Fairs and folklore

Tradition in Nerja

Nerja Carnival

In February, a parade marches through the streets of Nerja, filling the town with joy and colour. Anyone can participate, so pick a costume and join the fun!

Holy Week

During the months of March and April (depending on the liturgical calendar) Nerja celebrates the yearly commemoration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Masses and processions can be seen everywhere on the streets of Nerja.

May Crosses

In May the town celebrates a yearly exhibition of floral monuments decorated with Manila shawls and other details chosen by the artists to embellish these colourful altars. The exhibition is accompanied by folkloric singing and dancing, as well as traditional meals such as “arropía”: cane honey heated over a low flame and then kneaded.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

On 16 July we venerate our local patroness of the seas.

Nerja Fair

The Nerja Fair takes place in October to honour the festivities of the patron saints of Nerja: St. Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Sorrows During the fair, men and women alike don regional Andalusian garments.

St. Isidro

A romeria (short Catholic pilgrimage) takes place on 15 May, beginning with a Rocío mass and then continuing with a fruit offering in the Church of El Salvador, at the Balcony of Europe. The townspeople wear traditional folkloric Andalusian suits and dresses and they follow the saint to the Chapel near the Caves of Nerja.

Saint John’s Eve

This festivity takes place during the night of 23 June and continues throughout 24 June. It begins with a dance party on the beach, where bonfires are lit and food is served. On 23 June at midnight the popular “juas” are burnt and the local youths leap over the bonfires and swim in the sea to make 3 wishes. On 24 June, families and friends spend the day on the beach eating sardines and Saint John cakes.

New Year

Every year, Hotel Perla Marina celebrates New Year’s Eve with live music and a guaranteed high-quality dinner. Check our prices.