Angelina: celebrations around Málaga

¡Hola a todos!

Unbelievable how the time is flying by. I can't wrap my head around that already three weeks are over. This week was truly special, as the 16th of July is an important day for many costal towns, but let me tell you more.

It is Wednesday the 16th of July 2025, already in the morning hours I hear drums and trumpets playing. I was wondering, what is happening now? I had no clue until my host mom told me that it is the 'Virgen del Carmen'. What is the 'Virgen del Carmen' I asked her. Now I know that she is the patron saint of sailors, fishermen and all sorts of seafarers. She protects them from the most common dangers of the sea. As 'El Palo' (where I live) formerly was a fishermans' village, this day still plays a very important role in the lives of the people here. Not only 'El Palo' but also other districts like 'Pedregalejo' or 'Malagueta' have their own 'Virgen del Carmen' and celebrate this special date.

Traditionally the celebration involves one parade throughout the district, starting at the church and making its way to the sea front. Here the virgin is carried on a so called 'trono', which is decorated with flowers, by a group of local fishermen. In case of the celebration here in 'El Palo' they also make a stop near the beach to sing and dance for the virgin. Afterwards they are met by a flotilla of illuminated and decorated boats, all sounding their horns. The statue is then taken on a boat along the local coast and crosses with the virgin of the neighbour district 'Pedregalejo'. Later on the virgin is taken back to the church. This whole procession takes until the early morning hours.

In addition this week also was the 'Feria del Palo', a small neighborhood festival. It is nothing huge, just near the beach filled with music, food stalls, and families hanging out. There were people dancing, kids running around and having a good time at the rides.

What you cannot miss when being in Spain, is visiting one of the bullfighting rings. So on Sunday my mission was exactly this, visiting 'la Plaza de Toros de la Malagueta'. Such a great experience, the next bullfights will take place in August during the 'Feri de Málaga', until then concerts or other events are held there. Afterwards in the evening I went to a viewpoint to watch the sunset, totally worth it. What do you say?

Only one week left, too bad!

Besitos

Angelina