The San Isidro Pilgrimage in Nerja is a popular celebration that takes place every year in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers and the city of Nerja. The festival takes place on May 15 and is one of the most important in the city.
During the Pilgrimage, a procession takes place in which the image of San Isidro is carried in a cart decorated with flowers and pulled by tractors. The procession begins at the Church of El Salvador and heads to Maro, where an open-air mass is held in honor of the saint.
This is one of the most popular festivities in Nerja. The festival is very popular among the inhabitants of Nerja and visitors to the city, who join the procession and participate in the celebration and its route.
In the Nerja Cave area there are food and drink stalls, where you can taste typical dishes of local cuisine. The San Isidro Pilgrimage is a very lively and colorful celebration that reflects the tradition and culture of the city of Nerja and Maro.
San Isidro Nerja
San Isidro festivities in Nerja. The residents of Nerja celebrate the pilgrimage in honor of San Isidro in the center of Nerja and in the Cueva de Nerja area.
Here all the details:
Departure of the pilgrimage
📌 Church of El Salvador (Balcon de Europa)
Romeria San Isidro departure time
🕛 At 12:00 p.m. from the Balcon de Europa, Diputacion Provincial Street and other Castilla Perez.
San Isidro Nerja Tour
From the Balcony of Europe; Painted Street; Cantarero Square; Pescia Avenue; old N-340 highway; and arrival at the Nerja Cave (around 3:00 p.m.)
Celebration of San Isidro in Nerja
All the carts and all the people will arrive at the Nerja Cave site. In the Nerja Cave there will be a Tribute to the farmers. and Prizes for participants.
Performances in the senior area 💃🕺
🎶 José Fernández
🎶 Fernando del Paso
🎶 Paco 'El Apañao'
Performances in the equestrian area
Area located on the Camino del Pinarillo. 🎶 The Chanelos 🎶 Alfredo Rodríguez
Performances in the youth zone (Caseta de la Juventud)💃🕺
Next to the entrance to the Nerja Cave. In the Nerja Cave parking lot. Performances: 🎧 DJ Arcadios 🎧 DJ Manuel Moreno 🎧 DJ Elías
🚍 BUS Shuttle SAN ISIDRO
Bus service from Nerja to the Nerja Cave ⏰ From 12:00 to 00:30 hours More information: Nerja Bus
The Nerja Fair is always held from the 8th to the 12th of October. But when is the Nerja Fair held this year? or what is the exact date of the Nerja Fair this year? From October 9 to 12.
On some occasions it can vary or move one day to coincide with weekends. For example: Sometimes the fair can be held from 9 to 12 and on other occasions from 9 to 13. Each year the data is confirmed a few months before.
If you want to enjoy the Nerja Fair, you should know that October 10 is a local holiday (always). And October 12 is a National Holiday. (always). And the Nerja Fair always coincides with this bridge of the Fiestas del Pilar. Also called Fiesta de la Hispanidad.
ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR events to attend this year, this is the Fascinating Carnival of Nerja 2025. This Carnival is one of the most popular on the Costa del Sol.
The Nerja Carnival takes place from February 27, 2025 to March 2, 2025. The festival will officially begin on Thursday, February 27, and concludes on Sunday, March 2, 2025 with the traditional “Muerte del Chanquete” (remember that Chanquete is a typical fish of the area).
Informative note: Dates may vary. It is important to note that specific details about Nerja Carnival events and activities may vary for different reasons, it is always advisable to check local sources or official websites. Never make a reservation without checking this information first. For up-to-date information about the programme and planned festivities you can check the town hall website, the official Nerja Carnival website or the Nerja lovers Facebook group here: Nerja lovers group
The history of the Nerja Carnival goes back many years. Nerja has been year after year one of the most popular carnivals in the Malaga region. The Nerja Carnival parade is one of the most impressive in the province of Malaga. Hundreds of costumes, light and color in the streets of Nerja. Performances and music.
The Nerja Carnival has organized different events to further popularize this festivity.
Over the years, the Nerja Carnival has become a much more elaborate affair. It has been promoted at major events such as FITUR or International Tourism fairs. A rigorous planning has been developed by the City Council, associations and local businessmen.
