Malaga Feria

The province of Malaga is home to one of the liveliest celebrations in Spain—the annual Malaga Feria. This carnival is a bit of a local secret, so it’s perfect if you like going off the beaten track. For one whole week in August every year, the entire province comes together to party from dusk until dawn. The streets are awash with banners, street food vendors, carousels and dancing stages. Most shops are closed as locals are thoroughly taken in by the holiday spirit. The Malaga Feria actually takes place in a designated area just outside the city center of Malaga. The open farmland here is decorated with bunting and colourful tents. Inside, fairground rides, carousels, flamenco bars and pop-up taverns selling tapas and sangria can be seen everywhere. Locals dress up in colourful attire. Even two-year-olds can be spotted wearing bright flamenco dresses and sporting elaborate hairdos. The week-long celebration culminates in a massive party on the last day, which spills into the streets of Malaga and the surrounding villages. Highly recommended.