The Málaga Fair isn’t just a week of partying—it’s a way of life. From August 15 to 23, 2025, the city transforms completely. There are lanterns, laughter, flamenco dresses, music around the clock, and a heat that only goes away with a cold Cartojal in hand and a big desire to have a great time.
In this guide, we give you the perfect plan so you don’t miss the highlights: the opening fireworks, the city center fair, the casetas at the Real, must-try dishes, the colorful traditional outfits that light up the streets, and a few tips to survive the heat and the rebujito. Get ready to enjoy Málaga like never before.
When does the Málaga Fair (Feria dde Málaga) 2025 start?
The fair kicks off in full swing on the night of Friday, August 15th. At midnight, fireworks light up the beaches of La Malagueta, Misericordia, and Huelin. This pyrotechnic show, launched from the pier, lasts about 20 minutes and marks the emotional start of the big week.
On Saturday the 16th, the lighting ceremony and the official opening speech at the Real de Cortijo de Torres formally kick off the festivities. The sky fills with lights, and the city pulses to the rhythm of the fair.
What to See and Do During the Feria de Málaga
Day Fair – Historic Center
The Day Fair is pure street joy. It’s lived among friends, with a Cartojal in hand, dancing sevillanas under the sun, and seeking shade beneath the lanterns. Everyone joins in here: locals, tourists, grandparents, kids… The city becomes a stage.
During the day, downtown Málaga turns into an open-air party. From 12 to 6 PM, the main squares—Larios, Constitución, Merced—fill up with live music, verdiales groups, flamenco, parades, and family activities.
One of the most picturesque moments is the equestrian parade and pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Victoria, usually held on the first Saturday morning of the fair. During this event, horses, carriages, and period costumes transform the streets into a living postcard, blending religious tradition and popular spectacle right in the heart of Málaga.
Feria de Noche – Real de Cortijo de Torres
The Night Fair is a whole different vibe: colorful lights, glittering outfits, music blasting, and casetas that never rest. It’s the wildest and most festive version, where you can dine, toast, dance, and ride the Ferris wheel—all in the same night. Get ready to not want to go home.
As night falls, the heart of the fair beats at the Real. Here, more than 200 casetas—most with free entry—offer music for every taste, food, drinks, and dancing until the early hours. Casetas are decorated spaces where groups of friends, families, and associations gather to celebrate, dance, and enjoy local cuisine. Some are calmer with a family-friendly vibe, while others turn into real dance floors with DJs and live performances. The fairground rides add lights, adrenaline, and big-time fun.
At 10:30 PM, the Real Auditorium hosts free shows, ranging from concerts to family-friendly performances.
☕️ Refresh your day with a delicious cold foam at Bun and Coffee. Right in the heart of downtown, we invite you to enjoy a unique experience with exceptional coffee, crafted with the best beans and passion. Pair it with our famous Buns in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere—perfect for enjoying great moments. Ready to try something fresh and tasty? We’re waiting for you with a smile! 😊.
Food That Never Fails
At the fair, eating well is a must. The casetas offer a wide variety of traditional dishes:
- Paella: a classic festive and hearty dish.
- Callos: rich and flavorful, for the brave at heart.
- Fritura Malagueña: anchovies, squid, dogfish… pure taste of the sea.
- Eggplant with honey and breadcrumbs: a timeless tradition.
- Serranito y montaditos: bocadillos con fundamento para aguantar toda la jornada.
- Spanish omelette: perfect any time of day, plain or stuffed.
- Cured ham and cheese: the perfect snack to share.
- Varied tapas: salmorejo, croquettes, Russian salad, or gazpacho.
Must-Have Drinks
No Málaga fair is complete without its traditional drinks:
- CartojalMoscatel wine: the most iconic sweet wine. Served cold, it goes down so smoothly it almost tastes like grape juice… but beware, it packs a significant alcohol punch. It’s delicious, yes, but sneaky. Key tip: stay well hydrated—and remember, what really hydrates is water.