Traditionally, the Nerja carnival is one of the most important festivities in the town. This festivity is highly anticipated and admired in the social calendar of the city of Nerja. There are many tourists and expatriate neighbors who travel from different countries of the world to be present at the Nerja Carnival every year.
Nerja Carnival Route
Street/Square
Description
Jaén Street
Start of the parade
Diputación Street
Walk of the comparsas
Cavana Square
Main carnival stop
Granada Street
Continuation
Ermita
Meeting point
Calle San Miguel
Parade and activities
Plaza de Cantarero
Space for performances
Calle Pintada
Costume area
Puerta del Mar
Last area of the parade
Balcón de Europa
End of the parade, party and awards ceremony
Accommodations near the Carnival Streets of Nerja
These apartments are ideal if you are going to visit the Nerja carnival.
Hotel Balcón de Europa
Address: Paseo Balcón de Europa, 1
Description: Facing the sea, ideal for enjoying the views and the carnival atmosphere.
The final party of the Nerja carnival is next to this hotel. on the balcony of Europe.
Centurion Apartments
Address: On Calle San Miguel de Nerja.
Description: Located in the center of Nerja. If you choose an apartment with a balcony, you can enjoy the parade from one of the balconies. The carnival passes in front of this hotel.
La Ermita Hostel
Address: Plaza de La Ermita
Description: Cozy and economical accommodation, near the area of the carnival.
Plaza de España Apartments
Address: Plaza de España, 1
Description: Well-equipped apartments, ideal for groups. Located in the centre of Nerja next to the carnival festival.
Nerja Carnival and grand Carnival parade, Costa del Sol, Spain
The Nerja Carnival illuminates the streets of the city, gladdens the hearts of thousands of participants and neighbors who enjoy watching the parade. The center of Nerja shines with its own light.
The organizers of the Nerja carnival always promise a spectacular event, a full carnival of color, dance and celebrations in the streets.
The awards attract a lot of entrants from other cities. You can see the prizes in the official Carnival 2025 program.
NERJA CARNIVAL OFFICIAL PROGRAM
Informative note: Current programme not yet available.
The street parades of Nerja and some associations that participate in the Carnival parade are inspired by the traditional festivals of Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Rio de Janeiro.
Nerja is a town. We will never get to be that big. But we do aspire to be one of the most beautiful Carnivals in Malaga 🙂
The Nerja Carnival awards and public recognition. There is a lot of money and prestige at stake. For most carnival visitors this is one of the main attractions to improve each year. In the street event we will also see dancers, dance schools and musicians.
Activities Carnival of Nerja
Within the carnival we find many small events and activities to attend or participate. Also many prizes at stake. We find the Parades of the Carnival Queen, music and street performances, costume contests, Chirigotas contest and musical associations, Awards for the best costumes, prizes for the most original costumes, tapa route, Costumes and parade of mascots.
When is the Nerja Carnival?
The Great Carnival Parade takes place from Saturday, February 18. (in the afternoon), starting in the streets of the center of Nerja and going through the main streets of Nerja.
Nerja Carnival 2024 and great Carnival parade on the Costa del Sol.
On Sunday, February 10, the last Carnival parade will take place. The burial of Chanquete ends the Nerja Carnival 2024. In this peculiar parade we will see many costumes and people crying over the death of this typical Nerja fish.
Within the framework of the Carnival of Nerja we also find the organization of the Route of the Carnival cover. Organized by some local businessmen. Where many people dress up as a previously selected theme for each year. And they visit the local bars tasting the best tapas.
For more information on the Nerja Carnival, click here to visit the official website. – NERJA CARNIVAL –
Photos Nerja Carnival
To see photos of the Nerja Carnival, visit Nerja Lovers on Facebook or the Nerja Lovers Youtube channel
Looking for vacation ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favorite recommended activities to do in Nerja at www.nerjalovers.com or join the Nerja Lovers Facebook group to share the best carnival photos and experience carnival from the inside. Find out what’s happening in the local area.
The Nerja Fair. The biggest festival in Nerja. 5 days of parties and fun with all kinds of activities. The Nerja Fair begins on October 7, 2023 and ends on October 12, 2023.
