The second week of August is the time for the Almuñécar Feria and Fiestas Virgen de la Antigua (The Fair). It is time for celebrations in honor of the town’s patron saint, Virgen de la Antigua. It’s nearly a week full of food, drinks, music, carnival rides, and a procession. It all ends on August 15th with the biggest night in Almuñécar ‘s list of annual festivals and the most spectacular fireworks display!
This usually includes 5-6 days of activities and fun all around town, mainly at the fairgrounds, Paseo Puerta del Mar, Paseo del Altillo, Plaza del Sexi, and around town. During the week, different recreational, cultural, and leisure activities are carried out, day and night, for children and adults. You will even enjoy events like a beach volleyball competition, near the Los Bajos beach bars. You are also in for a treat, as this is when the locals will show off traditional and colorful feria clothing.
Then on August 15th, it is Assumption Day, and the Virgen de la Antigua, patron saint of Almuñécar, will set sail. The brotherhood will take the statue of Virgen de la Antigua and guide her through the streets in a procession from the church to the sea. They will then send her off to the sea to bless her amid a festive atmosphere. She is then sailed around the rocks of the Peñon, escorted by a small armada, to arrive back on land at Playa Puerta del Mar around 23:00.
This is when you will experience the most spectacular fireworks display not only in the sky, but it will cascade from the castle to the beach and into the sea! When this finishes, everyone heads back to the feria to eat, drink & dance the night away.
If you don’t like noise, be aware that there will likely be sound rockets each morning, as well as the fireworks on the night of the 15th
Who is Virgen de la Antigua?
The Virgin of Antigua is an invocation of the Virgin Mary. The Virgin is usually represented by the Child Jesus and a white rose, commonly referred to as Virgen de la Antigua or Nuestra Señora de la Antigua. These different invocations she receives are a product of the place and the message that she brings.
Día de la Virgen de la Antigua (15th August)
The feast day of the Assumption of Mary celebrates the Christian belief that God assumed the Virgin Mary into Heaven following her death. It is celebrated on or around August 15 in many countries, particularly in parts of Europe and South America. It’s also called the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Most Holy Mother of God (in the eastern countries), or the Feast of the Assumption. The Virgen Mary is also known as the Virgin of Antiquity or Virgen de la Antigua. This day is celebrated all over Spain, but it is almost a week of celebrations in Almuñécar.
Nuestra Señora de la Antigua (Almuñécar)
The invading troops were defeated by the army of Felipe II, commanded by Don Lope de Valenzuela, who was in command of the Castillo fortress. The war action took place, precisely at dawn on August 15, 1569, and the inhabitants attributed the victory to the miraculous intervention of the Virgin of Antigua.
2026 Fiestas Virgen de la Antigua
August 9 – 15
2026 Fiestas Almuñécar Feria
Detailed Schedule
The hourly program for the Feria events is from the 9th to the 15th of August.
Fiestas Almuñécar: Download the full schedule
Sunday, August 9th
Free entry to San Miguel Castle and Cueva 7 Palicios Museum
12:00 Inauguration of the Fiestas Patronales (Let’s kick off the party!) at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, The Great Balloon Release
12:00 Pasacalles Inaugural -Parade of giants and Big Heads, through the streets by the Gran Music Musical Association
12:15 Activities for the kids, featuring a puppet show “El Arma Arreglamundos” at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento
13:00 – 19:00 Almuñécar Feria the opening of the Feria del Día (Day fair)!
Opening of the fair with a light and color show.
Wine tasting from our region and performance by Hakuna Magata
(Rio Verde Fairgrounds) The official party tent will be located at the truck parking near the N340, at the north end of the stadium and padel courts.
20:30 Pasacalles Inaugural – Parade of giants and Big Heads and Herald Knights. Departing from the Casa de la Cultura, passing through the streets to the night fairgrounds.
21:30 Night Fair Opening!
