On Friday 16th and Saturday 17th January, the village of Maro will celebrate the festival of San Antón, its patron saint, with a full programme of religious and cultural activities.
The celebrations begin on Friday at 5:00 pm with a traditional verdiales street parade, followed by the lighting of the bonfires and a live performance by Vaso Largo Band. The evening continues with the main bonfire in Church Square at 10:00 pm, and closes with performances by Alfredo Rodríguez and DJ Manuel Moreno.
On Saturday 17th, the main day of the festival, the programme starts with a traditional Mass at noon at the Church of Our Lady of Wonders. From 2:00 pm, live music and dancing will fill Maro Square, featuring performances by Alalba, Christian David Callejón, Ángela Muñoz, and the Nerja and Maro Folk Dance Group, along with a free hot chocolate offered to attendees.
At 7:00 pm, a solemn procession will take place through the streets of the village, followed by the final highlight of the festival, a live performance by the popular sevillanas group Requiebros.
Tradition in Maro
Every January, the charming village of Maro (Nerja, Costa del Sol) comes alive with light, fire and tradition as it celebrates SAN ANTÓN, one of its oldest and most beloved festivals. Dedicated to SAINT ANTHONY THE ABBOT, this unique celebration blends religious devotion, popular culture and community spirit, welcoming both locals and visitors in a truly authentic atmosphere.
START OF THE CELEBRATION IN MARO
The celebration in Maro begins at 5:00 PM with lively verdiales street parades, the lighting of traditional bonfires (lumbres) and live music filling the streets of the village.
As night falls, the festivities continue with the MAIN BONFIRE IN CHURCH SQUARE, accompanied by live performances that last well into the early hours of the morning.
An unforgettable evening of MUSIC, FIRE AND TRADITION marks the official start of the SAN ANTÓN FESTIVITIES IN MARO.
16 & 17 JANUARY · EXPERIENCE SAN ANTÓN IN MARO
WHEN IS SAN ANTÓN CELEBRATED?
San Antón is traditionally celebrated on 16th and 17th January, with JANUARY 17TH being the main day, as it is the feast day of Saint Anthony the Abbot. In Maro, events are usually scheduled around the closest weekend, with minor variations each year depending on the calendar.
WHO WAS SAN ANTÓN AND WHAT DOES THE FESTIVAL REPRESENT?
Saint Anthony the Abbot, popularly known as San Antón, is the PATRON SAINT OF ANIMALS and a symbol of protection for rural life and agriculture. For centuries, he has been deeply respected in farming communities, representing care for livestock, nature and the countryside.
One of the most meaningful traditions of the festival is the BLESSING OF ANIMALS, where residents bring their pets to receive the saint’s protection, keeping a centuries-old tradition alive.
THE BONFIRES: THE HEART OF SAN ANTÓN
One of the most distinctive elements of San Antón in Maro is the lighting of bonfires, known locally as “lumbres”, in different areas of the village. Around the fire, families and friends gather to grill food, share drinks and sing, creating a warm and festive atmosphere deeply rooted in local custom.
These bonfires symbolize PURIFICATION, WARMTH AND COMMUNITY UNITY, and are without doubt one of the most anticipated highlights of the celebration.
RELIGIOUS EVENTS AND FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE
The festival also includes a HOLY MASS IN HONOUR OF SAN ANTÓN, held at the Church of Our Lady of Wonders, where residents pay tribute to the saint in a solemn and emotional ceremony.
After the religious events, the streets fill with music, entertainment and live performances, turning San Antón in Maro into a truly POPULAR AND COMMUNITY-DRIVEN FESTIVAL.
THIS YEAR’S HIGHLIGHT: LOS REQUIEBROS
One of the standout moments of this year’s celebration is the LIVE PERFORMANCE BY LOS REQUIEBROS, who will bring their music, rhythm and energy to the heart of the festival. Their show is expected to be one of the MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS of San Antón, adding joy and excitement to an already special night.
A FESTIVAL THAT PRESERVES MARO’S IDENTITY
San Antón is much more than a religious celebration; it is a SYMBOL OF MARO’S CULTURAL IDENTITY. It connects past and present, keeps local traditions alive and strengthens the bonds between neighbours and generations.
Each year, San Antón lights up Maro once again with bonfires, music and tradition, reminding everyone of the importance of COMMUNITY, HERITAGE AND TOGETHERNESS.