OF PASSION
NIGHTMARES
When a woman wanted to "aliñar" -bewitch- her husband, she put a few
drops of menstrual blood in his food "and he would always be under her
spell", swore some old women.
When a child was restless during the night or they got a stomach ache,
a "folk healer" was called, who would put oil and vinegar on their
stomach whilst reading them a silent prayer. Some mothers also took
it upon themselves to do this.
Another solution was to take the intestines of three lizards, to be hung
for a few days in such a way that they would drip dry and in the morning
be exposed to the sun. Once dry, they were crushed and later used as
a condiment in the food of the beloved husband.
For those who were not able to give them food, mainly girlfriends who
had lost their loved one and wanted to get them back, they would put
their photograph towards the wall face down, and this would help them
regain their attraction.
CONSTIPATION
The geranium was the plant used against constipation. They would
slowly introduce one of its leaves into the anus by the stalk, after
having soaked it in oil. They would also use matches.
These two techniques were often used with small children.
INSOMNIA
When a baby got tired or it reached their bedtime, mothers made them
a homemade lollipop, popularly known as "sugar dolls".
Method: In the middle of a piece of cloth they put a handful of sugar.
They would then wrap it up so it took the form of a clove of garlic and
tied it with a piece of string so no sugar could escape.
Then they would wet the "doll" with water so it kept its sugary flavour
and they put it in the baby's mouth.
As long as the sweet taste remained, the children stayed quiet and
sleepy.
134
index
editorial
. Healing
Practices: Málaga
HEADACHE
Whenever they got a headache or migraine, people would put a
discarded snakeskin around a sombrero or beret and then put it on
their head to alleviate and calm the pain.
Those who suffered from this pain regularly would always keep a piece
of snakeskin on whatever hat they wore.
What's more, they were not difficult to find, you had only to go to the
countryside to find one.
MENSTRUAL PAINS
A handful of pre-washed almond shells and some raw cinnamon were
put into boiling water. After leaving on the stove for five minutes it was
taken off and drank.
"HUNCHBACKED" CHILDREN
You need:
A willow branch, three single women who must be called Maria and a
man called Juan.
The night before San Juan they would split open the willow branch and
in a bedroom they would put "the three Marías" with Juan on the other
side.
They would pass the child through the branch, from one side to the
other; he would have to be caught once by each of the Marías and
three times by Juan, whilst at the same time they would say:
STIES
To get rid of a sty you had to kill a fly and, after squashing it, rub the liquid
that came out of it on the inside of your eye. Elderly people swear that
when a sty appears, it is because a pregnant woman has fallen in love
with those eyes.
HEARTBURN
Suck continuously on a stone or on a few chickpeas.
When a child was born "hunchbacked" they would put a 25 cent coin
or peseta on their stomach and secure it with a piece of cloth that went
round the body. The child would eventually be cured.
There was also another method used when children were born
"hunchbacked".
135
"María, hunchbacked I pass this child to you,
healthy to me you must return him
by the three persons of the Trinity".
they would then put honey inside the branch and tie a knot in it; if the
willow were to grow, the child would be cured and if not, he would
always stay hunchbacked.
index
editorial
. Healing
ACCELERATED CHILDBIRTH
When the first labour pains and contractions started to arrive,
they would heat raw cinnamon in a saucepan with water, whilst
the pregnant woman sat next to the brazier with her legs open
so the heat could get to her.
When the water boiled, the woman was given it to drink; this
would speed up the birth and she would suffer fewer pains.
Women who discovered they were pregnant but didn't want the
baby, would drink three quarters of a litre of very hot beer
which would abort it.
Practices: Málaga
REMOVING WORMS
People would boil water with mint and, after a few minutes, dry the
leaves and sprigs of this herbaceous plant, and put with it a small piece
of bread and a bit of vinegar.
This would then be taken for nine days whilst fasting.
-To cure colds they would use brown paper, very common years
ago, and is still used today by some butchers to wrap meat.
The application was simple. They used a piece of cloth or cotton - the
latter material was only used by those with greater purchasing powersoaking it in iodine and then applying it, drawing the aforementioned
design.
They would smear it with oil and ash from the brazier, on which they
would then place the paper to heat up. Once hot, they put it on the
neck, where it would stay all day or all night.
-A method still very common nowadays, and one used by many, is
to go to the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (Our Lady
of the Assumption) in the town of Colmenar with a white bow.
To secure it they would use a piece of cloth tied to the neck, while the
brown paper was folded in two to stop the oil and ash from escaping.
They comment that such a remedy would burn so much that it would
sometimes leave marks on the neck.
Once there, they had to remove the ribbon tied to the right arm of San
Antón -the patient would then put it around the neck- and then put on
their own, whilst asking him to cure the pain in that area. It doesn't have
to be the patient who puts on the white bow; it can be a relative or a
friend.
COLDS
This method would not only cure colds, but also all other problems
related with throat infections.
Others used cigarette paper, on which they put hot ash and then rolled
up with a handkerchief, spread with oil and placed around the throat.
Every time they got a cold they would repeat the operation.
136
- Lodine was also often used. In this case, using the iodine they
would paint a figure on the chest of the patient in the form of a window
or grid. The picture was also often painted on the stomach, although
really it could have been on any part of the body.
index
editorial
. Healing
Many locals claim that the saint has performed a great number of
miracles with people who had serious illnesses in that part of the body,
which is why San Blas always has a white bow on his right arm.
Practices: Málaga
a
ncient hygiene methods
LICE
MANICURE
Years ago, in a society of poor hygiene
conditions, it was commonplace that
mothers or grandmothers regularly checked
the heads of their children to remove
possible lice.
They avoided cutting their nails during days containing the letter "r"
because they thought this was a sign of bad luck.
Upon first inspection of the scalp, they
carried out a kind of ritual whereby,
according to witnesses, they killed the first
louse they found on the child's head using
the mouth of a jug, so when the child grew
up, they would become a "cantaor"
(flamenco singer).
WASHING
TOOTH CLEANSING
Those who took pride in their appearance used crushed coal to clean
their teeth. To do it they used a towel that they would dip in water and
then in the crushed coal, before using it to clean their teeth.
They say that "the cleansing" left the teeth very white, but it scratched
the enamel of the teeth. The same results could be obtained using
bicarbonate.
137
Cleansing practice
index
editorial
They tended to cut them on lunes (Mondays), jueves (Thursdays),
sábados (Saturdays) and domingos (Sundays).
They used green soap and some would only wash every fifteen or
thirty days. However, those who worried more about their
appearance and about hygiene would wash once a week.
The head: When rinsing the hair they would often do it with
vinegar, whilst to fix it they would put lemon in it.
It was also common that, once having washed the hair, they would
apply a handful of caustic soda bought in small shops. To do this
they used a scourer made of hemp, very common during the time.
This practice, carried out every fifteen or thirty days, was initially
used by the poor, but who didn't realise the skin damage the
product can cause.
. Cleansing
practice: Málaga
SHAVING
They generally shaved "against the growth of hair", that is to say, with the blade pointing from the neck
up to the face, twice a week, mainly on Wednesdays or Saturdays.
A heavy shave would have to be done by the barber, as at times it could produce irritations of the skin
or bleeding. Bleeding was also often looked upon as a sign of having a very precise shave and,
therefore, they thought it was longer lasting.
Finally, the barber would apply to the face an antiseptic stone dipped in water with a transparency
similar to ice, with which they managed to stop any heavy bleeding.
BRIGHTNESS
Women with little purchasing power would shine their faces using a mother of pearl button.
