Malaga Feria

Málaga, Costa del Sol - City in Southern Spain

Malaga Feria! - John Byford
Feria / Festival - Espãna 2009

Málaga Feria - España

Málaga Feria ~ Spain

The annual Málaga Feria each August is one of Andalucía’s most vibrant celebrations — a week-long explosion of colour, music and tradition that transforms the city into a living stage. Flamenco rhythms spill through the streets, glasses of fino are raised in constant toast, and Málaga embraces a festival spirit that feels both ancient and gloriously alive.

Rooted in history, the Feria commemorates the city’s re-conquest by Isabella and Ferdinand in 1487. Today, it unfolds over eight extraordinary days in the third week of August, running from Saturday to Sunday and drawing millions of visitors from across Spain and beyond — though surprisingly, many tourists still remain unaware of this authentically Andalusian fiesta.

At the heart of the festivities lies Calle Marqués de Larios — known simply as Calle Larios — Málaga’s elegant main shopping street. During Feria it becomes unrecognisable: dressed with paper lanterns, draped in flags, and filled with dancers, musicians, families and friends celebrating from morning until well past midnight. The whole city moves in unison, a kaleidoscope of traditional dress, impromptu flamenco, and the unmistakable warmth of southern Spain.

In 2009, John Byford was invited to officially document the Feria, capturing the energy, movement and spirit of this vast urban celebration. His photographs offer an intimate glimpse into a festival that is both deeply local and joyously universal.

Images from Málaga Feria feature in the new book 'Wanderlusting' by John Byford.

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