Málaga Fair
The great summer party: by day in the centre, by night at the fairground.
Key points
- It is held in August for a week; in 2026 it ran from 15 to 22 August.
- It commemorates the entry of the Catholic Monarchs into the city on 19 August 1487.
- It has two faces: the daytime fair in the centre and the night fair at the Cortijo de Torres fairground.
- It opens with a big fireworks display over La Malagueta beach.
History
The Fair began as a commemoration of Málaga joining the Crown of Castile after the siege of 1487. That is why the big day is 19 August, a local holiday. It starts with a pilgrimage to the sanctuary of La Victoria, the city's patron saint.
Daytime fair in the centre
From midday into the evening the old town fills with music, sevillanas dancing and verdiales. It is traditional to toast with ice-cold Cartojal sweet wine and enjoy tapas in the streets around Calle Larios.
Night fair at Cortijo de Torres
At night the party moves to the Cortijo de Torres fairground, with its illuminated gateway, marquees (many open to everyone), rides and concerts until dawn. Special buses run from the centre.
Tips
Do
- Use public transport: traffic is closed in the centre.
- Drink water between glasses of wine.
- Watch the fireworks from the promenade or Muelle Uno.
Avoid
- The hottest hours out in the street.
- Driving to the fairground.
Check the programme and times on the Málaga City Council website.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Málaga Fair?
In August, a week around the 19th. In 2026 it ran from 15 to 22 August; the City Council publishes each year's dates.