They also dabbed their faces with a towel that had been soaked in cologne.
PERFUME
To give off a good scent, they would wear jasmine flowers in their hair or on their chest.
LAUNDRY
Many women used mud instead of soap, mainly because they didn't have the money to buy detergent.
To keep their clothes white without the need for bleach they used ash from the braziers.
When boiling it, they passed it through a cloth which acted as a strainer, to make sure there were no
specks left in it. They would then use the resulting liquid as bleach.
When disinfecting their clothes, and especially to remove any lice that remained on the collars, they
would boil them in water inside a huge caldron.
138
index
editorial
. Cleansing
practice: Málaga
Málaga
useful information:
SURFACE AREA
385.50 Km2
POPULATION
Around 550,000
Malagueños
OUTSTANDING SIGHTS
139
index
editorial
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tel: 952 12 20 20
Fax: 952 12 20 23
. Cleansing
practice: Málaga
TOURIST BOARD &
CONVENTION BUREAU
part eight:
.
.
140
index
editorial
.
Fairs and fiestas
Fairs and Fiestas in the province of Málaga
Calendar of faris and fiestas
Fairs and fiestas
f
airs and Fiestas in the province of Málaga
FAIR
DATE
ALAMEDA
San Isidro Labrador (Patron Saint)
August Fair (Emigrants' Day)
15 May (3 days)
1st weekend of August
ALCAUCÍN
San Sebastián
El Pilarejo Quarter Fiesta
Jewish Passover
El Alcázar Pilgrimage
Don Manuel Bridge Fiesta
Flamenco Festival
Del Espina Quarter Fiesta
Venta Baja Fiesta
Local Fiestas
Feria Chica (Virgen del Rosario)
20 January
19 March
1st full moon in spring
15 May
Late June
Early August
15 August
Mid August
Mid August
7 October
ALFARNATE
Virgen de La Candelaria Day
San Marcos Pilgrimage
San Isidro
San Antonio
San Juan
Moors and Christians' Fiesta
Nuestra Señora de Monsalud Fiesta
2 February
25 April
15 May
13 June (4 days)
24 June
Closest Saturday to 12 September
12 September (4 days)
ALFARNATEJO
San Isidro Pilgrimage
Santo Cristo de la Cabritilla
25 April
15 May
29 September
index
editorial
. Fairs
and Fiestas in the province
fairs and fiestas in the province
141
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
ALGARROBO
San Sebastián (Patron Saint)
Popular Fiestas
20 January
2nd fortnight of August
ALGATOCÍN
La Candelaria
Holy Week
The Garden of Jesus
San Isidro (Salitre Pilgrimage)
Corpus Christi
San Juan (River Pilgrimage)
August Fair
San Francisco Fair
Virgen del Rosario
1st week of February
Easter Sunday
15 May
2 months after Holy Week
24 June
3rd week of August
4 October
7 October
ALHAURÍN DE LA TORRE
San Sebastián
La Candelaria (Carnival)
Holy Week
San Juan Fair
Torre del Cante
20 January
February
24 June
June (Fair)
ALHAURÍN EL GRANDE
San Antón Fiesta
Carnival
Holy Week
Holy Cross Fiesta
Local Fair and Fiestas
Pilgrimage to Villahermosa
Jesus of Nazareth
Nuestra of Señora de Gracia (Patron Virgin)
17 January
February
3 May
27 and 28 May
28 May
12 days after Corpus Christi
15 August
index
editorial
. Fairs
142
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
ALMÁCHAR
Holy Christ
Popular Fiestas
Ajoblanco Fiesta
Pastoral Contest
Cultural Week
1st Sunday of May
Last weekend of June
1st Saturday of September
2nd fortnight of December
Variable
ALMARGEN
Nuestra Señora de Fátima Pilgrimage
Fair
San Cosme and San Damián (Patron Saints)
Late May
1st week of August
27 September
ALMOGÍA
San Roque and San Sebastián
Holy Week
Fiesta of Verdiales
Cattle Fair (San Isidro)
Fair
20 January
11 August
15 May
15 August (4 days)
ÁLORA
Carnival
Andalusian Culture Week
Holy Week, "Bidding Farewell"
May Crosses
Andalusian Culture Meetings
Youth Day
San Paulino Bermejo
Cante Grande Festival
Royal Fair
Virgen de las Flores Pilgrimage
Estación Quarter (Painting Competition)
February
February
1 May
May
May - June
May - June - July
July
August
1st Sunday after 8 September
November - December
index
editorial
. Fairs
143
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
ALOZAINA
Carnival (Flouring)
Jorox Pilgrimage
Santiago and Santa Ana Fairs (Patron Saints)
Olive Fair
February
1st Sunday of May
25 July
12 September
ALPANDEIRE
Jesus in the Garden
San Roque (Patron Saint)
Fray Leopoldo Fiestas
Easter Sunday
16 August
25 December
ANTEQUERA
Carnival
Holy Week
Spring Fair
Santa María Flamenco Night
August Royal Fair
Nuestra Señora de Remedios (Patron Virgin)
Cultural Week
February
31 May, 1 June and 2 June
Late July
1st or 2nd week of August
8 September
ÁRCHEZ
Andalusian Night (Corpus Christi)
San Antón and San Sebastián Fair
Variable
ARCHIDONA
Carnival
Holy Week
San Isidro (Patron Saint of two Quarters)
Dog Fair
San Antonio Fiestas
San Juan
Porra Flamenca
San Aurelio Fiesta
Virgen de Gracia Pilgrimage and Fiesta
19 - 21 August (variable)
Carnival Monday
15 May
index
editorial
. Fairs
1st week of June
13 - 15 June
24 June
July
144
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
ARCHIDONA
Patron Virgin Fair
Poetry Competition
15 August
August
ARDALES
Slaughter Fiesta
San Isidro (Patron Saint)
Fair
Nuestra Señora de Villaverde (Patron Virgin)
February
15 May
4 - 6 September
8 September
ARENAS
Carnival
Fair
La Candelaria Fiesta
February
August
7 and 8 September
ARRIATE
Popular Folk Songs to the Virgin
Carnival
Valentine's Day
Old Lady's Day
Virgin's Day
Holy Week
May Crosses Pilgrimage
Arriate's Major Corpus Christi Fair
Every Sunday
February
14 February
1st day of Lent
Mid Lent
1st Sunday of May
29 June
ATAJATE
The Garden
Day of the Cross
San Roque Fiestas (Patron Saint)
Must Fiesta
Easter Sunday
1 May
16 August
30 November
BENADALID
Holy Week
San Isidoro de Sevilla
Street Altars (Corpus Christi)
26 April
index
editorial
. Fairs
145
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
BENADALID
Moors and Christians' Fiestas
Fair and Fiestas
August
26 - 28 August
BENAHAVÍS
Holy Week
Fair
Virgen del Rosario Pilgrimage
11 - 15 August
7 October
BENALAURÍA
Holy Week
Los Mandaitos Pilgrimage
Cultural Week
Moors and Christians' Fiestas