Nerja celebrates its annual Fair in October. Here you have the essential information about the Nerja Fair:
– The dates of the Nerja Fair – The official program of the Nerja Fair – Events at the Nerja Fair – Where is the Nerja fair held? – What to do in Nerja during the fair – Book accommodation at the Nerja Fair
Some useful links about Nerja
📢 Official program and concerts NERJA FAIR 2023
When is the Nerja Fair?
The Nerja Fair is from October 7 or 8 to 12: On these dates the patron saint festivities are celebrated in honor of the Virgin of Angustias and San Miguel Arcángel.
What’s at the Nerja fair?
In October and during the days of the Fairs there are processions, a Flamenco singing festival, folk performances, floats, festivals and much more.
Events at the Nerja Fair
During the fair days we can find events of all kinds. Nerja Fair fishing contest, Nerja Fair popular race, Waiters’ Race, Equestrian Shows, Miss and Mister Nerja Gala, Live Music, concerts and other shows.
Official program of the Nerja Fair.
The official program will be announced a few days before the Nerja Fair begins.
Where to stay in Nerja during the Nerja Fair.
If you are looking to be close to the Fair or fairgrounds, we recommend the central area. Keep in mind that there is more noise from shows, concerts, street bands, attractions and pyrotechnic shows.
Hispanic Heritage Day coincides with the town fair on October 12.
If you visit Nerja during the Fair, you can write to the Nerja lovers group and ask for recommendations on theBest Apartments for the Nerja Fair, Best Hotels for the Nerja Fair, Nerja Fair Announcement, Nerja Fair Gala, Nerja Fair Concerts etc..
The Virgen del Carmen is one of the most popular festivities in Nerja. This festivity will be celebrated this year in several days. Although the day of the Virgen del Carmen is July 16. The festival will have events scheduled for July 15, 16 and 23, 2022
This year the Virgen del Carmen will have a new processional tour and as a novelty a popular moraga on Burriana beach with a concert by Manuel Orta.
Nerja recovers the celebration of the festivity of the Virgen del Carmen, one of the most popular festivals in Nerja, a festival where the patron saint of sailors is paraded and one of the oldest traditions in Nerja.
Virgen del Carmen Program 2022
Friday, July 15
The festivity will begin on July 15 at 8:00 p.m. in the Church of El Salvador, with a floral offering, the kissing of hands and the imposition of Medals to the brothers of the brotherhood of the Virgen del Carmen.
Saturday, July 16
At 6:00 p.m.: On the 16th, the Holy Mass will take place in homage to the Virgen del Carmen at six in the afternoon.
After the mass: Once it is finished, the procession will begin through the streets of Nerja and by boat on the sea.
Virgen del Carmen procession itinerary
It leaves from the Balcon de Europa church, Carmen street, Cavana square, Diputación street, and Castilla Pérez avenue to La Torrecilla beach where the Virgin will be embarked to travel along the coast from El Playazo to Burriana beach.
The tour will end at Calahonda beach. Here the Virgin is landed and carried on the shoulders of the fishermen through the Stairs of Calahonda, Boquete de Calahonda to the Balcon de Europa.
When the Virgin arrives in Calahonda and with her disembarkation there will be a fireworks show.
New 2022 – Concert at Burriana beach on July 23rd
The traditional popular moraga will be held on the 23rd on Burriana beach. There will be sardine skewers for everyone, and attendees will be able to enjoy a tribute concert to the Virgen del Carmen by the singer Manuel Orta.
History of the Virgin of Mount Carmel
This festivity is of marine origin. The day of the Virgen del Carmen is celebrated in many fishing villages or fishing villages. The Virgen del Carmen is the patron saint of fishermen or men of the sea.
The first brotherhood of the Virgen del Carmen was created in the 18th century.
The festivities begin the day before with a floral offering to the Virgin.
On July 16 there is a popular moraga accompanied by music and traditional folklore
In Nerja they were only taken out in procession but from the 1960s the brotherhood of fishermen was promoted, the brotherhood of the Virgen del Carmen in Nerja and they began to take the Virgin by boat.