- RebujitoRebujito: fino or manzanilla mixed with lemon-lime soda. Refreshing, light, and totally fair-ready. We love it because it goes down easy, brightens up any caseta, and is perfect for toasting without knocking you out on the first round (though watch out—it still packs a punch!).
- Victoria Beer: Málaga’s classic brew, present at every toast.
The Art of Dressing for the Fair
The attire is an essential part of the experience. Flamenco dresses fill the streets and casetas with color and elegance. Seeing people of all ages wearing their finest outfits is a true pleasure and a spectacle in itself: living tradition and Andalusian style at its best. And if you’re not ready to buy a dress, pop into a shop and try one on—who knows! And if the dress doesn’t catch your fancy, a pair of earrings or a flower might. Sometimes, just one accessory is enough to fully immerse yourself in the fair spirit. In shops like El Rocío, Dos Lunas, or Viva la Feria, you can find everything from simple designs starting at €150 to handcrafted creations.
Accessories—shawls, flowers, earrings, combs, and espadrilles—complete a fair look worthy of the runway.
Useful Tips to Enjoy 100%
- Public TransportThe special “F” line connects the city center with the Real 24 hours a day. Lines 4, 18, 20, and 22 are also reinforced.
- Free Wi-Fi in many areas of the city center and the Real.
- Keep hydrated: between Cartojales and dancing, don’t forget the water.
- Calzado cómodo: imprescindible para resistir desde la feria de día hasta la madrugada.
- Strategic rest: a good nap can save your night.
Beyond the Fair
After a long night of dancing and Cartojales, a slow and tasty breakfast is almost a necessity. If you’re in the city center, stop by Bun and Coffee—your specialty coffee and donut shop in Málaga—for a great specialty coffee and a freshly made donut. And if you’re craving something savory, a sandwich and freshly squeezed juice at Bar Los Pastores won’t disappoint. Start your day calmly before getting back into the fair’s rhythm.
A break from the hustle and bustle is a must, with options for every taste: from a visit to the eastern coast in Pedregalejo to breathe by the sea, to an adventure in Nerja and its coves. Málaga doesn’t end at the fair—it reinvents itself at every turn.
Got more days in Málaga? Take the opportunity to explore other spots:
- Culture in the Morning: Alcazaba, Gibralfaro, Museo Picasso.
- Getaways: Caminito del Rey, Nerja, Frigiliana, Ronda.
- Relaxed PlansVisit botanical gardens, enjoy sunset strolls along Muelle Uno, have a relaxed bite at hidden terraces, or take a nighttime visit to an Arabic hammam. There’s nothing like immersing yourself in their thermal baths to reset body and soul before diving back into the festive rhythm.
Top Moments You Can’t Miss
- Opening Fireworks (August 15th)
- Equestrian Parade and Pilgrimage (Romería)
- Verdiales on Calle Larios
- Orchestras and Dancing at the Real
- Children’s Fair with puppets, theater, and family activities at Plaza de la Merced
With this guide, you have everything you need to make your Málaga Fair 2025 unforgettable. Whether you’re here for the fireworks, the tapas, the rebujito, or dancing until dawn, get ready to experience the city in its most festive form.
And if you need a break from all the fair excitement… nothing beats stopping by Bun and Coffee to refresh yourself with a cold foam. Because even the fair tastes better with a touch of matcha or pistachio in hand.
If you’re passionate about enjoying unique drinks and learning about the world of coffee, don’t miss their section on types of coffee in Málaga and how to order them correctly. You’re sure to find something new and delicious on their menu!
☕️ Refresh your day with a delicious cold foam at Bun and Coffee. Right in the heart of downtown, we invite you to enjoy a unique experience with exceptional coffee, crafted with the best beans and passion. Pair it with our famous Buns in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere—perfect for enjoying great moments. Ready to try something fresh and tasty? We’re waiting for you with a smile! 😊.