Free rock concerts for Nerja’s traditional fair

Nerja’s patron-saint fair is set for Thursday 8 to Monday, October 12, with free headline concerts in Plaza de España and capped ride prices at the fairground. Deputy mayor Angela Diaz unveiled the poster and programme this week, in honour of the Virgen de las Angustias and San Miguel Arcangel.

Who is on, and when

Thursday 8 opens at 8pm outside the town hall, with the Banda de Musica de Nerja and the pregón from local singer Cynthia Martin Cortes. At 10.30pm, Plaza de España hosts the free gala to choose the Feria queen.

One of the biggest rock bands in Spain, Mago de Oz, play Plaza de España on Friday 9 at 11.30pm. Chambao follow on Saturday 10, and El Arrebato on Sunday 11. Start times for those two have not been published yet. Monday 12, Spain’s national holiday, brings a midday Beauty and the Beast musical tribute for children, then urban acts Samueliyo Baby, Samuel G. and Jose de las Heras from 8pm. Every announced show is free, according to Nerja town hall.

Fairground prices and a quieter slot

Rides at the Recinto Ferial de los Huertos de Carabeo, just east of the Balcon de Europa, cost €3.50 from 8 to 11 October and €2 on Monday 12, billed as Children’s Day. Each evening the fairground switches the music off from 7pm to 9pm so people with sensory, hearing or mobility needs can use the attractions. Three casetas have been authorised on the site, one of them for horse riders.

Saturday 10 is the solemn procession of the two patrons. Daytime events, children’s activities and local groups fill the old town and the Balcon. A fuller timetable is still due on nerja.es.

Getting there without a fight for a space

Parking on the Carabeo ground is out, because that is the fairground. Plaza de España will be busy around the concerts and the Saturday procession. The free area by Calle del Ingenio, visible from the N-340, is the easier option, about a five-minute walk in. Blue bays are paid and timed. Green is residents only.

Last October’s fair ran a day longer and booked Maria Pelae and Camela, covered in Euro Weekly News at the time. This year’s bill is shorter and heavier on named national acts. San Miguel already had a neighbourhood party in Las Protegidas in September, the Veladilla. Anyone planning a wider trip can check the Nerja guide and the Andalucia.org listing.