At the end of the 1980s, the current boat was built to transport the Virgen del Carmen. (This work was thanks to José Calvente (Pepe Calafate). And since 1987 there has been a procession in the sea.
The Virgen del Carmen in Nerja. Procession in the sea ⛵
The Virgin is paraded along the beaches of Nerja accompanied by a dozen boats. Until you reach Calahonda beach where you can see a fireworks display.
Here the Virgin is lowered from the boat and the fishermen carry her on their shoulders down the stairs of Calahonda and carry her up to the Balcon de Europa.
What is the Virgen del Carmen?
The Virgen del Carmen is the patron saint of men of the sea. She is the patron saint or virgin of fishermen.
When is the Day of the Virgen del Carmen celebrated?
July 16 is the day of the Virgen del Carmen. The day of the Virgen del Carmen is celebrated in the fishing villages or the coastal towns. It is a very popular tradition in the towns of the Andalusian coast
More info about VIRGEN DEL CARMEN:
You can find all the information about the Virgen del Carmen Nerja on the official facebook page of the Brotherhood of the Virgen del Carmen. here: facebook.com/virgen.delcarmennerja
The Romeria de San Isidro is one of the most beautiful festivals in Nerja. San Isidro Labrador is the patron saint of farmers and peasants in Spain. The figure of San Isidro dates back to the 11th century.
San Isidro is the patron saint of farmers. For this reason, people who work in agriculture ask him for miracles and rain for the crops during times of drought.
San Isidro is on May 15th. The Nerja pilgrimage is one of the most beautiful festivals in Nerja along with the Nerja Fair and San Juan.
The parade of carts will again tour the streets of Nerja from the Balcón de Europa to the Hermitage of the Patron of the farmers in the enclosure of the Cueva de Nerja.
Mass in the Church of El Salvador
At half past eleven in the morning. In this act there will be a tribute to the farmers, enlivened by the choir of the Peña Nerjeña and the Folkloric Group of the elderly of the Municipal School of Music and Dance.
Start of the parade
The traditional pilgrimage will leave at half past twelve from the Balcón de Europa, enlivened by the Ortigosa family, going through C/ Pintada, Plaza Cantarero, Avda. de Pescia and the N-340 road to the Hermitage of San Isidro in the enclosure of the Cave of Nerja.
In the Cueva de Nerja we will enjoy live music with different local groups.
When is the Romería de San Isidro celebrated?
The festival of San Isidro is celebrated on May 15 in Nerja. In previous years it was also celebrated on the night of May 14, celebrating the “Eve of San Isidro” where the young people of Nerja and Maro met in the gardens of the Cueva de Nerja to celebrate the arrival of this festival.
Official Program of the Romería de San Isidro
You can download the official program from the Nerja City Council website – festivals and traditions – or see the latest news in the Nerja Lovers Facebook group. – San Isidro Nerja –
Where is San Isidro Celebrated?
San Isidro is a pilgrimage that parades from the Balcon de Europa to the Cueva de Nerja. The pilgrims and residents of Nerja walk from Nerja to Maro behind their patron saint “San Isidro”, the patron saint of farmers.
San Isidro Parade in Nerja
The parade of carts or the Romeria de San Isidro parades from Calle Diputacion in Nerja, passing by the Balcon de Europa, up Calle Pintada, Plaza Cantarero, and the entire national road next to the Hotel Nerja Club, Hotel Los Arcos, Mercadona de Capistrano, Oasis de Capistrano and follows the road until reaching Maro and the Nerja Caves.
San Isidro Schedules
The schedules are relative. Normally the San Isidro program is always similar. The carts and the parade of the pilgrimage usually pass through Nerja from 11am to 2pm. And arrives in Maro around 2pm or 3pm.
Photos and videos of San Isidro, Nerja.
San Isidro is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Here you can see some photos of the pilgrimage as it passes through the centre of Nerja. Thousands of people enjoy the spectacular parade of horses and floats decorated with flowers.
Screenshot
What to do in San Isidro Nerja?
This day is a public holiday in Nerja. Shops may close early or change their opening hours on this day. Please note that businesses may close early or change hours on this day. Supermarkets, shops and restaurants have other hours. Mercadona and Carrefour also have special opening hours. The restaurants that are open are usually celebrating, there is live music and a festive atmosphere. We recommend that you enjoy San Isidro in a different way.
