The second week of August means it’s time for the Almuñécar Feria and Fiestas Virgen de la Antigua (The Fair).  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 around!

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, both day and night for both 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 in the midst of 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 firework 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 with 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 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)

2022 Virgen de la Antigua Celebrations
August 9 – 15

2022 Fiestas Almuñécar Feria
Detailed Schedule

The hourly program for the Feria events 9th -15th of August.

Fiestas Almuñécar Download the full schedule

Tuesday, August 9th

Get to know the culture:  Visits to the Castillo de San Miguel and Cueva 7 Palacios is Free today!

12:00  Inauguration of the Fiestas Patronales (Let’s kick off the party!) at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento

12:00  Pasacalles Inaugural – parade through the streets by the charanga Los Folloneros

12:30  Wine tasting at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (wines from our region)

12:30  Activities for the kids, featuring a puppet show “El Dragon Comilion” at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento

19:00  Foam Party!  at Playa Puerta del Mar

19:00  Masterclass de Sevillanas (learn the traditional Spanish dance by Maria La Canastera) on the Paseo del Altillo

20:00  Pasacalles Inaugural – Parade of the fairground caster of illusions and the giants! (accompanied by the municipal band) Departing from the Casa de la Cultura

21:30  Fair Inauguration! 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.

22:00 Concert: Los Despiertos at Plaza del Sexi

22:00 Concert: Tentacion and DJ Kokodrilo at the feria tent

Wednesday, August 10th Día del niño

Get to know the culture:  Visits to the Castillo de San Miguel and Cueva 7 Palacios are Free today!

08:30  Sunrise Yoga taught by @Fabi_om (bring your own matt) at the plaza by the cross on top of the Peñones del Santo

11:30  Pasacalles Inaugural – parade through the streets (charanga Los Folloneros), ending at the Feria del Dia at 13:00

11:30  Activities for the kids, water roller, waterslides, foam party, bouncy houses at Playa Puerta del Mar

13:00 – 19:00  Almuñécar Feria the opening of the Feria del Dia (Day fair)!
The new location on Calle Pablo Neruda, across from Rio Verde Park

13:00 Wine tasting at the Feria del Dia

19:00  Zumba Master class on the Paseo del Altillo

19:00 – 21:00  Animation: parade through the streets by the charanga Los Folloneros

21:00  Opening of the fair attractions, rides, food booths, feria bars, and the feria tent.

22:00  A Flamenco spectaclar at the Iglesia de la Encarnacion atrium (Incarnation Church)

22:00  Concert: O Sister at Plaza del Sexi  (buy tickets at https://anfitrion.sacatuentranda.es/)

22:30  80’s Festival! at the official Feria tent.  Featuring La Guardia, La Union,  and La Frontera

02:30  Concert: Chema Rivas at the official Feria tent

Thursday, August 11th

Get to know the culture:  Visits to the Castillo de San Miguel and Cueva 7 Palacios are Free today!

10:00 –  Children’s activities at Playa Puerta del Mar with a sandcastle contest.

Individual mode
• Kids: from 3 to 6 years
• Children: from 7 to 14 years old

Pairs 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

11:30  Pasacalles Inaugural – parade through the streets (charanga Los Folloneros), ending at the Feria del Dia at 13:00

13:00 – 19:00 Feria del Dia (Day fair)!
Entertainment by local Miguel Moreno and EgonzalezDJ
The new location on Calle Pablo Neruda, across from Rio Verde Park

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 Children
7:45 p.m. Departure Adults
Departure from Vega de Almuñécar behind the Barrio de la Paloma.

19:00  – 21:00  Afternoon Games and workshops for the kids on the Paseo del Altillo upper-level
giant dartboard. aircraft workshop, windmill workshop, hamma workshop, children’s makeup workshop, and more

19:00 – 21:00  Opening of the fair attractions – A day without noise

This time period will be without music or noise.  It is intended to allow those who have a sensitivity to noises and sounds to enjoy the feria as well.

