What's on in Torrox.. Fiestas Ferias Carnivals
January:
Parade of the Three Kings
February:
Carnival
Carnival is usually held in February but is based around the date for shrove Tuesday so dates will change every year. The celebration is held in most Spanish towns and include parades of the townspeople dressed up in fun costumers. There is also a competition for the best costume.
Read more about the traditions and history of Carnival in Andalucia.
March / April:
Semana Santa
Held in March or April. Semana Santa or Holy Week is one of the most famous traditions held in Spain.
In Torrox there are processions on Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. They are on a smaller scale than those of the neighbouring towns of Nerja and Frigiliana but nonetheless very atmospheric when seen on Torrox’s narrow whitewashed streets.
May:
Crosses of May
Held on the 2nd and 3rd May. A traditional celebration throughout Andalucia, where crosses are decorated with flowers and displayed in the town or village.
In Torrox, the displays take on a special character, as some are built as an alter with stairs, often in the shape of a pyramid. In the highest alter the symbol of the cross is laid, with a mirror behind. Aromatic plants are placed on the ground, above which are placed tributes of fruits and flowers.
It is also traditional to try a local delicacy, the ‘arropía,’ a type of syrup sweet of Moorish origin.
Read more on the origins of the Cross of May celebrations in Spain.
June:
Romeria de San Antonio & San Juan
Usually held mid June. The Romeria de San Antonio fiesta celebrates the patron saint and protector of domestic animals. It is usually celebrated for 3 days in June.
Day 1: Festival opening with a parade followed by traditional Andalucian dancing and singing.
Day 2: Pilgrimage of San Antonio through the main streets, Flamenco dancing competitions and horse racing.
Day 3: Music and dancing, and entertainment for children, and presentation of the trophies for the competitions.
San Juan
Held on the 23rd June it is the mid-summer celebration of St John’s Feast. To mark the summer solstice celebrations take place on the evening of the 23rd June. In many areas the celebrations take place on the beach include the lighting of bonfires. However in the past few years Torrox Costa has not allowed any bonfires on the beach. However there is normally a fiesta on the square in El Morche with dancing and entertainment. At Midnight the tradition is to go into the sea to wash away your sins. There is also a firework display.
In Torrox Pueblo celebrations also take place, with a fiesta in the Plaza de la Concordia (Calle del Pontil) followed by a traditional torch carrying parade down to the river to perform the ritual washing of the face, to wash away sins.
July:
National Flamenco singing competition
During the months of June and July Torrox regularly holds a National Flamenco singing competition.
Held in the open air, in a pretty little square next to the Casa de la Hoya, it is a chance to experience some ‘pure’ Flamenco music, rather than the lighter flamenco tunes typically put on in most tourist venues.
The best news is that the competition is free to watch. It usually starts late in the evening.
August:
Nieves & San Roque Feria & El Morche Feria
Held on the 5th August, the traditional celebrations for Torrox’s two patron saints: Nuestra Senora de las Nieves and San Roque. Celebrations involve a procession of the saints from the Ermita Ntra. Sra. de las Nieves to the church Encarnacion.
The two saints will stay for 2 months until the feria of October when they are returned again in another procession.
El Morche Feria
A four day fiesta in honour of the Virgin del Carmen, held at El Morche on Torrox Costa. Held around the 15th August. The fair is very popular with young people.
September:
La Candelaria
Held early September. This is more of a family celebration rather than an organised fiesta. It is usually celebrated by local people in the countryside with bonfires, fireworks, singing, drinking and dancing around the fire.
October:
Torrox Feria
In the first weekend of October Torrox celebrates its Feria in honour of its Patron Saints the Virgin de las Nieves and San Roque.
The ‘real’ Fiesta for both saints in in August – see the Nieves and San Roque feria above. The reason for the change in dates is that many local people go to their farms over the summer for the grape harvest only returning to the village once all the grapes have been picked. Also August is a very hot month in the Axarquia!
So the feria has been moved to October and for four days in they celebrate the Fiesta of Torrox. There is usually a fairground, live music, dancing, entertainment and food.
December:
Migas Feria
Held last Sunday before Christmas. The Fiesta celebrates the local dish of ‘Migas’. This simple dish, made from flour, garlic and salt was a simple dish traditionally made for Torrox’s farm workers. Now it has become elevated into the main ingredient for one of the Axarquia’s most important celebrations, with over 40,000 visitors every year.
The migas is made in large pans throughout the village for everyone to see. Served to eager crowds, along with an Arriera Salad (Muleteer Salad), made with orange, cod, olives, onions and olive oil plus a sample of the local ‘Torrox’ wine.
A new addition to the celebrations is a Gluten free option.
During the fiesta over 1.3000 kg flour, 5000 litres oil, 65 pounds of garlic and another 40 of salt are used as well as 1600 litres of local wine. The wine is chosen by a competition held earlier in December.
Entertainment is provided on a stage on the main square, with traditional Andalucian music and dancing. There are also street stalls offering local wine, honey, raisins, figs etc as well as local craft-ware.
Frigiliana pages guide
