Great Andalucian summer foodie festivals

Living in Spain you become accustomed to some of the great fiestas and festivals the country holds. Here in Andalucia is no exception and whether you are joining in with parades, eating fabulous food or joining in with tradition there are plenty to choose from.

Los Boliches Feast, Fuengirola July 16

The festivities here are in honour of Our Lady the Virgen del Carmen, Patron of Los Boliches, and are based on a strong maritime tradition and on the devotion expressed by the inhabitants. Festivities take place on the beach.

Fiesta de la Urta, Rota, August 3 to 6

Smells of locally-produced delicacies traverse through the air in Rota, whose event celebrates the wealth of culinary talent in the area. Check out the dishes on sale from the many casetas and watch judges put budding chefs to the test in various food challenges.

Fiesta del Gazpacho, Alfarnatejo, August 5

In this Axarquian pueblo raise a glass to this simple but delicious Andalucian staple. Residents come together to cook up huge pots of the soup, which are then doled out to hungry fiesta goers. The night will feature flamenco shows and live artists too.

Night of Wine, Competa August 15th

Cómpeta, in the Axarquía region celebrates “La Noche del Vino” each year. This traditional festival has its roots in the farewell that used to be given to those who left the town to go to the farmhouses for the harvest and did not return home until October, after the grapes and raisins had been trodden or packed. Keeping the tradition, every 15 August the party begins with the traditional treading of the grapes in the Plaza de la Vendimia, accompanied by the music of the fandangos of Cómpeta and the verdiales (folk dancing) groups from other localities.

Feria de Malaga, August 12 to 19

This is the biggest party in Malaga province and people travel miles to attend. Crowds flock to the week-long feria in August to taste wines and tapas in the historic centre, while live music and performances take place throughout the streets. The feria dates back to 1491 as a commemoration event of the incorporation of Malaga with the crown of Castilla and begins with some awe-inspiring fireworks.