Holidays and festivities in Nerja

Feast of St. Anthony January 16 and 17: One of the most typical celebrations in Nerja with bonfires in the streets after 7 pm and residents and visitors enjoying the local products; the next day there are vespers, processions, fireworks and a great popular festival.

Carnival. Carnival is celebrated in Nerja for three days around a weekend, where held parades, carnival groups and the typical whitebait burial marking the end of Carnival.

Easter: Easter processions take place in the centre of town, the highlight being Holy Thursday. During these months also takes place the Resident's Day; this day is dedicated to residents with music, performances and typical food and drink of the different participating countries.

May Crosses on May 3, in the central squares of the town the altars are adorned with flowers, there is music and folk dance in addition to tasting all kinds of food seasoned with the typical molasses.F

Pilgrimage of San Isidro, May 15. San Isidro, the patron saint of farmers, is celebrated in all municipalities of the Costa del Sol. From the Balcon de Europa starts a pilgrimage bringing the saint up to the Caves of Nerja, followed by horses and carriages. It is the largest popular procession of the Axarquia. People come dressed in typical costumes and there is food, drink, dancing and singing until late at night.

Midsummer 23/24 June. It is celebrated with a great Moraga (grilled sardines) at Burriana beach and large bonfires. As in all municipalities of the coast, friends and families gather on the beach and celebrate the beginning of summer until late at night.

International Festival of Music and Dance of the Cave of Nerja

Day of the Virgin del Carmen,July 16. The feast in honor of the patron saint of sailors is being held in all municipalities of the Costa del Sol and is one of the most beautiful ones. Among wreaths the Virgin is carried into the sea in a sea procession, there are fireworks and a popular Moraga (grilled Sardines at the beach) accompanied by traditional music and dance of the area.

Feria de las Maravillas de Nerja around September 8. Feast in honour of the patron saint, the Virgen de las Maravillas; this day takes place a procession of the Virgin through the streets and there are fireworks.

Tourist day: Since the 60's is celebrated at the Balcony of Europe a day for the tourists with food and drink typical of the area and dances.

Nerja Fair from October 8 to 12: Festivities in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows and St. Michael the Archangel, the patron saints of Nerja. During these days there are processions, a festival of flamenco singing, folklore performances, carriages, typical verbenas and more.

Columbus day is the same day of the last day of fair.

Halloween in Nerja: Contests and discounts for people who wear costumes during the terrifyng night on 31th October and 1st November.

During the Christmas in Nerja the city is adornated with lights and christmas decoration.

New Year´s Eve, December 31: In the municipalities of the Costa del Sol usually gather a large number of people in the main squares to welcome the New Year. In Nerja we can celebrate with the locals at the Plaza Balcon de Europa, where the City council is distributing cava and lucky grapes (you have to swallow 12 of them before the clock strikes 12 times) to the participants; in addition there are performances and fireworks. A good reason to spend a special night by the sea...