The heat is about to get a bit more intense this month but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your way out and enjoy what the Costa del Sol has to offer in August. For many, the hot and hazy summer days might best be spent on the beach…and we agree, but if you choose to spend any part or all of August in Spain, then you might as well join the party!
In the south of Spain, every town and village in Andalucia has its own feria, and it might be possible with super human strength to spend the entire summer following them around. For this month though, we’ve put together a list of ferias not to be missed!
Feria de Málaga
From the 15th of August to the 22nd, Malaga hosts the grandest fair in all of Andalucia. If you plan on attending at least one feria this summer, then it needs to be Malaga’s! Málaga's Feria has its roots set in history, celebrating the reconquest by the Catholic Kings.
The week is filled from Saturday to Saturday with fireworks, wine, tapas and music. You must see the Romeria, horseback riders and horse-drawn carriages carrying the elite in a colourful procession. Street marquees and live bands will have your feet tapping - it's a summer festival not to be missed.
Gastronomic Feria – Cadiz
From the 4th of August to the 7th, foodies will certainly enjoy this feria featuring the local fish urta (sea bream) sautéed with tomato, pepper and onions. You will also enjoy several carnival groups doing an array of performances.
Medieval Fiesta – La Conquista de la Ciudad
Taking place the 5th and 6th of August in Alcala la Real, Jaen, this festival commemorates the capture of Alcala la Real from the Moors. The town was the scene of frequent battles between the Moors and the Christians. The festival takes place against the backdrop of the ruined La Mota castle. Activities and events include archery demonstrations, theatre, dance and medieval food. Look out for other events in this programme coming up later this year in Jaen province.
The Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos - Benamahoma, Cádiz
This event takes place from the 5th of August to the 8th and honours the towns patron saint San Antonio de Padua. Here you will see mock battles and fabulous concerts among many other performances.
Moros y Cristianos – Benalauria, Malaga
This medieval celebration takes place from the 7th to the 8th of August in Benalauria, Malaga. You will witness typical recreations of medieval battles between Moors from North Africa and Spanish Christians, celebrated every first Sunday in August.
Nochevieja en Berchules – Berchules, Granada
Ever since the town couldn’t celebrate New Year’s Eve in 1994 due to a power cut, they’ve held an alternative party every August (typically the 7th of August), complete with the Reyes Magos and the 12 grapes at midnight.
Velada Patronal en Honor del la Olivia - Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz
Held between the 10th of August to the 24th, this religious event is held in Vejer de la frontera, Cadiz and is named in honour of a patron saint. This event starts with the Virgin being carried from the Santuario de la Oliva (Sanctuary of the Olive) to the town to kick off two-week celebrations. On 15 August, she has her procession through the streets, and on 20 August, there is a night of flamenco. Then, on 24 August, she is taken back to her sanctuary. In addition, various cultural activities take place.
Carrera de Caballos de Sanlucar - Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Cádiz
Starts from the 10th of August to the 27th: This sporting feria features evening races along the beach with no course and free range! Awesome for sports fans.
The Noche del Vino – Competa, Malaga
From the 11th of august to the 15th, this famous wine festival was established originally to bid farewell to the grape-pickers who were off to bring in the harvest. These days, poets, artists and writers take part; a mural is painted; you can see flamenco performances and exhibitions; and of course, the highlight is free muscatel wine (comes in both dry and sweet varieties) for everyone and includes tours and tastings. This day is also when Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion, the town’s patron saint, is honoured.
Festividad de la Virgin de la Caridad - Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Cádiz
This festival taking place from the 12th of August to the 15th, celebrates another patron saint with a procession. The streets are decorated with intricate designs made of coloured salt, creating a colourful carpet for the Virgin to ride over.
Festival del Moscatel – Chipiona, Cadiz
From the 12th of August to the 15th, celebrating the local “brew”, of course being wine. Music plays a big part in this wine festival, being the hometown of Raphael and Jose Merce – (LINK). You can enjoy dancing and carnival performances and the crowning of the festival queen.
Music Festival: Noche Flamenca de la Muralla de la Segur - Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz
Held the 20th of August, enjoy night-time flamenco, celebrated by the town’s original Moorish walls; part of the two-week fiesta which starts on 10th of August.
Festivalde Castillo de Niebla
Traditionally until the 28 of August, in Niebla, Huelva, this theatre and dance festival, set inside the medieval walled town with its magnificent castle, Castillo de Guzman, features Shakespeare (Macbeth, 20 August; The Rape of Lucretia, 27-28 August) and Lope de Vega (El Amor Enamorado, 13th August).
Real Feria de san Agustin – Olvera, Cadiz
Traditionally 28th to the 31st of August, this feria, which celebrates tercentenary, features the original purpose behind the ferias: a livestock market - one of the most important in the region - which takes place every morning.
La Tomatina - Buñol, Valencia
We just had to make sure and add this incredible and worldly famous festival, the Tomato festival in Valencia.
Takes place on the 31st of August, in Buñol, Valencia, the Tomatina is possibly the world's largest food-fight. Every year, locals and thousands of tourists meet in the Valencian city of Buñol. For over 60 years the town has been the site of a massive tomato fight, where over 100 tons of very ripe tomatoes are thrown during hours of mayhem in the streets of the small town. Even though this is not in Andaluica, we thought it was worth mentioning as many Andalusians go there.
Benahavis Feria
From August 14th to the 17th
The village of Benahavis is known for many things, this includes it's famous dining experience, as the village is also known as "the dining room to the Costa del Sol"; and of course it's adventure tourism featuring the river walk.
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