The illumination of the Fairground lights at Paseo Blas Infante
22:00 Opening of the fair attractions, rides, food booths, feria bars, and the feria tent.
23:00 Entertainment: El Arrebato Concert at the feria tent (Free entry)
00:30 Entertainment: Party! at the feria tent with DJ Felipe Rubio
Monday, August 10th
11:00 – 13:00 Water Activities Playa Puerta del Mar ( water slides!)
12:00 Street Parade with music – through the shopping streets of the town center
13:00 – 19:00 Almuñécar Feria del Día (Day fair) !
Performance by King Africa
Sefora and Luni’s performance
Rio Verde Fairgrounds. The official party tent is located at the truck parking near the N340, at the north end of the stadium and padel courts.
20:00 Masterclass Fandango Cortijero dance Paseo del Altillo
21:00 Opening of the night fair attractions, rides, food booths, feria bars, and the feria tent.
23:00 Concert: Antonio Jose at the official Feria tent.
00:30 Entertainment: DJ Murchas at the official Feria tent.
Tuesday, August 11th
Free entry to San Miguel Castle and Cueva 7 Palicios Museum
08:30 Sunrise Yoga (bring water and a mat) Top of the Peñón del Santo
11:00 Children’s activities – Sandcastle Competition and Foam Party
Located at Playa Puerta del Mar
Individual mode
• Kids: from 3 to 6 years
• Children: from 7 to 14 years old
Couples mode
• A category: from 3 to 6 years
• B category: from 7 to 14 years old
Finally, the jury’s decision and the awards ceremony will be made after the end of the event, and then a foam party at Playa Puerta del Mar
12:00 Pasacalles – parade through the streets (charanga Los Folloneros)
13:00 – 19:00 Feria del Día (Day fair)!
Entertainment by Dani Marques at Ariel de Cuba’s “Tu exito me suena”
Rio Verde Fairgrounds
19:00 Run of the Vega (behind the neighborhood La Paloma)
Registration until August 8 at www.global-tempo.com and “Francisco Bonet” Stadium
19:00 Departure of children
19:45 Departure of Adults
Departure from Vega de Almuñécar behind the Barrio de la Paloma.
20:00 Sevillanas Masterclass taught by María Gómez La Canastera Paseo del Altillo.
20:00 Street Parade with the brass band through the shopping streets of the city center.
21:00 Opening of the night fair attractions, rides, food booths, feria bars, and the feria tent.
23:00 Concert by Rosa Lopez at the official Feria tent – Camela
00:30 Performance by the Vintash Orchestra
01:30 Party! DJ Murchasat at the official Feria tent
Wednesday, August 12th Day of the Senior Citizens
Free entry to San Miguel Castle and Cueva 7 Palacios Museum
08:30 Morning wellness (book your place at www.elevehouse.com)
Bring water and a mat to San Cristóbal Beach (next to the lifeguard station).
10:00 Children’s activities at Playa Puerta del Mar (International Youth Day)
Water slides, ramps, inflatables, archery, speedball, double basket, shoot the ball, shoot the sandbag)
12:00 Pasacalles Inaugural – parade through the streets (Grana Musical Association Music)
19:45 Reenactment of net shooting, Playa Puerta del Mar, los bajos
21:00 Opening of the night fair attractions, rides, food booths, feria bars, and the Feria tent.
22:00 Special concert for the seniors by Laura Gallego, official party tent
23:30 Party with DJ Daniel Moreno at the party tent
00:00 Concert by The Temptation at the Feria tent
Thursday, August 13th – Children’s Day
11:00 – 13:00 Children’s activities at Playa Puerta del Mar
20:00 Master class Zumba, Paseo del Altillo
20:00 Street Parade with the brass band through the shopping streets of the city center.
21:00 Exhibition Fandango Cortijero at the Plaza Ayuntamiento
21:00 Opening of the night fair attractions, rides, food booths, feria bars, and the feria tent.
