Ronda , located in Malaga province is one of the most historical cities in Andalucia , and is well known for hosting many great events during the year. It is an important town in the cultural history of Andalucia.

It is located 113 km from Malaga and just 48 km from Marbella.

Between the 18^th and 20^th of July there is an event which is well worth the journey to the picturesque town.

The well known association Abul-Beka, is hosting the 35^th International Folklore Gala which sees groups from all over the world attending to take part in the event. The association has a dance school in the town which is attended by over 600 students.

List Of Groups Attending

· Baka Lama Popular Ballet, from Senegal

· Punjab Cultural Promotion Council Folklore Ensemble, from India

http://www.punjabcpc.org

· Gruppo Folkloristico Sicilia Antica, from Agrigento, Italy

· Dúbrava Folklore Emsemble, from Slovakia

http://www.dubrava.po.szm.sk/english.html

· Sanggar Malay Folklore Dance Group, from Indonesia

· Compañía Artística Estampas Nacionales from Colombia

· Abul-Beka, a Choir and Dance Company from Ronda.

The venue for this great event is the stunning Blas Infante Auditorium and the shows start from 10pm

Apart from the performances in the auditorium there is the official gala in the town hall and a mass in the Santa María la Mayor Church, on Sunday 20^th

Two days before the official gala begins the performers will be in the town to announce their shows on the streets culminating in the raising of the flags of all the participating countries in the Plaza del Socorro

The cost of the gala is 6€ per day and more information can be obtained from the department of tourism in the town on (+34) 952 187 119

Or by visiting the towns official website http://www.turismoderonda.es

Apart from the Gala events there are numerous monuments and museums in the town which makes the visit even more worthwhile. There are numerous bars and restaurants in the town and if you decide to make a weekend of it there are some great hotels in the town from pretty little guest houses to stunning 4 star hotels. Details of the hotels in the town can be found on the official website http://www.turismoderonda.es

If you are on the Costa del Sol and don’t fancy driving to Ronda you can get a bus from Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Malaga ,Marbella, San Pedro and Torremolinos .Details of the service can be found on http://www.ctsa-portillo.com

If you want to make a the journey just a little be more special then you could make your way to Ronda via the stunning Andalucia Express

The Al Andaluz express is a special train which offers high quality service in refurbished coaches built in the early part of the 20th Century. This 50-mile stretch takes in the breathtaking scenery of inland Andalucia including the stunning El Chorro gorge It was built between 1890 and 1892 for the British Army officers and the cruise ship passengers could escape the heat of Gibraltar

The service runs 4 times a day and will takes about 1hr 45 minutes in each direction stopping at San Roque, Jimena de la Frontera, Gaucin, Cortes del a Frontera, Jimera de Libar. And on to Ronda.

It is best to join the service at San Roque, not far from Algeciras.

Visit the RENFE website to check times and current prices of this fascinating transport experience