San Domingo de Guzmán Fair
Virgen del Rosario
Chestnut Toasts
Popular Chocalate Party
Good Friday
3rd week of July
1st Sunday of August
1st week of August
7 October
1 November
25 December
Carnival
Corpus Christi
San Juan (Fair at Arroyo de la Miel)
Del Carmen Evening
Benalmádena Pueblo Fair
Benalmádena Pilgrimage
Tourist Day
February
24 June
16 July
15 August
August
27 September
BENAMARGOSA
Fair
20 January
1st week of August
BENAMOCARRA
Carnival (La Pava)
San Isidro
Santo Cristo de la Salud
Easter Sunday
15 May
3rd Sunday of October
BENALMÁDENA
146
index
editorial
. Fairs
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
BENAOJÁN
Carnival
San Marcos (Patron Saint)
Jesus in the Garden Festival
Train Festival
Virgen del Rosario
February
25 April
1st Sunday of May
Late July
7 October
BENARRABÁ
Carnival
Benarrabá Food Fair
Young Bullfight ("Capea")
Fair
Benarrabá Cultural Week
San Miguel Arcángel (Patron Saint)
20 January
February
February
Easter Sunday
15 August
Mid August
29 September
CAMPILLOS
Carnival
San Benito Festival and Pilgrimage
Local Fiesta and Fair
February
10 and 11 July
15 August (4 days)
CANILLAS DE ACEITUNO
Carnival
Virgen de la Cabeza
Fair
Virgen de la Candelaria
Christmas Celebrations
February
Last Sunday of April
7 September
December
CANILLAS DE ALBAIDA
San Antonio
August Fair
Virgen del Rosario
Salve Day
13 June
7 October
October
index
editorial
. Fairs
147
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
CAÑETE LA REAL
Carnival
Holy Week
Youth Week
Cultural Week
Royal Fair
Nuestra Señora de Cañosanto Fair
February
July
May - June
8 - 12 August
3rd week of September
CARRATRACA
The Passion
Virgen de la Salud
Moroccan Nights
13 -15 August
September
CARTAJIMA
Holy Week
Courtesies
Virgen del Rosario
Easter Sunday
15 August
CÁRTAMA
Local Fiestas
San Isidro (La Estación Quarter)
San Juan (Gibralgalia)
Cattle Fair
23 April (5 days)
15 May
24 June
24 - 26 September
CASABERMEJA
San Sebastian (Patron Saint)
Holy Week
Tying up the Devil (Pilgrimage)
Fiesta of the Cross
Corpus Christi
San Juan ("Pasar por la mimbre")
Fair
Virgen del Socorro Fiestas
All Saints Day
20 January
25 April
3 May
2 months after Holy Week (4 days)
24 June
August (4 days)
15 August
1 November
index
editorial
. Fairs
148
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
CASABERMEJA
Christmas Celebrations
24 December
CASARABONELA
Holy Week
The Passion
May Crosses
Santiago Apóstol Fiesta
Andalusian Humour Festival
Virgen del Rosario Pilgrimage (Patron Virgin)
Moorish Days
Virgen de la Pastora (Rondeles)
Bell Chimes at the Square
3 May
Last weekend of July
Late August
7 October
November
12 December
31 December
CASARES
May Pilgrimage
Secadero Quarter Fair
Fair
Patron Virgin
Christ Fair
Last week of May
June
1st fortnight of August
1st week of September
September
COÍN
Popular Dance Festival
Nuestra Señora de Fuensanta Pilgrimage
May (Cross) Fair
Cattle Fair
New Year's Eve Costumes
1st fortnight of January
1st Sunday of May
1st week of May
10 - 14 August
31 December
COLMENAR
La Candelaria
San Blas Fiesta
Holy Week
Picnic Day ("Día de la Pipa")
San Juan (Festival and Cultura Week)
2 February
3 February
3 May
24 June
index
editorial
. Fairs
149
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
COLMENAR
Patron Virgin Fiestas
Night of the Bonfires
September Fair
11 - 15 August
7 September
September
COMARES
San Hilario de Poitiers Fiestas
Fair
13 January
CÓMPETA
Quarter Fair
Holy Week
Day of the Cross
Corpus Christi
Fair
San Sebastián Fair
Folklore Festival (Wine Night)
La Candeleria Fiesta
Chestnut Fiesta
20 January
3 May
23 - 25 July
July
15 August
7 September
1 November
CORTES DE
LA FRONTERA
Carnival
San Roque and San Sebastián Fair
Horse Pilgrimage
Holy Week
February
23 - 27 August
Early June
Mid June
CUEVAS BAJAS
San Antonio Abad (Patron Saint)
Carnival
Old Lady's Day
Holy Week
San Juan Fiesta (Patron Saint)
17 January
February
19 March
15 May
24 June
index
editorial
. Fairs
150
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
CUEVAS BAJAS
Cultural Week
August Fair
Fair
24 June
16 - 19 August
3 and 4 September
CUEVAS DE
SAN MARCOS
San Marcos Fiesta
Nuestra Señora del Carmen Fiesta
Major Fiestas
Women's Fiesta
25 April
16 July
12 - 15 August
August
7 and 8 December
CUEVAS DEL
BECERRO
San Antonio Abad (Patron Saint)
Carnival
Old Lady's Day
Holy Week
17 January
February
19 March
15 May (variable)
CÚTAR
Carnival
Holy Week
Corpus Christi
Las Zubías Fiesta
Pilgrimage
San Juan Fiesta
San Roque
February
Late May
Late May
24 June
Mid August
EL BORGE
San Gabriel Fiesta (Patron Saint)
Raisin Day
Easter Sunday
25 April
Sunday in May
3rd Saturday of September
index
editorial
. Fairs
151
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
EL BURGO
Carnival
Jude's Burning
Virgin Fuensanta Pilgrimage
San Agustín Local Fiestas
February
Easter Sunday
4 August
26 - 30 August
ESTEPONA
Carnival
San Isidro
Saint John's Bonfire
Major Fiestas and Fair
Virgen del Carmen
Tourist Day
Carnival (Parades)
February
15 May
23 June (at night)
1st week of July
16 July
15 August
Holy Week
Patron Saint Fiesta
Immaculate Conception
February
2 August (variable)
8 December
FRIGILIANA
Carnival
Holy Week
Day of the Cross
San Antonio (Patron Saint)
Popular Dance Competition
Candelarias
20 January
February
3 May
13 June
Mid August
September
FUENGIROLA
International Peoples' Fair
Boquetillo Fiesta (San Juan)
Del Carmen Fiestas (Boliches)
Pilgrimage
Mid March
24 June
16 July
6 - 12 October
FARAJÁN
152
index
editorial
. Fairs
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
FUENGIROLA
Nuestra Señora del Rosario Fiestas
1st Sunday before 6 October
FUENTE DE PIEDRA
La Candelaria
Nuestra Señora de las Virtudes Pilgrimage
Popular Fiestas
Patron Saint Fiestas
2 February
2nd Sunday of May
22 - 26 July
8 September
GAUCÍN
Carnival
Holy Week
Roped Bull
San Juan Pilgrimage and Bonfires
Virgen de las Nieves Fair
Holy Child Fiesta
February
Easter Sunday
23 June
2nd week of August
GENALGUACIL
Candelaria
Carnival
