Fiesta Espectacular

Not long now, only a few more hours and it's paaaarty time. The decorations, flags and bunting are up. My pre planning with plenty of long siestas will ensure I've got the stamina to stay up to the early hours. Ol' Hombre del cohete will be on the scene and I've given him notice that if he starts too early in the morning he'll be having a rocket where the sun doesn't shine. ha ha.

Factoid: The fiesta in Guájar Alto is in honor of La Virgen de la Aurora.

The Feria de Málaga also starts today. Held every August it is the region's biggest and most exciting party and it is claimed to be the second largest fair in Europe. During the day the city centre is transformed, with horses carrying people dressed in typical costume. Thousands of locals and visitors dress up and line the streets. Decorated food stalls offer local delicacies (which should be accompanied by a vino fino (sherry) or a sweet Malaga wine) and there's plenty of music and dance.

In the evening the real de la feria (the feria proper) shifts south-west of the centre to Cortijo de Torres, with more than 200 pavilions open to the public and more food and drink. There are nights dedicated to flamenco dance and music, peña music groups, pop and flamenco bands and competitions. The port is lit up by a firework display, turning the city into an explosion of light and colour.