Colors of Nerja - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

An essential part of ethnic culture of Narja is numerous fests, holidays and festivals. Some of them are of religious nature, the other fests are related to significant historical events, meanwhile the rest are tribute to ancient traditions. One of the main fests among local people is the San Miguel Fest. During five days the citizens treat and honor their protector and present different entertaining performances. The fest takes place from 8th till 12th of October and is accompanied with numerous events and folk entertainments.

The streets of the city are filled with music till late night and local cafes and restaurants serve visitors day and night. The same interesting and engaging fest is celebrated on the 8th of September. The Fest of Fair Maiden has as well a religious background. A diverse entertaining program of the fest is crowned with an impressive breath taking pyrotechnic show which attracts thousands of local folks and city visitors. Another interesting and original fest is the Dia de la Cruz.

The fest is celebrated within the first days of may. The fest decorates the city streets with flower garlands. Large crosses are put in the streets which are also made of live flowers. All the local folks and city visitors may enjoy the beautiful decorations. By the end of the fest a jury chooses the most beautiful crosses and the winners’ awards distribution takes place. The history of the fest is of great interest. The birth of the fest dates back to the ages of Constantine the Great. Having won a great battle the emperor accepted the power and might of the Christian cross and decided to get baptism. The event took place within the first days of May. In the middle of January the San Antonio fest takes place. Bright ceremonial marches, folk music groups’ performances and lively flamenco dancing are the main events featuring the fest. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The fest is celebrated in honor of the monk named San Antonio who lived a secluded life in a desert for more than 70 years. The first time the fest was celebrated in the 17th century. In the middle of July the Virgin del Carmen festival takes place. The festival is devoted to the Virgin Mary. On this day the streets of the city witness festive marches and processions and the beautiful statues of the Virgin Mary are taken out from the churches outdoors and are carried through the central streets of the city. In late afternoon the local folks disperse among local bars and restaurants located in the coastal area where a hilarious celebration lasts till the early morning.

Many people associate Nerja with caves - the main city attractions. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that one of the main local festivals is the colorful Cuevas de Nerja, which is held not somewhere else but in the picturesque grottoes (as is clear from the festival's name). Here, amid bizarre-shaped stalactites and stalagmites, music is perceived somewhat differently. The festival is held throughout hot July, during which about 800 people attending the holiday every day can witness musical and dance performances. Eminent performers and orchestras are often invited to take part in the festival. Among them are Montserrat Caballe, Jose Carreras, Kiri Te Kanawa. Dance shows are represented by the national Spanish dance of flamenco.

An equally significant event is the Feria de Nerja, a fair that opens in early October. This is one of the brightest events held in the "City Of Caves" (as Nerja is often called). The central district of the city becomes the venue: the day-time fair covers Plaza Tutti Frutti and Calle Antonio Millon. Rides and concert venues can be found around Los Huertos del Sevillano and in Balcón de Europa Park, one of the main local attractions. Fun, joy, children's laughter - these are the main distinguishing features of Nerja's fair. Besides rides and a hand-made market, visitors can enjoy musical, theatrical, and dance performances. A colorful program involving competitions and games is organized for small tourists.

Among other holidays, it is worth mentioning Dia de San Isidro, which is traditionally celebrated in early May. Although that the holiday is religious in nature, it is famous for its colorfulness. Women wearing flamenco dresses and men on graceful Andalusian horses take part in the procession. On this day, it is customary to ask Saint Isidro - the patron saint of labor - for blessing. The celebration is most popular in Madrid. In Nerja, however, the events are no less colorful than in the capital of Spain. The procession begins with Parroquia El Salvador, a church located on Plaza Balcon De Europa, and ends in the city's most iconic place - Fundación Cueva de Nerja, which is followed by theater and dance performances with mass festivities.