Holy Week
San Pedro de Verona (Martyr)
First Season Bath
Christmas Popular Celebrations
2 February
February
29 April
24 June
24 December
GUARO
San Isidro
August Fair
Moroccan Nights
Caretakers Fiesta
15 May
23 - 26 August
September
8 December
HUMILLADERO
San Juan Fair
Emigrants Fair
Cultural Week
24 June
15 August
August
index
editorial
. Fairs
153
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
HUMILLADERO
Virgen del Rosario
7 October
IGUALEJA
Carnival
San Gregorio
Holy Week (live re-enactment)
The Garden of Jesus
Corpus Christi
Calleja Day
Santa Rosa de Lima Fair
Square Day
February
12 March
Maundy Thursday and Good Friday
Easter Sunday
1st Thursday after Corpus Christi
August (variable day)
Variable
Carnival
The Passion
Hornazos (Bread with eggs)
San Marcos (3-km walk)
San Miguel Pilgrimage
San Miguel Fair
The Toast ("Tostón")
February
Maundy Thursday and Good Friday
Easter Sunday
25 April
1st Sunday before Fair
1 November
Virgen de los Dolores
San Antonio
Emigrants' Day
Muscatel Grape Fiesta
April
13 June
August
1st Saturday of August
Carnival
Pilgrimage
Patron Virgin Fair
February
Late May
15 August
Holy Week
Jude's Burning
Easter Sunday
ISTÁN
IZNATE
JIMERA DE LÍBAR
JUBRIQUE
154
index
editorial
. Fairs
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
JUBRIQUE
Pilgrimage with Masks
San Juan
San Francisco of Assisi
15 May
24 June
4 October
JÚZCAR
San José
Jesus in the Garden
Virgen del Moclón
19 March
Easter Sunday
MACHARAVIAYA
San Bernardo Fair
Cultural Week (Baroque Music)
Benaque Popular Fair
Cultural Week
1st week of August
1st week o August
12 and 13 August
1st Saturday before Christmas
MÁLAGA
Carnival
Holy Week
San Juan Festival (Puerto de la Torre)
San Juan Festival (Campanillas)
Virgen del Carmen
Competition of "Malagueñas"
Málaga Fair
Major Verdiales Fiesta (Puerto de la Torre)
February
23 June
23 and 24 June
16 July
3 August
1st fortnight of August
28 December
MANILVA
Virgen de Fátima Pilgrimage
Virgen del Carmen
Santa Ana
San Luis (Sabinillas Quarter)
Humour Films
Cultural Week
Grape Harvest
July
16 July
26 July
15 August
20 - 26 August
20 - 26 August
1st weekend of September
index
editorial
. Fairs
155
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
MARBELLA
Carnival
Holy Week
Juanar Cross (Ascent to Juanar)
San Bernabé Fair
San Juan
Virgen del Carmen
San Pedro Fair
Toast Fair ("Tostón")
February
3 May
11 June (1st week)
23 and 24 June
16 July
19 October
1 November
MIJAS
San Antón
Fair (Las Lagunas)
Fair (La Cala)
Mijas Fair (In honour of the Virgen de la Peña)
Pilgrimage (Santa Teresa)
17 January
1st fortnight of June
2nd fortnight of July
1st fortnight of September
Late October
MOCLINEJO
Holy Week
Pilgrimage
Valdés Fair
San Bartolomé Fair
Christmas Celebrations (Pastorals)
Late May
25 July
24 August
Late December
MOLLINA
La Candelaria Popular Fiesta
Virgen de la Oliva Pilgrimage
Virgen de la Oliva Fair
Grape Harvest Fair
February
May
13 - 16 August
15 September
MONDA
Holy Week
San Roque (Patron Saint)
16 August (4 days)
index
editorial
. Fairs
156
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
MONTEJAQUE
Carnival
Virgen de la Escanguela
Santiago Fair
Virgen de la Concepción
Fancy Dress Party
February
17 May
25 July
15 August
8 December
NERJA
San Antón (Maro)
Carnival
Holy Week
May Crosses
San Juan
Del Carmen Fiesta
Las Cuevas Festival
Maro Wonders Fair (Patron Saint Day)
Nerja Fair (In honour of Patron Saints)
Night of Sweet Potatoes and Chestnuts
17 January
February
3 May
15 May
24 June
16 July
July - August
9 September
13 October
OJÉN
Carnival
Cante Festival
San Dionisio Areopagita
The Toast ("Tostón")
1 November
February
August
9 - 13 October
PARAUTA
Virgen del Rosario
Immaculate Conception (Patron Virgin)
1 November
PERIANA
Verdial Olive Oil Day
San Isidro
Emigrant Fair
8 December
Late March
15 May
index
editorial
. Fairs
157
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
PERIANA
Emigrant Fair
Local Fiestas
Peach Fair
20 - 23 August
Late August
PIZARRA
Carnival
Holy Week
Virgen de la Fuensanta
February
14 -18 August
PUJERRA
Holy Week
San Antonio de Padua
San Antonio Pilgrimage
Cultural Week
Virgen de Fátima
13 June
2nd week of August
2nd week of August
3 November
RINCÓN DE LA VICTORIA
Summer Fiesta (La Cala)
Virgen del Carmen
Summer Fiesta
Fire Night
El Rosario (La Cala)
1 - 3 February
4 - 7 July
12 - 17 July
22 - 25 August
October
RIOGORDO
Carnival
The Passion
Cattle Fair
Snail Day
Patron Saint and Cattle Fair
February
27 - 29 May
Closest Sunday to May Fair
14 - 18 August
RONDA
Night of Bonfires
Holy Week
7 September
index
editorial
. Fairs
158
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
RONDA
May Fair
Virgen de la Cabeza Pilgrimage
Pedro Romero Fair
Goyesque Bullfight
Lances
Toast Day ("Tostón")
Mid May
2nd Sunday of June
Early September
Day after Goyesque Bullfight
1 November
SALARES
San Antón
Holy Week
Santa Ana Pilgrimage
17 January
26 July
SAYALONGA
Medlar Day
Cultural Week
Fair
May
2nd fortnight of May
September
7 October
SEDELLA
San Antonio Abad
Holy Week
Corpus Christi
Virgen de la Esperanza
17 January
SIERRA DE YEGUAS
Carnival
Holy Week
Corpus Christi
San Bartolomé
February
15 May
24 August
index
editorial
. Fairs
159
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
TEBA
Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza Pilgrimage
Virgen del Carmen
San Toribio Fair
Nuestra Señora del Rosario Procession
15 May
15 May
16 July
10 - 12 August
7 October
TOLOX
Powder Day
Carnival
Virgen del Carmen
Cultural Week
San Roque Fiesta
Rocket Festival ("Cohetá")
Flamenco Singing Competition
Maiden's Day
February
February
16 July
20 - 27 July
14 - 18 August
16 August
November - December
8 December
TORREMOLINOS
Carnival
Verdiales
Retro Dance
May Crosses
San Juan de Montemar Fair
San Juan Evening
Fish day ("Pescaíto")
Del Carmen Fair
Flamenco Festival
Tourist Day
Fish day ("Pescaíto")
San Miguel Pilgrimage
San Miguel Fair
February
February
February - March
May
June
June
June
July
