Why does Feria de Málaga appeal to expats and tourists so much? 'It's a unique event that's not to be missed'

Some visitors know exactly what they've come for and deliberately plan their holidays to coincide with the Feria. Others arrive without even realising the fair is taking place and find themselves unexpectedly in the midst of one of the most important festivals of the year in Malaga.

Flavia has come to Malaga from Pordenone, in northern Italy. She knew before she arrived that the fair was on and decided to time her stay to coincide with it so she could make the most of her trip. "It's brilliant, brilliant!" she says. What strikes her most is seeing older people taking part and keeping the traditions alive.

Just a few metres away, a group of young women from the Netherlands walk past. Maud and Zoe also knew the fair was taking place when they booked their first ever trip to Malaga.

"This is incredible. Everyone's dressed up beautifully and there are parties everywhere. It's brilliant," they say as they walk down Calle Larios.

Katie has arrived from England with her daughter. She absolutely loves these fairs and wanted her little girl to experience them first-hand. "She just really wanted a dress," she says.

The little girl's choice is a red and white polka-dot dress, with a white flower in her hair. "She loves it and I want her to enjoy Spanish culture, because we love it," Katie says.

They'll be in Malaga for three weeks, which includes the whole week of the fair. "I just love Malaga wine, I love the music… I love everything!"

For other foreigners, the Malaga fair wasn't part of the holiday plan at all. They simply arrived in the capital of the Costa del Sol at just the right moment.

Anna flew in on Wednesday from Poland. Neither she nor her husband had any idea that the fair was in full swing. "I realised it when I got here," she says. The surprise quickly gave way to enthusiasm. "It's brilliant. There's a wonderful atmosphere."

Her compatriot Hanna had heard of the Malaga fair, but knew very little about it before she arrived. Her first impression couldn't have been better. "It's incredible because you can really get a feel for the real Spain here." Her visit to the city centre has served as an unexpected introduction to the Costa del Sol's traditions.

Dutch couple Wendy and Ryan were also caught off guard by the fair, but they quickly settled in. She's put a flower in her hair and is letting herself be swept up in what she sees as a "big get-together" of people. "There are people dancing, music, costumes," she says.

Claire and Peter, from Cork, Ireland, booked their trip just a week ago. They are also experiencing their first Malaga fair quite by chance. They are just as excited as other foreign visitors. "The colours, the music… it's amazing."

Their summary of the fair in three words: "Colourful, lively and noisy, but noisy in a good way, eh?"

At the same time, the fair is in full swing also at the Cortijo de Torres fairgrounds.

A Dutch couple watch in amazement as the horse-drawn carriages pass by and are grateful that they popped into the tourist office to ask about things to do in the city. "Someone told us: 'You were meant to be here in Malaga this week'," they say.

They compare the fair to Munich's Oktoberfest… "although this is ten times better".

For Artemio and Mari from Estonia, the fair has been much more than just a holiday experience. They have been living in Malaga for almost 13 years and haven't missed a single fair since they arrived in the city, except for the years when Covid-19 prevented it from taking place.

They even dress up in traditional costumes. "We come back year after year for the atmosphere, the good vibes, the dancing," they say. Above all, however, they highlight the way in which "the fair brings all generations together".

Then there's Tom, standing in the middle of the Real del Cortijo de Torres, dressed in traditional Scottish attire. At 74, he has been coming to Malaga since he was 18. "I love Malaga. I love its people," he says.

Tom has long since lost count of how many ferias he's been to, but he knows very well why he keeps coming back. "The atmosphere, the dresses, the costumes, the friendliness, the laughter, the fun, the joy. You wouldn't see this in Scotland. Nor in London. It couldn't be held anywhere else. It's something unique to Spain, unique to Malaga," he declares.

For Tom, Feria de Málaga is as an "essential, unique and unmissable" event. Many foreigners echo Tom's sentiment.

Browse the Sur in English lifestyle and expat living hub