If you like the pilgrimage, you can make your own float. You must request a permit (free) from the town hall. To access the Nerja cave. This is just the registration of the vehicle to participate in the pilgrimage.
You can also walk from Nerja to Maro with your beer in hand. Enjoying the journey, dancing and singing with friends.
Where to see San Isidro Nerja?
If you want to see San Isidro from the barrier. You can see the floats pass by in one of the streets through which the pilgrimage passes. You can also see it from a bar on this same street. Example: Calle Diputacion, Plaza Cavana, Balcon de Europa, Calle Pintada, Plaza Cantarero, National Highway from Plaza Cantarero to Maro. (avenida de pescia). Or sitting under a tree next to the oasis de capistrano urbanization.
Accommodations for San Isidro in Nerja
You can book anywhere in Nerja. The pilgrimage parades from Calle Diputacion in Nerja, passing by the Balcon de Europa, up Calle Pintada, Plaza Cantarero, and along the entire national road until reaching Maro and the Nerja Caves.
Anywhere in Nerja is perfect for staying. You can book a hotel with a pool to enjoy a few days of relaxation in Nerja, a villa on Burriana beach or a cheap apartment in Nerja.
Bus Nerja – San Isidro
On the 15th from midday, the party begins in the Nerja Caves. You can walk along the pilgrimage or take the bus from Nerja. In Nerja there is a shuttle bus service to San Isidro throughout the day. You can also find taxis and uber from Nerja to Maro. There are buses every 20 minutes from Nerja. Shuttle bus service Nerja – Maro to San Isidro throughout the day.
The celebration of San Isidro in Spain
San Isidro. Nerja on May 15.
Pilgrimage: Similar to Madrid, there is a pilgrimage in which participants go to the village of San Isidro, located in the Nerja Cave. They dress in traditional costumes and carry out outdoor activities.
Religious Event: People gather to pay homage to the saint “San isidro”. Everyone asks for fertility for agriculture.
Cultural Celebrations: Concerts and DJ performances in the Cueva de Nerja area. Music stand for young and old. Dances and fairs. Cultural and recreational activities in Nerja. Hundreds of people visit Nerja on San Isidro.
Origin of the Tradition
The tradition of San Isidro Labrador in Madrid dates back to the veneration of the saint for his role in rural life and his connection with water, a vital element for agriculture. The devotion spread to other regions of Spain, including the coast of Malaga, where Nerja has adopted the festival with its own local style.
The festival of San Isidro Labrador is one of the most important festivities. The festivities include:
A beautiful pilgrimage. People dress in traditional costumes and walk to the meadow of San Isidro. The event ends at the hermitage of San Isidro.
During the celebrations, there are performances of folk music, typical dances, and cultural activities that highlight Madrid’s traditions.
It is traditional to eat typical dishes such as “calamari sandwiches”, “patatas bravas” and “churros con chocolate”. The typical drink is “aguardiente de San Isidro”.
Over the years, these celebrations have come to symbolise not only the importance of agriculture, but also the cultural identity and traditions of the communities that celebrate them.
As every February 28, the entire Andalusian people come together to celebrate the Day of Andalusia, one of the most anticipated events of the whole year for Andalusians.
Every year the Parliament of Andalusia prepares a series of activities to celebrate this day and each province or each town also holds its own days in town halls, schools, museums and other centers.
In Nerja events are always held in the Plaza de Andalucia and the Barriada de las Protegidas. Next to the church of San Miguel.
Why is it celebrated on February 28?
The Day of Andalusia takes place on this day to commemorate the celebration of the day that the referendum or vote to be an autonomous community took place.
The Andalusians voted in favor of Andalusia becoming an autonomous community. On February 28, 1980 the Andalusian community obtained full autonomy.
On February 28 of each year. It is a festive day in all Andalusian provinces. In all cities and towns the “Day of Andalusia” is celebrated and by tradition there will be bread with olive oil for breakfast, the singing of the Andalusian anthem, the delivery of Andalusian Medals and the titles of Favorite Son.