July - August
1st Thursday of September
1st Thursday of October
1st Sunday before Fair
Late September
index
editorial
. Fairs
160
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
TORROX
Lighthouse Festival
May Crosses
Del Carmen Day
Virgen de las Nieves (Patron Virgin)
El Morche or August Fair
Tourist Day Fiesta
International Folklore Festival
Children's Verdiales Festival
Güi Fandango Festival
Candelarias Day
October Fair
Chestnut Fiesta
Torrox's Migas Day
Spring
May
16 July
5 August
August
Summer
August
August
September
7 and 8 September
4 - 7 October
1 November
1st Sunday before Christmas
TOTALÁN
Popular Fiestas
Nuestra Señora del Rosario
Popular Festivals
Last weekend of May
7 October
Twice or three times a year
VALLE DE ABDALAJÍS
Carnival
Pilgrimage
San Lorenzo (Patron Saint)
February
1st Sunday of May
10 August (3 days)
Carnival
Day of the Cross
San Pedro Festival
Del Carmen Evening
Santiago Fair
San Miguel Royal Fair
Virgen de los Remedios (Patron Virgin)
Pastoral Competition
Juan Breva Flamenco Festival
February
1 - 3 May
June
16 July
25 July
Late September
November
Saturday before Christmas
VÉLEZ MÁLAGA
161
index
editorial
. Fairs
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
VILLANUEVA DE
ALGAIDAS
Carnival
San Marcos (Patron Saint)
Local Fiesta
Local Fiesta
February
25 April
1 - 4 August
8 September
VILLANUEVA DE TAPIA
Fair
Emigrants' Fiesta
Cattle Fair
12 - 14 June
2nd weekend of August
10 - 12 October
VILLANUEVA DE
LA CONCEPCIÓN
Carnival
Holy Week
San Marcos (Hornazos Day)
El Torcal Pilgrimage
Fair
Verdiales Festival
February
April
May
August
1st Saturday of August or last Saturday of July
VILLANUEVA DEL
ROSARIO
Summer Fiestas
Virgen del Rosario Fiestas
25 April
7 October
VILLANUEVA DEL
TRABUCO
Cattle Fair
Cattle Fair
Virgen de los Dolores Fiesta
8 - 10 June
24 - 26 August
VIÑUELA
Fair
Virgen de las Angustias
Raisin Fiesta
26 - 28 August
September
index
editorial
. Fairs
162
TOWN
FAIR
DATE
YUNQUERA
Holy Week
Corpus Christi
Porticate Pilgrimage
Virgen del Rosario Fair
Virgen de Agosto
15 August
7 October
Variable
index
editorial
. Fairs
163
TOWN
c
alendar of fairs and fiestas in the province of Málaga
DATES
FIESTA
TOWN
JANUARY
First fortnight of January
13 January
17 January
17 January
17 January
17 January
17 January
17 January
17 January
20 January
20 January
20 January
20 January
20 January
20 January
20 January
20 January
20 January
Folklore Dance Festival
Fiesta of San Hilario of Poitiers
Fiesta of San Antón
San Antonio Abad (Patron)
San Antonio Abad (Patron)
San Antón (Maro)
San Antón
San Antonio Abad
San Antón
San Sebastián
San Sebastián (Patron)
San Sebastián
San Roque and San Sebastián
Local Fair
Coín
Comares
Alhaurín El Grande
Cuevas del Becerro
Cuevas Bajas
Nerja
Salares
Sedella
Mijas
Alcaucín
Algarrobo
Alhaurín de la Torre
Almogía
Benamargosa
Benarrabá
Casabermeja
Cómpeta
Frigiliana
FEBRUARY
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
La Candelaria (Carnival)
Carnival
Andalusian Culture Week
Carnival
Carnival ("Harineo")
Carnival
Carnival
Alhaurín El Grande
Álora
Álora
Alozaina
Antequera
Archidona
index
editorial
. Fiestas
and Fairs Calendar
fiestas and fairs calendar
164
MONTH
DATE
FIESTA
TOWN
FEBRUARY
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
Slaughter Fiesta
Gastronomy Fair
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival (troupes)
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival
La Candelaria. Local Fiesta
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival
Ardales
Benarrabá
Arenas
Arriate
Benalmádena
Benaoján
Benarrabá
Campillos
Cañete La Real
Cortes de la Frontera
Cuevas Bajas
Cuevas del Becerro
Cútar
El Burgo
Estepona
Faraján
Frigiliana
Gaucín
Genalguacil
Igualeja
Istán
Jimera del Líbar
Málaga
Marbella
Mollina
Montejaque
Nerja
Ojén
Pizarra
index
editorial
. Fiestas
and Fairs Calendar
165
MONTH
DATE
FIESTA
TOWN
FEBRUARY
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February - first week
First day of Lent
Middle of Lent
1 to 3 February
2 February
2 February
2 February
2 February
3 February
14 February
February/March
Carnival
Carnival
Carnival
Powder Day
Carnival
Verdiales
Carnival
Carnivals
Carnival
Carnival
La Candelaria.
Old Women's Day
Virgin's Day
Day of the Candelaria
La Candelaria
La Candelaria
Candelaria
San Blas Fiesta
St. Valentine
Retro Dance
Riogordo
Sierra de Yeguas
Tolox
Tolox
Torremolinos
Torremolinos
Valle de Abdalajís
Vélez - Málaga
Villanueva de Algaidas
Villanueva de la Concepción
Algatocín
Arriate
Arriate
Alfarnate
Colmenar
Fuente de Piedra
Genalguacil
Colmenar
Arriate
Torremolinos
MARCH
12 March
Mid- March
19 March
19 March
19 March
19 March
First full moon in spring
San Gregorio
Internal Districts' Fairs
Quarter of Pilarejo Fiesta
Old Women's Day
Old Women's Day
San José
Holy Week (Jews)
Igualeja
Fuengirola
Alcaucín
Cuevas Bajas
Cuevas del Becerro
Júzcar
Alcaucín
index
editorial
. Fiestas
and Fairs Calendar
166
MONTH
DATE
FIESTA
TOWN
MARCH
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday
Easter Friday
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday
Holy Week
"El Huerto del Niño"
Holy Week
Holy Week
Holy Week
Holy Week, "La Despedida"
Holy Week
Holy Week
Holy Week
The Garden
Holy Week
Holy Week
Holy Week
Procession of the Mandaitos
Carnival (Straw Hats)
Bullfight
Holy Week
Re-enactment of the Passion
The Courtesies
Holy Week
Holy Week
Re-enactment of the Passion
Holy Week
Holy Week
Holy Week
Holy Week
Holy Week
Holy Week
Algatocín
Algatocín
Alhaurín El Grande
Almogía
Álora
Alpandeire
Antequera
Archidona
Arriate
Atajate
Benadalid
Benahavís
Benalauría
Benalauría
Benamocarra
Benarrabá
Cañete La Real
Carratraca
Cartajima
Cartajima
Casabermeja
Casarabonela
Casarabonela
Colmenar
Cómpeta
Cuevas Bajas
Cuevas del Becerro
index
editorial
. Fiestas
and Fairs Calendar
167
MONTH
DATE
FIESTA
TOWN
MARCH
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday
Easter Thursday and Friday
Easter Sunday
Easter Thursday and Friday
