The Royal Antequera Fair, held during August, is said to be the oldest feria in Andalucia
By Nick Nutter | Updated 31 Jul 2024 | Málaga | Events |
Login to add to YOUR Favourites 
or Read Later
Dating back to 1748, the Royal Antequera is said to be the oldest feria in Andalucia. Also known as the Royal August Fair or 'La Real Feria de Agosto', this festival had royal beginnings, with King Ferdinand VI giving Antequera the claim to celebrate the fair.
The Antequera Fair, declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest, is divided into the "Day Fair" and the "Night Fair".
In the morning, people go to the centre of the town. In the afternoon, there are bullfights and bullfights. And at night, the party moves to the booths, with attractions and performances in the Fairground.
The Royal Antequera Fair kicks off with the Pilgrimage of the Lord of Verónica, starting with a Rocío mass followed by a lively procession, setting a festive tone. The official lighting ceremony marks the fair's commencement, illuminating the city and signaling the start of various festivities designed for all ages and interests.
Throughout the fair, a variety of competitions, such the Flamenco and Short Costume Competition, add to the excitement of the event while showcasing local culture and talent.
You can enjoy tastings and live musical performances. It is typical to wear the flamenco dress of Andalusia. Other common activities at the Day Fair are bullfighting, horses and carriages, and getting together with friends.
The "Night Fair" portion of the festival takes place in the Exhibition Center located in the Parque del Norte. There are the Casetas Andaluzas, the Youth House and the Municipal Booth along with the attractions and the stalls.
The Saturday is the so-called "Saturday Fair" and is the Day of the Horseman, which consists of a procession along the Royal Walk. It is something worth seeing and attracts a large number of participants every year.
For more on Antequera, check out our articles:
Travelling to/around Spain and need some help? Here are my favourite travel resources.
I usually use Booking.com to look for hotels or apartment rentals. Lots of choice & you can unlock more discounts with their Genius loyalty programme!
To research transportation options around Spain, I like using Omio. It’s an easy way to compare different modes of transport and prices in one place. To search train routes, schedules, and prices, I recommend using Trainline.
Renting a car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore Andalucia at your own pace. Click here to compare car rental prices. (You’ll be surprised at how affordable it is in Spain!)
Looking for tours & activities in Andalucia? I usually use Get Your Guide to get tickets and book tours. Viator also has a huge catalog of activities and tours across many cities in Spain. Our Viator Shop has my top recommendations, all in one place!
Guruwalk is my favourite platform to find the best free walking tours in a city.
For last-minute holiday deals, check out Expedia UK.
For money transfers or spending overseas in foreign currency, Wise is my favourite borderless banking service. I love their debit card that's without fees and always use it when I travel.
Travel insurance is a must to protect against emergencies and unexpected incidents. I personally use SafetyWing and you can get a no-obligation quote from SafetyWing here.
For an easy way to stay connected on the road, get an eSim from Airalo. It's affordable and, best of all, you'll be connected the moment you arrive!
© Visit-Andalucia 2015 - 2025
Sopa de los Siete Ramales El Burgo February 2024
Manilva Pride (9th - 11th June 2023)
Los Encuentros de Arte del Valle del Genal