19:00- 22.00  Master Classes on the Paseo del Altillo
19:00 Crossfit classes
20:45 Zumba classes

21:00  Opening of the fair attractions, rides, food booths, feria bars, and the feria tent.

21:00 Concerts at the official Feria tent
   21:00 Kids music “Disneymania”
   23:30 Los Rebujitos
  01:00 Sergio Contreras

Friday, August 12th

Get to know the culture:  Visits to the Castillo de San Miguel and Cueva 7 Palacios is Free today!

11:00  Children’s activities on the beach at Playa Puerta del Mar, an inflatable water slide

11:30  Pasacalles Inaugural – parade through the streets (charanga Los Folloneros), ending at the Feria del Dia at 13:00

13:00 – 19:00 Feria del Dia (Day fair)!
Entertainment by Pirata, Makerena,  and EgonzalezDJ
The new location on Calle Pablo Neruda, across from Rio Verde Park

19:30 Master classFandango Cortijero on the Paseo del Altillo

21:00  Opening of the fair attractions, rides, food booths, feria bars, and the feria tent.

21:30  Tiburones moto club association visits the fairgrounds

22:00  Concert: (Potaje con Maui) Flamenco Theater at Plaza del Sexi
(buy tickets at https://anfitrion.sacatuentranda.es/)

23:30  Concerts at the official Feria tent
      23:30   Nancy Rubias
      00:00  Fangoria

Saturday, August 13th

11:00  Children’s activities on the beach at Playa Puerta del Mar, an inflatable water slide, paintball, sports

11:30  Pasacalles Inaugural – parade through the streets (charanga Los Folloneros), ending at the Feria del Dia at 13:00

13:00 – 19:00 Feria del Dia (Day fair)! This is the last day of the day fair.
Entertainment by Charly Ro  and EgonzalezDJ
The new location on Calle Pablo Neruda, across from Rio Verde Park

19:30  Zumba Master Class on the Paseo del Altillo

21:00  Opening of the fair attractions, rides, food booths, feria bars, and the feria tent.

22:00  Concert: La Odisea de Magallanes – El Cano (classic theater) at Plaza del Sexi
(buy tickets at https://anfitrion.sacatuentranda.es/)

22:00 Concerts at the official Feria tent
22:00  Jose Manuel Soto
00:30  La Tentacion

Sunday, August 14th

20:00  Floral offering to Our Patron, the Virgen de la Antigua. Parish Church of the Incarnation (Iglesia encarnación)

21:00  Opening of the fair attractions, rides, food booths, feria bars, and the feria tent.

23:30  Youth Party at the official Feria tent!  Featuring artists Ana Guerra and Camim

00:00  Solemn celebrations and kisses in honor of Our Patron the Virgen de la Antigua at the Church of the incarnation (Iglesia encarnación)

Monday, August 15th 

11:00  Solemn mass in honor to 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)
Route: Iglesia de la Encarnacion, Calle Puerta de Granada, Carrera de la Concepcion, Avenida Costa del Sol, Avenida Europa, Paseo de San Cristobal (embark the Virgen de la Antigua), Paseo del Altillo, Calle Alcalde Julio Fajardo, Avenida Andalucia, Carrera de la Concepcion, Calle Puerta del Granada, and back to the church.

21:00  Entertainment at the official Feria tent  Fiesta Nostalgia

22:30 Embarking of the Virgen de la Antigua in playa de San Cristóbal

23:15 (approx.) Fireworks-musical (over the castle, at sea and over el Peñón del Santo)

00:00 Entertainment at the official Feria tent  Fiesta Gozadera

00:30 Disembark 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”

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 fairgrounds 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 Dia:  Fiestas de Almuñécar Day Fair

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?  The party tent is located along the Calle Pablo Neruda, across from Rio Verde Park, 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 with the best food and many bars.  It is certainly something to experience.

Calle Pablo Neruda with 3 intense days of parties! 

You can view a video from 2019

Fiestas Virgen de la Antigua – August 15

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

Timelapse 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 is then sailed 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 1500’s.   She is then celebrated with the 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 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 or 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.