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday
Holy Week
San Gabriel's Fiesta (Patron)
Burning of Judas
Holy Week
Holy Week
Roped Bull
Holy Week
Holy Week
Holy Week (live re-enactment)
Los Hornazos (Eggs in Bread)
Re-enactments of the Passion
Burning of Judas
Holy Week
Holy Week
Holy Week
Holy Week
Holy Week
Holy Week
Holy Week
Holy Week
Re-enactments of the Passion
Holy Week
Holy Week
Holy Week
Holy Week
Holy Week
Cútar
El Borge
El Burgo
Faraján
Frigiliana
Gaucín
Gaucín
Genalguacil
Igualeja
Igualeja
Istán
Istán
Jubrique
Jubrique
Júzcar
Málaga
Marbella
Moclinejo
Monda
Nerja
Pizarra
Pujerra
Riogordo
Ronda
Salares
Sedella
Sierra de Yeguas
Valle de Abdalajís
index
editorial
. Fiestas
and Fairs Calendar
168
MONTH
DATE
FIESTA
TOWN
MARCH
Spring
End of March
Holy Week
Lighthouse Festival
Verdial Oil Day
Yunquera
Torrox
Periana
APRIL
April
April
23 April (5 days)
25 April
25 April
25 April
25 April
25 April
25 April
25 April
25 April
25 April
25 April
26 April
29 April
San Marcos (Day of the Hornazos)
Local Holidays
Pilgrimage of San Marcos
Patron, San Marcos
Pilgrimage, "Tying the Devil"
San Marcos' Fiesta
San Marcos (walk 3 Km)
San Marcos (Patron)
San Isidoro of Seville
San Pedro of Verona, Martyr
Virgen de la Cabeza
Iznate
Cártama
Alfarnate
Alfarnatejo
Benaoján
Casabermeja
El Borge
Istán
Villanueva del Rosario
Benadalid
Genalguacil
MAY
Last Sunday of April
A Sunday in May
May
May
May
May
May
May
Pilgrimage of San Isidro
Andalusian Culture Days
May Crosses
Pilgrimage, Virgen de la Oliva
May Crosses
Medlar Day
Torcal Pilgrimage
Snail Day
El Borge
Álora
Casarabonela
Mollina
Torremolinos
Sayalonga
Riogordo
index
editorial
. Fiestas
and Fairs Calendar
169
MONTH
DATE
FIESTA
TOWN
MAY
1 May
1 May
1 to 3 May
3 May
3 May
3 May
3 May
3 May
3 May
3 May
May
First week of May
First Sunday in May
First Sunday in May
First Sunday in May
First Sunday in May
First Sunday in May
First Sunday in May
Second Sunday in May
Second Sunday in May
15 May (3 days)
15 May
15 May
15 May
15 May
15 May
15 May
15 May
15 May
15 May
15 May
May Crosses
Day of the Cross
Day of the Cross
Santa Cruz Fiesta
Fiesta of the Cross
Pilgrimage "Día de Pipa "
Day of the Cross
Day of the Cross
Cruz de Juanar (going up to Juanar)
May Crosses
May Crosses
May Fair (Cross)
Function of the Holy Christ
Jorox Pilgrimage
May Cross Pilgrimage
Niño del Huerto Festival
Pilgrimage of Ntra. Sra. De Fuensanta
Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage of Ntra. Sra. De las Virtudes
Virgen de la Paz
Patron, San Isidro Labrador
Alcázar Pilgrimage
San Isidro
San Isidro (Pilgrimage of Salitre)
Cattle Fair (San Isidro)
San Isidro (Patron, 2 Neighbourhoods)
Patron, San Isidro
San Isidro
San Isidro (Quarter of Estación)
Álora
Atajate
Vélez - Málaga
Alhaurín El Grande
Casabermeja
Colmenar
Cómpeta
Frigiliana
Marbella
Nerja
Torrox
Coín
Almáchar
Alozaina
Arriate
Benaoján
Coín
Valle de Abdalajís
Fuente de Piedra
Ronda
Alameda
Alcaucín
Alfarnate
Alfarnatejo
Algatocín
Almogía
Archidona
Ardales
Benamocarra
Cártama
Cuevas Bajas
index
editorial
. Fiestas
and Fairs Calendar
170
MONTH
DATE
FIESTA
TOWN
MAY
15 May (variable day)
15 May
15 May
15 May
15 May
15 May
15 May
15 May
15 May
17 May
Mid-May
Second half of May
27 and 28 May
27 to 29 May
28 May
Last week of May
Last weekend of May
End of May
End of May
End of May
End of May
End of May
31 May, 1-2 June
San Isidro
San Isidro
Pilgrimage and Masks
San Isidro
Pilgrimage of Ntra. Sra. De la Cabeza
Virgen de la Escanguela
May Fair
Culture Week
Local Fiesta and Fair
Cattle Fair
Pilgrimage to Villahermosa
May Pilgrimage
Holidays
Pilgrimage of Ntra. Sra. De Fátima
Zubías Fiesta
Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage
Spring Fair
Cuevas del Becerro
Estepona
Guaro
Jubrique
Nerja
Periana
Sierra de Yeguas
Teba
Teba
Montejaque
Ronda
Sayalonga
Alhaurín El Grande
Riogordo
Alhaurín El Grande
Casares
Totalán
Almárgen
Cútar
Cútar
Jimera del Líbar
Moclinejo
Antequera
JUNE
Corpus Christi
The Corpus
Andalusian Night (Corpus)
Street Altars (Corpus)
Corpus Christi
Cómpeta
Algatocín
Árchez
Benadalid
Benalmádena
index
editorial
. Fiestas
and Fairs Calendar
171
MONTH
DATE
FIESTA
TOWN
JUNE
Thursday after Corpus
12 days after Corpus
May/June
May/June/July
May/June
June
June
June
June
June
June
Early June
First week of June
First half of June
8 to 10 June
11 June (1st week)
Second Sunday in June
12 to 14 June
13 June (4 days)
13 to 15 June
13 June
13 June
13 June
Corpus Christi
Corpus Fiesta
Corpus Day
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi
Alley Day
Jesus the Nazarene
Youth Day
San Paulino Bermejo
Culture Week
Flamenco Song Fair
Fair of the Secadero Quarter
San Juan de Montemar Fair
Fried Fish Day
Vigil for San Juan
Fiesta of San Pedro
Virgin of the Rosary Pilgrimage
Dog Fair
Fair (Las Lagunas)
Cattle Fair
San Bernabé Fair
Virgen de la Cabeza Pilgrimage
Fair
San Antonio
San Antonio's Holidays
San Antonio
San Antonio (Patron)
San Antonio
Casabermeja
Cútar
Igualeja
Sedella
Sierra de Yeguas
Yunquera
Igualeja
Alhaurín El Grande
Álora
Álora
Cañete La Real
Casares
Torremolinos
Torremolinos
Torremolinos
Vélez - Málaga
Archidona
Mijas
Villanueva del Trabuco
Marbella
Ronda
Villanueva de Tapia
Alfarnate
Archidona
Canillas de Albaida
Frigiliana
Iznate
index
editorial
. Fiestas
and Fairs Calendar
172
MONTH
DATE
FIESTA
TOWN
JUNE
13 June
Mid-June
23 to 24 June
23 to 24 June
23 June
23 June
23 June (Night)
24 June
24 June
24 June
24 June
24 June
24 June
24 June
24 June
24 June
24 June
24 June
24 June
24 June
24 June
24 June
24 June
29 June
End of June
Summer
San Antonio de Padua
Caballo ("Horse") Pilgrimage
San Juan Festival (Campanillas)
San Juan
Pilgrimage and Lights of San Juan
San Juan Festival (P. de la Torre)
"Burning of the Moustache of San Juan"
San Juan
San Juan (Pilgrimage Del Rio)
San Juan Fair
San Juan
San Juan (Fair, Arroyo de la Miel)
San Juan (Gibralgalia)
Sanjuán "Pasar por la Mimbre"
San Juan (Fair and Cultural Week)
San Juan's Fiesta (Patron)
Culture Week
