Every year in August, Malaga gets ready for its biggest summer festival of the year: Malaga Feria. It is a week long fiesta celebrating Spanish culture and traditions, full of dancing, eating and drinking. There is nothing more Spanish or Andalusian than Feria! The word ‘feria’ in Spanish means ‘fair’, but its roots come from the Latin word, which literally translates to ‘holiday’. The name is pretty self-explanatory, the Feria being either a fair where people sell goods or combine selling goods with having a good time, i.e. partying. It usually lasts between a week and 9 days, depending on the city that is hosting. Typically, during Feria, the city has a large fairground with rides, food courts, and also hundreds of casetas are open to the public.The casetas are probably the most incredible thing to see. They are textile booths adorned with lots of colourful ribbons where they sell everything you could possibly wish for. They are also joined by tablaos de flamenco and, of course, flamenco dancers who make the festival even more joyous and colourful. Also, during feria, lots of musicians give free shows, people dress in traditional Andalusian costumes, and there are horse carriages and typical Spanish decorations. The people of Malaga are very welcoming and respectful of the people that party in the streets, and if you decide to visit a specific bar, you will be invited to at least a dozen on your way.
Typical dress for the Feria- The flamenco dress
First and most important is flamenco. This typical dress is known as “traje de flamenco” – flamenco dress. It was originated in Sevilla and it varies in style:
Traje de Sevillana: is typical for the city of Sevilla;
Traje de gitana: translated literally as gypsy dress. It was popularized by the gypsies attending the feria in the 19th century and it has a particular ornamentation to it;
Traje de guitarra: translated as guitar dress, as it was worn by the dancers who accompanied the musicians on the road.
Feria de Malaga Food and Wine-
It is impossible to talk about a Spanish party without mentioning the most common alcohol served there. Spain has some of the best wines in Europe. However, what sets their wine apart from the rest is its diversity and the combinations that Spaniards make out of wine. The staple wine of Malaga is vino dulce. Vino dulce is a great dessert wine, ideal for hot summer nights. Drink a glass of it, and the party has already started. So, as you can imagine, it is ideal for Feria as well.
Pescaito-
During every party, alcohol is definitely important, but food pays an even more important role.
Pescaito is a wonderful array of fried fish. As Malaga is close to the sea, there is no doubt that their fish is the freshest and tastiest. It is great combined with beer or other drinks mentioned above, or even with other types of tapas.
The Day Feria-
The Feria de Dia (day fair) is more relaxed; there is not an overwhelming amount of shows and in general it is suitable for anyone (families, kids, the elderly, teens, adults, etc.). It lasts until about 6 P.M. The day fería takes place in the city centre where the streets are filled with concerts and dance performances. Women put on traditional flamenco dresses and wear flowers in their hair. The streets are decorated and the city squares are filled with food stands and pink wine barrels of the Cartojal, typical sweet wine of for the Feria.