21:00 Children’s Musical “The K-PopWarriors”, at the Feria tent
23:00 Concert Quijano Coffee at the official Feria tent
00:30 Party with DJ Kokodrilo at the official Feria tent
Friday, August 14th – Quiet Day
19:00 – 21:00 NO NOISE! Special hours at the night fair attractions, rides, food booths, feria bars, and the feria tent. – A day without noise. This period will be without music or noise. It is intended to allow those who have a sensitivity to noise and sounds to enjoy the feria as well.
20:00 Pasacalles – parade through the streets (Grana Musical Association Music)
20:00 Floral offering to Our Patron, the Virgen de la Antigua. Parish Church of the Incarnation (Iglesia encarnación)
21:00 Opening of the night fair attractions, rides, food booths, feria bars, and the feria tent.
23:30 Youth Party: with a performance by Sergio Contreras and a tribute to “La Casita de Bad Bunny” at the official Feria tent!
00:00 Solemn celebrations and kisses in honor of Our Patron, the Virgen de la Antigua, at the Church of the Incarnation (Iglesia encarnación)
Saturday, August 15th, Fireworks!
11:00 Solemn Mass in honor of Our Patron, the Virgen de la Antigua, at the Church of the Incarnation (Iglesia encarnación)
20:00 Land and sea procession of Our Patron the Virgen de la Antigua (departing from the church at 20:00)
2026 New route for the August 15th procession in Almuñécar.
The organizers have announced the route for this year’s procession, which will depart at 20:00 from the Church of the Incarnation and is scheduled to arrive at 22:30 at Puerta del Mar Beach. Residents and visitors are encouraged to consult the route to plan their travel and enjoy the procession from one of the points along the way.
- Departure 20:00 – Iglesia de la Encarnación
- Boarding 22:30 – Playa Puerta del Mar
- Route: Iglesia de la Encarnación, Calle Puerta de Granada, Carrera de la Concepción, (Fandango I), Acera de Carbonell, Avenida Juan Carlos I, Calle Tetuán, (Fandango II), Calle Mariana Pineda, Avenida Juan Carlos I, Paseo Puerta del Mar, Rotonda del Pulpo, (Fandango III), embarkation and disembarkation of the Virgin, Paseo Puerta del Mar, Helga Sönel, Alcalde Julio Fajardo, Plaza Madrid, (Fandango IV), Avenida Andalucía, Carrera de la Concepción, Calle Puerta de Granada, (Fandango V), Iglesia de la Encarnación
22:30 (approximate time) Embarking of the Virgen de la Antigua in Playa de San Cristóbal
23:15 (approx.) Fireworks-musical Playa Puerta del Mar
(over the castle, at sea, and over el Peñón del Santo)
00:00 Entertainment at the official Feria tent: Fiesta 80’s Party!
00:30 (approximate time) Disembarkation of the Virgen de la Antigua in Playa Puerta del Mar and procession to the church of the Incarnation (Iglesia encarnación).
The city council reserves the right to modify any activity, time, or place reflected in this program
Fiestas Almuñécar Traditional
Feria Events
Located in the Almuñécar fairgrounds, Blas Infante Arches (you know where they have the Friday market!).
Feria de Noche: Fiestas de Almuñécar Feria “The Night Fair” (Fairgrounds along N340)
The exhibition center is located at the entrance of Almuñécar, next to the N340, at the fairgrounds. While you may know this parking lot as the Paseo Blas Infante, the Friday Market, or Sunday Market area, it’s officially the fairgrounds. Well, it is all officially the fairground, and this is where traditional booths for businesses, the Brotherhoods of Holy Week, and the public are located.
Near the Blas Infante Arch end, you will find the carnival rides and fair attractions for the younger ones in the family. At the other end of the fairgrounds, you will find the booths and the main stage for music, live performances, and events.
Feria de Día 9-11 August: Fiestas de Almuñécar Day Fair
(In 2026, the official party tent is located at the truck parking near the N340, at the north end of the stadium and padel courts.)
