Experience the Spain you never knew with local Málaga festivals this autumn. Delve into the cultural and gastronomical traditions which make the Málaga province of Andalucía one of the most exciting and interesting to visit.
Málaga is so much more than beach holidays. The reason Spaniards flock to the south of the country is not just sea and sand, but for the Málaga festivals which enrich the province’s culture.
Autumn festivals in Málaga incorporate the harvest, history, and traditions of the region. Let’s sample some autumnal flavour…
Ruta de la Tapa, Pizarra
A whole weekend of delicious tapa tasting stretches out before you in Pizarra in October. In 2022, 14-16th October is earmarked for the tapas route through the town. Pizarra’s restaurants and bars prepare original tapas, but in elevated form to showcase the area’s products and gastro tourism. Grab a ‘passport’ from one of the participating bars, and you’ll have the route laid out before you. Don’t forget to get your passport stamped to prove you’re a culinary traveller!
Artisan Cheese Market, Teba
The Estrella Arabic Castle is the backdrop to Teba’s artisan cheese market in October. The village’s own cheeses come together with those from across the country. 2022 is the 20th anniversary of this attractive fair, and Teba can celebrate after being named a Festival of Provincial Tourist Singularity. For those who like to taste the local culture, this is the perfect weekend to indulge not just in the Sabor a Malaga, but the taste of Spain.
Wine and Chestnut Festival, Yunquera
Nestled in the Sierra de las Nieves, Yunquera wine and chestnut festival in October is a tribute to the typical autumn food and the exquisite wine made from grapes in the colder lands of the mountains. The chestnuts are there to savour in every form—roasted, in syrup, cooked, candied or straight from the tree. The wine comes as rosé, white, sweet and must. The festivities include the musical verdiales and culminate with the Chestnut Flamenco. An event not to be missed, in 2022 it’s held on 29th and 30th October.
Chestnut Festival, Alcaucín
The Chestnut Festival (Fiesta de la castaña) takes place on 5th and 6th November 2022. The main events will take place on the Saturday, from 5.30 pm to 11.30 pm. The aroma of roasting chestnuts in the streets is a sure sign that autumn has arrived in Málaga. Alcaucín, a small village inland from Vélez-Málaga, will be preparing hundreds of kilos of these treats. You can also expect sweet potatoes and anise (aguardiente) and other local delicacies at this very traditional Málaga festival.
Feria del Jamón, Campillos
Ham has its own special day in Campillos, Guadalteba district. Pork products are an essential element to Campillos life, and they celebrate it every year in November. Hundreds of stalls line José María Hinojosa Park attracting people from all over Andalucía. As always in the region where delight is always on the menu, expect good wine and quality artisanal products, such as cheeses, sweets and olive oils.
La Fiesta del Mosto y la Chacina, Colmenar
For sausages, wine and olive oil that reflect the cultural landscape of the Montes de Málaga and Axarquia, head to Colmenar in December (4th in 2022). As well as tastings and stalls selling the local produce, there is also a Tapas Route where you can discover how these quality ingredients are used. You’re certain to stumble across some migas dishes, which are very authentic food from the region.
Torrox Migas Festival
Another place to enjoy migas in its different forms is in Torrox, Axarquia, in December. Just before Christmas (18th December 2022), the municipality pays homage to the most typical dish of its gastronomy. With music and folk performances, you can sway to the beat with a plate of migas, arriera – a salad of oranges and cod – and glass of local wine.
Experience the taste of Málaga
Whatever time of year you’re in Málaga there is a gastronomical treat to be enjoyed. At Toma & Coe, we want you to experience the Spain you never knew, and a cooking tour is a great way to do that.
From farmer’s market to farmhouse, our Málaga Cooking Experience does just that as you buy the ingredients, then prepare and enjoy local dishes in a local farmhouse.
Or why not take the Málaga Tapas Tour, where we take you into the old town, bringing the history, food and culture to life.
We have many culinary tours just waiting to be experienced from wineries to olive farms. If you’d like something tailored just for you, then our bespoke tours are just the answer.
Get in touch to enquire about our foodie tours – unique, authentic and unforgettable.