San Juan's Fiesta
"Boquetillo" Fiesta (San Juan)
First Official Bath of the Season
San Juan Fair
San Juan
San Juan
Grand Corpus Fair of Arriate
Puente Don Manuel Fiesta
Popular Fiestas
Fair
Tourist Day Fair
Pujerra
Málaga
Marbella
Gaucín
Málaga
Estepona
Alfarnate
Algatocín
Archidona
Benalmádena
Cártama
Casabermeja
Colmenar
Cuevas Bajas
Cuevas Bajas
Cútar
Fuengirola
Genalguacil
Humilladero
Jubrique
Nerja
Arriate
Alcaucín
Almáchar
Sayalonga
Torrox
index
editorial
. Fiestas
and Fairs Calendar
173
MONTH
DATE
FIESTA
TOWN
JULY
July
July
July
July
July
July
First week of July
4 to 7 July
10 to 11 July
12 to 17 July
Second half of July
16 July
16 July
16 July
16 July
16 July
16 July
16 July
16 July
16 July
16 July
16 July
16 July
20 to 27 July
22 to 26 July
23 to 25 July
25 July
25 July
25 July
Flamenco Song Festival
Flamenco Festival
Youth Week
San Sebastián Fair
Virgen de Fátima Pilgrimage
El Carmen Fair
Major Holidays and Fairs
Summer Fiesta (La Cala)
San Benito Festival, Pilgrimage
Virgin of El Carmen
Fair (La Cala)
Vigil of El Carmen
Fiesta of Ntra. Sra. Del Carmen
Virgin of El Carmen
Fiesta of El Carmen (Los Boliches)
Virgin of El Carmen
Virgin of El Carmen
Virgin of El Carmen
El Carmen Fair
Virgin of El Carmen
Virgin of El Carmen
El Carmen Day
Vigil of El Carmen
Culture Week
Popular Fiestas
Fair
Fairs of Santiago and Santa Ana
Valdés Fair
Santiago Fair
Álora
Archidona
Cañete La Real
Cómpeta
Manilva
Torremolinos
Estepona
Campillos
Mijas
Benalmádena
Estepona
Fuengirola
Málaga
Manilva
Marbella
Nerja
Teba
Tolox
Torrox
Vélez - Málaga
Tolox
Fuente de Piedra
Cómpeta
Alozaina
Moclinejo
Montejaque
index
editorial
. Fiestas
and Fairs Calendar
174
MONTH
DATE
FIESTA
TOWN
JULY
25 July
26 July
26 July
27 July
Third week of July
End of July
End of July
Last weekend of July
July or August
July/August
Last Saturday of July / first of August
Santiago Fair
Santa Ana
Pilgrimage of Santa Ana
San Aurelio's Fiesta
Culture Week
Santa María Flamenco Night
Train Festival
Fiesta of Santiago the Apostle
Las Cuevas Festival
Flamenco Festival
Folk music Festival and Fair
Vélez - Málaga
Manilva
Salares
Archidona
Benalauría
Antequera
Benaoján
Casarabonela
Nerja
Torremolinos
AUGUST
Early August
First Saturday of August
First week of August
August
August
August
August
August
August (4 days)
August
August
August
August
Flamenco Festival
Muscatel Grape Festival
Fair
San Domingo de Guzmán Fair
Fair
San Bernardo Fair
Culture Week, Baroque Music
Royal Fair
Poetry Competition
Fair
Moors and Christians Festival
Benalmádena Pilgrimage
Fair
Women's Fiesta
Culture Week
Santa Rosa of Lima Fair
Expats' Fair
Virgin of El Moclón
Song Festival
Alcaucín
Iznate
Almárgen
Benalauría
Benamargosa
Macharaviaya
Macharaviaya
Álora
Archidona
Arenas
Benadalid
Benalmádena
Casabermeja
Humilladero
Igualeja
Iznate
Júzcar
Ojén
index
editorial
. Fiestas
and Fairs Calendar
175
MONTH
MONTH
176
August
1 - 4 August
August
August
August
August
First weekend of August
First Sunday in August
First or second week
2 August (variable)
3 August
4 August
5 August
Second week of August
Second weekend of August
First half of August
First half of August
8 - 12 August
10 August (3 days)
10 - 12 August
10 - 14 August
11 August
11 - 15 August
11 - 15 August
12 and 13 August
index
editorial
FIESTA
TOWN
August Fair/ El Morche
Local Fiesta
Fair
Virgin of August
International Folklore Festival
Children's Folk music Festival
August Fair (Expats' Day)
Moors and Christians Festival
August Fair
Virgin of the Rosary
Virgen de la Esperanza
Summer Holidays
August Royal Fair
Patron Saint Fiesta
Malagueñas Competition
Virgen Fuensanta Pilgrimage
Virgen de las Nieves (Patron)
Virgen de las Nieves (Patron)
Culture Week
Pilgrimage of San Antonio
Expats' Fair
Fair
Málaga Fair
Royal Fair
San Lorenzo (Patron)
San Toribio Fair
Cattle Fair
Flamenco Festival
Fair
Patron Saints' Holidays
Benaque Folkloric Fair
. Fiestas
and Fairs Calendar
Torrox
Yunquera
Torrox
Torrox
Alameda
Benalauría
Canillas de Albaida
Parauta
Sedella
Antequera
Faraján
Málaga
El Burgo
Torrox
Gaucín
Pujerra
Pujerra
Villanueva de Tapia
Casares
Málaga
Cañete La Real
Valle de Abdalajís
Teba
Coín
Almogía
Benahavís
Colmenar
Macharaviaya
AUGUST
DATE
DATE
FIESTA
TOWN
AUGUST
12 to 16 August
13 to 15 August
13 to 16 August
14 to 18 August
14 to 18 August
14 to 18 August
14 to 18 August
Mid-August
Mid-August
Mid-August
Mid-August
Mid-August
Second half of August
15 August
15 August
15 August (4 days)
15 August
15 August
15 August
15 August (4 days)
15 August
15 August
15 August
15 August
15 August
15 August
Major Holidays
Virgen de la Salud
Virgen de la Oliva Fair
V. de Gracia Fair and Pilgrimage
Virgen de la Fuensanta
Patrons' Holidays and Cattle Fair
San Roque's Fiesta
Venta Baja Fiesta
Local Holidays
San Roque's Fiesta
Folklore Dance Competition
Benarrabá Culture Week
Popular Celebrations
Fair
Fair
Expats' Fair
Fair
Quarter of Espina Fiesta
Ntra. Sra. de Gracia (Patron)
Fair
Fair (Patron)
Benalmádena Town Fair
Fair
Local Fiesta (Fair)
Holidays of Virgen del Socorro
Folklore Festival (Wine Night)
Tourist Day
Expats' Fair
Patron's Fair
Carratraca
Mollina
Archidona
Pizarra
Riogordo
Tolox
Alcaucín
Alcaucín
Cútar
Frigiliana
Benarrabá
Algarrobo
Comares
Periana
Viñuela
Alcaucín
Alhaurín El Grande
Almogía
Archidona
Benalmádena
Benarrabá
Campillos
Cartajima
Casabermeja
Cómpeta
Estepona
Humilladero
Jimera del Líbar
index
editorial
. Fiestas
and Fairs Calendar
177
MONTH
DATE
FIESTA
TOWN
AUGUST
15 August
15 August
15 August
16 August
16 August
16 August
16 to 19 August
16 August (4 days)
17 August
19 to 21 August (variable day)
20 to 23 August
20 to 26 August
20 to 26 August
22 to 25 August
23 to 26 August
23 to 27 August
24 August
24 August
24 to 26 August
26 to 28 August
26 to 28 August
26 to 30 August
3rd week of August
End of August
End of August
San Luis (Quarter of Sabinillas)
Virgen de la Concepción
Porticate Pilgrimage
Patron, San Roque
San Roque's Fiesta (Patron)
Day of the Rockets
August Fair
