The increase in the foreign population in the province of Malaga has led to customs more typical of other countries becoming established here. This is the case of the English style 'Country Farmers Markets' that have been set up in a growing number of municipalities. In the Axarquía alone three of these open air markets are held every week, a reflection of the well-established English tradition that was originally conceived to make it easier for the farms surrounding large towns to sell their produce. The attraction among residents in the area is unquestionable, so much so that the markets have become a meeting point for foreigners who not only get to stock up on British products they can't get in Spanish supermarkets but also have the chance to chat with friends and acquaintances they see once every week or month. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that the many of these 'foreign' markets have waiting lists to set up a stall.

Since 2006 Anita Jordan has been organising the Country Farmers Market that is held every Tuesday in Jardines del Trapiche, an establishment located next to the Axarquía airfield, in the municipality of Vélez-Málaga. Every week more than 60 stalls are set up here, offering a wide range of products. There are 30 more on the waiting list. According to Anita, the majority of customers come back week after week. «Those who live in the area come looking for English products they can't find anywhere else, or to have some work done for them, because there are also professionals offering their services. On the other hand the foreigners who are on holiday in the Axarquía come with the intention of buying Spanish products to take home as a souvenir», explains Jordan, who admits that until a few weeks ago the market's greatest attraction were the stalls with typical English foods and cakes. «Since we had a Health inspection we have had to stop selling them, although we are applying for the necessary permits to be able to sell food, precooked dishes, meats and cakes again», she states.

Every week Jackie sets up her stall, not just at the El Trapiche market, but also in Mollina. She started by selling children's clothes she had knitted herself, but she soon expanded her business to offer manicure services. Behind a small screen Jackie gives customers manicures and pedicures at the reasonable prices of 10 and 8 euros, or 15 for the two. She says that with that she earns enough to get by. «Here the majority of my customers are English, both men and women, who come to have their hands and feet done», she explains.

Next to her stall is Tanya who does sewing jobs. An expert dressmaker and mother of three daughters, Tanya gives advice and sews for British residents who prefer the dressmaking techniques typical of their home country. The majority of her work involves alterations to clothes but she also makes curtains out of the fabric her customers provide. One thing there is no shortage of at the market is tea. Tiziana and Enzo, brother and sister originally from Italy, offer more than 30 different types of tea from India, Africa, Japan and even China. Their stalls are a great success; after all, they say that no self-respecting Englishman misses his cup of tea at five o'clock.