Right now, one of the biggest fiestas in Andalusia is in full swing: the Feria de Sevilla. Thousands of people gather in the district of Los Remedios to celebrate Spanish traditions in a truly unique atmosphere. But Seville isn’t the only place hosting a feria. Málaga and many surrounding towns also celebrate this vibrant festival. Here’s everything you need to know.
The Feria de Sevilla: stepping into another world
From April 21 to 26, Los Remedios in Seville transforms into a dazzling spectacle of colour, music, and tradition. As the largest feria in Andalusia, it attracts thousands of visitors every year—and for good reason. The moment you enter the fairground, lined with countless tents known as casetas, it feels like stepping into a different world. Horse-drawn carriages roll through the streets, women wear elegant, brightly coloured flamenco dresses, and men appear in traditional suits, often topped with classic Spanish hats.
But the visual charm is only part of the experience. Every day from noon until late at night, Seville celebrates Andalusian culture with traditional dancing, local cuisine, and plenty of sherry. For those looking for even more excitement, the nearby amusement area, Calle del Infierno, offers rides and attractions well into the night.
As magical as it sounds, there’s one catch: most casetas are private. Unless you’re from Seville or know someone who can invite you, access is limited. However, you can still soak up the atmosphere by strolling through the fairgrounds or visiting one of the public casetas, which are mainly located near the amusement area. The celebrations conclude with a spectacular fireworks display along the banks of the Guadalquivir River at midnight on the final Sunday.
The Feria de Málaga: tradition with a different origin
While not as large as its Sevillian counterpart, the Feria de Málaga is just as worth experiencing. The biggest feria on the Costa del Sol takes place from August 16 to 22. Its origins date back to 1491 and it is held each year in honour of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, who entered Málaga on August 19, 1487, marking the city’s liberation from Moorish rule. Unlike many other ferias in Andalusia, which evolved from livestock fairs, Málaga’s celebration is rooted in this historical event.
The feria is split between two main locations. During the day, Málaga’s city centre comes alive. From noon until around 6:00 p.m. visitors can enjoy live music, street parades, and traditional performances. Streets like Calle Larios and Plaza de la Constitución fill with people in flamenco attire, lively pandas de verdiales (traditional folk music groups), and colourful decorations.
In the evening, the celebrations move to the Real de la Feria at Cortijo de Torres, just outside the city. Here, more than 100 open-access casetas welcome everyone – no invitation needed. Enjoy food stalls, free concerts, flamenco shows, and even horse performances, all lasting late into the night.
So, when you are in Málaga in August do not miss this chance of a deep dive into Andalusian culture!
