🎉 What is the Feria de Nerja?
Every year, usually from 8 to 13 October, Nerja celebrates its patron saints' feria in honour of the Virgen de las Angustias and San Miguel Arcángel, patron saints of the town. It's the biggest event of the year in Nerja, transforming the historic centre and its surroundings for six days.
As in most Andalusian ferias, the celebration is lived in two very distinct moments: the feria de día, in the town centre and on the Plaza de España, with a paseo de caballos, rebujito in the streets and a family atmosphere; and the feria de noche, at the recinto ferial (the Carabeo area), where casetas, funfair rides and concerts take over until late into the night.
The Plaza de España, at the heart of Nerja's historic centre and the daytime feria
⛪ A religious tradition since 1804
Nerja's patron saints' festival, in honour of San Miguel Arcángel and the Virgen de las Angustias, was established in 1804 — a religious and popular tradition spanning more than two centuries of local history.
Every year, at the end of September, the Virgin is carried in procession from the hermitage that bears her name to the church of El Salvador, at the heart of the village. 10 October marks the día grande of the feria: after mass, the Virgen de las Angustias is taken back to her hermitage, accompanied by San Miguel Arcángel, in a solemn procession greeted by firework rockets.
👑 Did you know? The feria also hosts a gala of the Queen and Knight (Reina y Caballero) on the Plaza de España, with categories for children, young people and seniors — a much-followed event among locals ahead of the official opening of festivities.
🎊 How the festival unfolds
The feria usually opens on the evening of 8 October, with a concert by the local brass band and a grand opening gala on the Plaza de España. The following days blend religious tradition, folklore and grand spectacle:
- Paseo de caballos — a parade of horses and riders through the streets of the historic centre, during the day
- Gala of the Queen and Knight — election of the festival queens (children, young people, seniors) on the Plaza de España
- Free concerts — every evening on the Plaza de España, with a different headline act announced by the town hall each year
- Procession of the Santos Patronos — the Virgen de las Angustias is taken back to her hermitage on 10 October, accompanied by San Miguel Arcángel
- Casetas and funfair rides — at the recinto ferial, open every evening until late
- Día del Niño — on the last day (13 October), reduced prices on funfair rides and activities designed for children
The mood changes radically between the daytime, family-friendly around the paseo de caballos and rebujito in the streets, and the nighttime, festive around the casetas and concerts of the recinto ferial.
🗺️ Practical information
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | 8 to 13 October 2026 (main day: 10 October) |
| Location | Historic centre & Plaza de España (daytime feria) / recinto ferial, Carabeo area (nighttime feria) |
| Duration | 6 days of festivities, day and night |
| Entry | Free (recinto ferial, concerts, procession) — funfair rides are paid (≈€3.50, €2 on 13 October) |
| Atmosphere | Paseo de caballos, gala of the Queen, free concerts, casetas |
| Parking | The centre fills up fast, especially during the day; favour the outskirts or walking |
A festival not to be confused with Torrox's
The Feria de Torrox takes place at almost the same time, in early October, but in the neighbouring village of Torrox Pueblo. Two distinct patron saints' festivals, just a few kilometres and a few days apart — enough to enjoy both if your stay falls at the right time.
🏡 Where to stay for the occasion
The feria takes place right in the heart of Nerja itself, just a few minutes' walk from most properties in the centre and along the seafront. In early October, the summer season has just wound down — the region's beaches stay pleasant and far less crowded, making the town an ideal base for combining beach days with feria nights.
Fancy experiencing the Feria de Nerja from a charming property?
Conciergerie Del Mar manages properties in Nerja and Torrox Costa, a short walk from the historic centre where the feria is held every year in October.
See our properties →❓ Frequently asked questions
When does the Feria de Nerja take place in 2026?
The Feria de Nerja is traditionally held from 8 to 13 October, with 10 October as the main day (día grande) in honour of the Virgen de las Angustias. Nerja town hall confirms the detailed programme every year during the summer.
Why does the Feria de Nerja take place in October?
Nerja's patron saints' festival, in honour of the Virgen de las Angustias and San Miguel Arcángel, has existed since 1804. 10 October marks the day the Virgin, after being carried in procession from her hermitage, is taken back home accompanied by San Miguel Arcángel — a religious tradition fixed for more than two centuries.
Is the Feria de Nerja free?
Access to the recinto ferial, the concerts on the Plaza de España and the procession is free. Only the funfair rides (around €3.50, reduced to €2 on the last day, Día del Niño) and food and drink inside the casetas are paid.
Where does the Feria de Nerja take place?
The festival unfolds across two areas: the daytime feria in the historic centre and on the Plaza de España, and the nighttime feria at the recinto ferial (the Carabeo area), with casetas, funfair rides and concerts running until late.
Where can I park during the Feria de Nerja?
The town centre fills up quickly, especially during the daytime feria. It's best to park on the outskirts of the centre and favour walking or public transport on concert evenings.