With holidays, romerias and ferias aplenty, May 2019 is certainly one of our favourite months in southern Spain. The weather is warm, the evenings are lengthening and the sea is tempting. Summer, in other words, is just around the corner.
Here’s our pick of what’s on in May in the Axarquia…
Food
Nerja Tapa Route: Until 19th May
Nearly a whole month for the spring tapas route in Nerja and only 1.80€ for a drink and a tapa. So there’s no excuse not to try every bar on the route.
Espeto Deal: Until 12th May
Get 5 barbecued fish with a drink for 6€ at participating beach bars (see below) along the coast from Torre del Mar to Benajarafe.
Rincon de la Victoria Food Fair: 3rd – 5th May
Fiestas
Cruces de Mayo: Velez-Malaga, 2-5 May
Fiesta de la Cruz del Cordero, Velez-Malaga: 2nd – 4th May
Day of the Horse, Frigiliana: 5th May
Feria of Totalan: 17th – 19th May
Day of the Nispero, Sayalonga: 5th May
Noche en Blanco, Nerja: 18th May
Check out this page for updates on the program of events.
Nerja Folklore Day: 3rd May
Romerias
There’s nothing more spring-like than a romeria. Groups get together, get dressed up, organise food and transport (usually in the form of a trailer) and follow a virgin from a village or town into the country for the night. Lots of music, dancing and frivolity ensues.
If you haven’t seen or taken part in one, try and put it on the bucket list. Want to know more about Velez’s romeria? See our guide here.
- Romería Stma. Inmaculada Concepción de Cabrillas, in el Coto Escolar de Benamocarra – 11th-12th May
- Romería of the Virgen de los Remedios, in la Finca de la Pola, Velez-Malaga – 18th-19th May
- Romería San José de Triana, in la Finca de la Ponderosa – 4th-5th May
- Romería San Isidro de Trapiche, in el Coto Escolar, Benamocarra – 18th-19th May
Culture
Street Theatre, Velez-Malaga: 3rd May
A reenactment of a historical event through the streets of Velez. This is in Spanish so great for language learners. It starts at 18.30hrs from La Cruz del Cordero.
Street Theatre, Velez-Malaga: 4th May
Another theatrical reenactment, this time of Moorish Velez. Again, this is in Spanish so good for practice. It’s completely free; meet at 11hrs at the main entrance to the Convento de San Francisco.
MVVEL Concerts – Various Dates in May
All concerts are free entry, and held in the beautiful central patio or the old chapel.
MVVEL – Calle Dr. Jiménez Poey, 1, Vélez-Málaga.
Flamenco
De Tablao | Escuela de Sandra Cisneros, Jabera Studio
3rd May at 22:00hrs
What: Part of Flamenco Abierto’s initiative is to nurture young talent. The best students from local flamenco dance schools (this time students of Sandra Cisnero’s Jabera Studio) get an opportunity to perform in front of an audience and to live music.
Where: Peña Flamenca Niño de Vélez, C/ Tejeda, 10, 29700 Vélez-Málaga
Carrete de Malaga | Viernes Flamencos
1oth May at 22:00hrs
What: Famed dancer/singer Carrete de Malaga visits the flamenco club in Velez.
Where: Peña Flamenca Niño de Vélez, C/ Tejeda, 10, 29700 Vélez-Málaga
Escuela | Escuela de Carmen Camacho
17th May at 22:00hrs
What: The second instalment of Flamenco Abierto’s May young talent initiative – this time featuring the dance students of Carmen Camacho.
Where: Peña Flamenca Niño de Vélez, C/ Tejeda, 10, 29700 Vélez-Málaga
Escuela | Escuela de Antonio Guerra
24th May at 22:00hrs
What: The third instalment of Flamenco Abierto’s May young talent initiative – this time featuring the dance students of Antonio Guerra.
Where: Peña Flamenca Niño de Vélez, C/ Tejeda, 10, 29700 Vélez-Málaga
Raices de Torrox | Jovenes
31st May at 22:00hrs
What: The fourth instalment of Flamenco Abierto’s May young talent initiative – this time featuring the dance students from Torrox.
Where: Peña Flamenca Niño de Vélez, C/ Tejeda, 10, 29700 Vélez-Málaga
Summer Nightlife
Mercado de San Francisco, Velez-Malaga
This gorgeous space – which has tapas bars, a great restaurant, a beer bar, events space, cafe, design studio, artists’ studios and a furniture restorer – is a great place to spend a day.
Keep an eye on live music coming up in the Axarquia’s gastromarket. The bar, El Almacen, post what’s on and when. (Find out more about the Mercado de San Francisco.)
Scirocco Opening – Alcaucin, 11th May
An open-air bar with a chilled out, beach-style feel, but in the mountains, Scirocco in Puente de Manuel is opening for the summer season. With an emphasis on great music from every genre, you can expect to see long fun nights mixed in with family-friendly days.
Find out more about what’s involved on the opening night and future nights on Scirocco’s Facebook page.
La Terraza de Mangoa
Down in Torre del Mar, this shabby chic lounge bar meets chilled beach club offers up food and cocktails as well as some live music to boot.
Calle Carril de la Laguna, s/n, 29740 Torre del Mar.
Workshops
Throughout May
What: In this 4 hour workshop you’ll not only make your own espadrilles to take home, but you’ll be able to use this craft to make more in the future. English and Spanish is spoken.
Cost: 80€
Contact: Facebook Message Sacramento
Sport
Hiking Route 9km – Canillas de Albaida: 5th May
Torre del Mar Colour Race: 5th May
Day of the Bike, Arenas: 4th May
If you are holding an event and would like to be included in Mi Velez-Malaga’s event page, simply send us a personal message through Facebook or email mivelezmalagadotcom@gmail.com.