La Feria de Malaga - The Costa del Sol’s most famous event

While August on the Costa del Sol is known to be the busiest and hottest time of the year, the height of summer on the Spanish coastline is in many ways characterised by some of the most treasured features the region has to offer; long, lazy days by the Mediterranean coastline, barbecued sardines on the beach and warm jasmine scented evenings - but above all, the Feria de Malaga.

Typically held on the third week in August, the Malaga fair will be held this year between the 12th and 19th of the month and is an unmissable event that attracts over 2 million visitors per year. Held in two locations in the city, the Feria de Malaga is a stunning culmination of some of the most well known and appreciated Spanish traditions; food, music and dance, and the insatiable ability Andalucian's have to enjoy and celebrate life surrounded by friends and family.

The Malaga fair began on August 15th in 1491, as a celebration of the re-conquest of the city and its incorporation into the ancient Castile in 1487. The fair has been organised in various locations around the city ever since, until it was officially assigned to the Cortijo de Torres, an area next to the Congress Centre of Malaga.

Today, the feria de Malaga is made up of an ever increasing large number of events, activities and performances that take place in two main areas. During the day, a large number of people descend on an elaborately decorated Marques de Larios to eat, drink and watch or take part in street performances until 7pm. Under the August sun, couples stroll by on primed Andalucían horses and women and little girls wear their finest flamenco dresses to dance the 'sevillana', a traditional local folk dance, through the squares. 'Biznagueros', vendors of a type of constructed jasmine flower that is a treasured Malagueñan symbol during the summer months, take to the streets to sell 'Biznagas', leaving the strong scent of jasmine hanging in the cities evening air.

Festivities by night are located in the Cortijo de Torres over the duration of the week, a dedicated fairground offering an abundance of rides, ferris wheels, activities for children, and 'casetas' - large booths and stalls for food, refreshments and performances. Musicians and dancers populate the evening ambience as visitors of all ages come to spend hours enjoying warm summer nights in the city surrounded by some of the most stunning features southern Spanish culture has to offer.