The festivities continue

MALAGA’S annual August feria is underway. The exuberant 10-day long street party, with plenty of flamenco and spirits, started Friday and continues until Sunday with two entertainment zones. 

The ‘Day Fair’ in the historic centre of the city has undergone several changes this year, sparking criticism from journalists and politicians alike. The recently created marquee with live DJs for young people has been called a ‘dangerous ghetto’ where youth take drugs and fight. Nevertheless, according to historic centre resident, Nicolas Morales, “the centre is more traditional now the music has been controlled, and people aren’t any wilder at the youth marquee than in other areas downtown.”  When asked about the noise, he stated that “the music is loud, but it’s only playing during the day, and it’s no worse than Holy Week music which is played until late at night; it’s just another one of our local traditions.” 

The main feria is the Real de la Feria in the Cortijo de Torres district, where the ‘Night Fair’ takes place from about 9pm until dawn. Large booths are set up for entertainment and refreshment around which swirling dancers and waiters rush around. Outside is the dazzling fair with soaring Ferris wheels, roller coasters and careering dodgem cars with thunderous music blaring out from the various attractions. 

Article by Nicole Hallett and Daphne Hilarides