Patron, San Roque
Folk music Festival
San Antón and San Sebastián Fair
Local Holidays
Comedy Film Festival
Culture Week
Summer Fiesta
August Fair
San Roque and San Sebastián Fair
San Bartolomé Fair
San Bartolomé
Cattle Fair
Holidays and Fairs
Virgen de las Angustias
San Agustín (Local Holidays)
August Fair
Andalusian Comedy Festival
Peach Fair
Manilva
Montejaque
Yunquera
Alpandeire
Atajate
Tolox
Cuevas Bajas
Monda
Árchez
Periana
Manilva
Manilva
Guaro
Moclinejo
Sierra de Yeguas
Benadalid
Viñuela
El Burgo
Algatocín
Casarabonela
Periana
SEPTEMBER
September
September
September
Holidays Nuestra Señora de Monsalud
Christ's Fair
September Fair
Alfarnate
Casares
Colmenar
index
editorial
. Fiestas
and Fairs Calendar
178
MONTH
DATE
FIESTA
TOWN
SEPTEMBER
September
September
September
September
September
September
Beginning of September
First weekend
First Thursday of September
First Saturday of September
First half of September
First week of September
Day after the Goyescas
3 to 4 September
4 to 6 September
7 September
7 September
7 September
7 September
7 to 8 September
7 to 8 September
8 September
8 September
8 September
8 September
9 September
Sunday after 8 September
Candelarias
Raisin Festival
Moroccan Nights
Moroccan Nights
Güi Fandangos Festival
Pedro Romero Fair
Grape Harvest
Tourist Day
Ajoblanco Day
Mijas Fair (Virgen de la Peña)
Patron
Flame Night
The Goyescas (bullfight)
Rejones (bullfights on horses)
Fair
Fair
Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night
Day of the Candelarias
Ntra. Sra. de Remedios (Patron)
Ntra. Sra. de Villaverde (Patron Fiesta)
Local Fiesta
Patron Saints' Holidays
Holy Child Fiesta
Maravilla of Maro Fair (Patron)
Pilgrimage, Virgen de las Flores
Frigiliana
Sayalonga
Viñuela
Carratraca
Guaro
Torrox
Ronda
Manilva
Torremolinos
Almáchar
Mijas
Casares
Ronda
Ronda
Cuevas Bajas
Ardales
Colmenar
Cómpeta
Riogordo
Arenas
Torrox
Antequera
Ardales
Fuente de Piedra
Gaucín
Nerja
Álora
index
editorial
. Fiestas
and Fairs Calendar
179
MONTH
DATE
FIESTA
TOWN
SEPTEMBER
12 September
15 September
15 September
Third Saturday of September
Third week of September
24 to 26 September
27 September
27 September
29 September
29 September
Sunday before the fair
Sunday before fair
End of September
End of September
Fiesta of Ntra. Sra. de Monsalud
Olive Fair
Grape Harvest Fair
Virgen de los Dolores Fiesta
Raisin Day
Fiesta of Ntra. Sra. de Cañosanto
Cattle Fair
Patron Holidays of S. Cosme and S. Damián
Tourist Day
Holy Christ of the Cabritilla
San Miguel Arcángel (Patron)
Pilgrimage of San Miguel
San Miguel Fair
Pilgrimage of San Miguel
San Miguel Fair
San Miguel Royal Fair
Alfarnate
Alozaina
Mollina
El Borge
Cañete La Real
Cártama
Almárgen
Benalmádena
Alfarnatejo
Benarrabá
Istán
Istán
Torremolinos
Torremolinos
Vélez - Málaga
OCTOBER
October
October
First Thursday of October
4 October
4 October
4 to 7 October
Sunday before 6 October
6 to 12 October
6 to 7 October
7 October
7 October
7 October
Salve Day
The Rosary (La Cala)
Fried Fish Day
San Francisco Fair
San Francisco de Asís
October Fair
Pilgrimage
Ntra. Sra. del Rosario Holidays
Pilgrimage
Small Fair (V. del Rosario)
Canillas de Albaida
Torremolinos
Algatocín
Jubrique
Torrox
Fuengirola
Fuengirola
Benahavís
Alcaucín
Algatocín
Benahavís
index
editorial
. Fiestas
and Fairs Calendar
180
MONTH
DATE
FIESTA
TOWN
OCTOBER
7 October
7 October
7 October
7 October
7 October
7 October
7 October
7 October
7 October
7 October
9 to 13 October
10 to 12 October
13 October
19 October
Third Sunday October
End of October
Virgen of the Rosary Pilgrimage (Patron)
Ntra. Sra. del Rosario (Procession)
Ntra. Sra. del Rosario
Holidays of Virgin of the Rosary
Fair of Virgin of the Rosary
Fair of S. Dionisio Areopagita
Cattle Fair
Nerja Fair (Patrons)
San Pedro Fair
Santo Cristo de la Salud
Pilgrimage (Santa Teresa)
Benalauría
Benaoján
Canillas de Albaida
Casarabonela
Humilladero
Sayalonga
Teba
Totalán
Yunquera
Ojén
Villanueva de Tapia
Nerja
Marbella
Benamocarra
Mijas
NOVEMBER
November
November
1 November
1 November
1 November
1 November
1 November
1 November
1 November
1 November
1 November
3 November
Moorish Days
Los Remedios (Patron)
Chestnut fritters
Chestnut Festival
Chestnut Festival
Chestnut and Sweet Potatoes Night
All Saints' Day
El Tostón
"El Tostón" Fair
Tostón
El Tostón Day
Virgen de Fátima
Casarabonela
Vélez - Málaga
Benalauría
Competa
Torrox
Maro
Casabermeja
Istán
Marbella
Ojén
Ronda
Pujerra
index
editorial
. Fiestas
and Fairs Calendar
181
MONTH
DATE
FIESTA
TOWN
NOVEMBER
30 November
November/December
November/December
Must Fair
Quarter of Estación (Painting Contest)
Flamenco Singers' Competition
Atajate
Álora
Tolox
DECEMBER
December
7 to 8 December
8 December
8 December
8 December
8 December
8 December
12 December
Second half of December
Sunday before Christmas
24 December
24 December
Christmas
Christmas
28 December
31 December
31 December
Late December
Christmas
La Inmaculada
Custodians' Day
Costume Party
La Inmaculada (Patron)
Ladies' Day
Virgen de la Pastora (de los Rondeles)
Pastoral Songs Contest
Cultural Week
Juan Breva Flamenco Festival
Pastoral Songs Contest
"Migas" Day
Christmas
Christmastime Local Fiesta
Fray Leopoldo Fiesta
Popular Chocolate Day
Major Fiesta of Folk music
Town Square Bells
New Years' Eve (costumes)
Christmas (Pastorals)
Faraján
Guaro
Montejaque
Parauta
Tolox
Casarabonela
Almáchar
Macharaviaya
Vélez - Málaga
Vélez - Málaga
Torrox
Casabermeja
Genalguacil
Alpandeire
Benalauría
Málaga
Casarabonela
Coín
Moclinejo
index
editorial
. Fiestas
and Fairs Calendar
182
MONTH

Málaga Sun and Folklore

Transcription

Similar documents

Holiday in Spain – La Ponderosa Holiday Home

10 Marina Terra - Seaside Realty

Weather Series Learning Resource Guide

Our History - Clearman`s Restaurants

SUNSET BEACH CLUB: FACT SHEET

Teawith Sidney Mobell - San Mateo Public Library Foundation

Parish Office: 408 293 3503 MASS SCHEDULE – HORARIO de

Layout 1 (Page 1) - Rescue Task Force

Urola Kosta