It’s time to eat, drink, and be merry, all day long! This event has been added to the Feria week to add a little variety to the festivities. After all, it is summer, so why not get out and enjoy the day with friends? In 2025, the official party tent is located at the truck parking near the N340, at the north end of the stadium and padel courts. You will see it has been transformed into an outdoor party.
It’s the place to be during the hot summer days, with the canopies helping to provide you with shade. You will be joined by hundreds of people enjoying the tapas. Rations and drinks offered by the food booths and bars. Of course, it wouldn’t be a party without music, so be prepared for a fun day and the Almuñécar summer!
In addition, you will find many catering establishments at the Day Fair, offering the best food, as well as numerous bars. It is certainly something to experience. In 2025, the official party tent is located at the truck parking near the N340, at the north end of the stadium and padel courts.
Calle Pablo Neruda with 3 intense days of parties!
You can view a video from 2019
Fiestas Virgen de la Antigua – August 15 (Playa Puerta del Mar)
The feast is celebrated on August 15, the day of the Assumption of the Virgin. That day is the last of Almuñécar’s festivities when a religious function takes place and a procession through the streets of the city and by sea since it is embarked by the sailors while there is a fireworks display on the beach, Peñón del Santo, and the Castle of San Miguel.
Video Fiestas de Almuñécar Feria Fireworks 2013
Timelapse Fiestas de Almuñécar Feria Fireworks 2018
Time-lapse photos of the fireworks event from San Cristobal Beach looking east. This is the backside of the main event, but it is where the Virgen de la Antigua embarks into the sea. She then sails around the Penones del Santo (the rocks). Keep an eye out for the boat full of lights, where all of the other boats at sea escort her around, a tradition in Almuñécar since the 1500s. She is then celebrated with fireworks. Skip to minute 2:00 if you want to start with the fireworks!
Video Fiestas de Almuñécar Feria Fireworks 2018
The event runs approximately 20 minutes, but we just showed a few highlights in our video below. The artistic “pirodiseño” of the show is the work of Diego Salado Martin, which he explains, consisted of 1900 launch orders and 8 tracks that were synchronized with various music. It was almost 20 minutes in length. There were more than 700 kilos of pyrotechnic material used. The launch areas were from the beach at Puerta del Mar, Castillo de San Miguel, and Peñones del Santo. There were also two rafts in the sea launching fireworks.
Where’s the best spot to view the fireworks?
Playa Puerta del Mar is the place to be for the amazing fireworks show. You want to be on the east side of the beach facing the castle. This is just one of the areas the fireworks will launch from. They will also launch from all around the castle, the Penones del Santo rocks, and out at sea.
If you park in the underground garage at Paseo del Altillo, no cars will be allowed in or out from 21:00 – 01:00. No worries, the party will be all night long!
Almuñécar Feria Map & Parking
Parking during the Almuñécar Feria
There are several options for Parking during the Almuñécar feria. Take notice, as some of the options have a time limit, while others are more worry-free. You must be aware of the different seasons, dates and hours for the “On-street pay parking“, as it can be a bit confusing. In addition, there are also many underground garages to choose from. During the Almuñécar Feria and the 2 weeks prior, you will not be able to park in the fairgrounds across from McDonald’s and Lidl. They will be preparing for the feria and the actual event will be taking place. Click here to see a map and understand your Almuñécar parking options during the feria. If you happen to get a ticket, you can check here for how to pay a parking fine.
Markets during the Almuñécar Feria
There are 2 weekly markets which normally take place on the Almuñécar fairgrounds, the Friday Market and the Sunday Market. Therefore, both of these markets usually do not take place during the first weeks of August or right before the Feria and the Sunday market will return in September.
How to prepare your dog for Fireworks
Many of you have dogs who don’t like the sound of fireworks. This video was recommended by a reader and it worked for their dog. I hope it can help you too.
