The village of Faraján is located just 25kms from the beautiful Andalucian town of Ronda in the stunning the Alto Genal area of the Ronda region in the Malaga province

The village sits in some of the most magnificent landscape that Andalucia has to offer. The area around the village is covered in ravines, peaks such as those of El Jordon and hills such as Los Haynes and La Rosa. The River Genal flows though the area and it is from the waters causing erosion that has helped to form the rugged landscape that makes access to the village quite a challenge

The village itself is a beautiful example of a traditional Moorish layout and the stunning whitewashed houses that stands out against a background of the beautiful nearby forest.

In the village the most notable building is the Virgen del Rosario church, a building that was built in the sixteenth century and restored in the eighteenth and then in the mid-twentieth century it was modified again.

The main attraction that this village has to offer is its surrounding countryside and there is a wonderful network of trails for walkers and also 4×4 vehicles not far from the village. One of the best places to visit is the area know as Las Chorreras (the Waterfalls). This is the point where the Balastar stream and it forms two 50 meter high waterfalls which are well worth a visit.

Details of the trails are available from the local town hall

Close to the waterfall s you can also see , the ruins of an ancient Arabic mill and part of the irrigation system used at that time can still be seen.

Like all the villages, towns and cities in Andalucia fiestas play an important role in village life in Faraján

Early August sees the celebration dedicated to the honor of San Sebastián, the patron saint of the village. During the four day fiesta the village is decorated by the locals and there are events that cater for all ages . The main event of the fiesta is the traditional verbena (street party).

Other notable dates include the day of La Inmaculada (Immaculate Conception, 8 December) which is a very important day for the village

Semana Santa (Holy Week) is one of its most deeply rooted manifestations of tradition.

At noon on Good Friday Nuestro Padre Jesús de Medinaceli (Our Father Lord Jesus of Medinacelí) and the Virgen de los Dolores (Virgin of Sorrows) begin their procession. When the procession arrives at Calle Amargura, the retinue pauses.

After this a female villager approaches the Virgin and “asks permission” to wipe the face of Jesus. A Stations of the Cross ceremony with the image of the Crucified Jesus takes place that night, and after it a silent procession with the Virgin of Sorrows in full mourning. The Passion Week events conclude on Resurrection Sunday with the Child Jesus in the Sunrise Procession.

The village may be very small but if you are in the area it is well worth the visit even if it is to simply enjoy and admire the scenery.

Tourist Information: Town Hall, Calle Carihuela, 7 (29461). Telephone: +34 952 180 506; Fax: +34 952 180 555