In the north-eastern part of the Antequera region is the village of Villanueva de Tapia. Located 67 km from the provincial capitol of Malaga this village forms part of the sub-region called Nororma (acronym in Spanish for Northeast Málaga).

It sits on the Malaga province border with Granada and Cordoba provinces. The land around the village is overlooked by the grand El Pedroso mountains (1,025 meters) which are located to the south of the village while the remaining area in made up of olive groves and grain fields.
There are ruins of Arabic and roman construction in the area although they provide little information into the age of the village. There is documentation that shows the village as it is knows today dates from around the 16^th century.

There are a few notable buildings, monuments and other places of interest to visit in the village including the Virgen de Gracia hermitage which is located in a park which has the same name, has a painting of the Virgen de Gracia (Virgin of Grace) that is of some artistic merure.

Another building that is worth visiting is the early seventeenth century San Pedro Apóstol parish church. Inside the church you will find several sculptures of great artistic interest, such as the Immaculate Conception from the seventeenth century and the images of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno (Our Father Jesus of Nazareth) and of the Virgen de los Dolores (Virgin of Sorrows), both from the eighteenth century and both very venerated by the Tapienses

One thing that can be found there are the church archives, which are considered to be among the most complete in the province, deserves special mention. They preserve registrations and baptismal and marriage books from since 1626, besides other kinds of Episcopal documents, censuses and testaments.

Other buildings include the former San Bárbara inn, also known as Casa de la Cantina, which is one of the oldest buildings in the village; the early eighteenth century Los Allalantes fountain, and the San Antonio laundry shed which is one of the few constructions of this type that has been preserved in this part of Málaga and is of greater anthropological than architectural value.

There are numerous festivals and fairs during the year including the Festival International de Cante de Poetas (International Poets’ Recital Festival} which is held in July

The event. consists of singing or reciting verses known as “coplas”-some of which are of such a high quality This ancient tradition, whose origin would be found in the Middle Ages, has taken on new life in recent years. At the present time with the founding of this international competition the event attracts not only the best local troubadours but also those from such countries as Cuba, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and Panama and even some European countries.

Another important fair is Real Feria de Ganado (Royal Livestock Fair) which takes place every year between the 10^th – 12^th October.

The event has been held since the 19^th century. It is the season’s last fair of this type buyers and sellers are anxious to close deals and many of them will be formalized in the ancient manner that is to say with a simple handshake. In addition to this fair there is that of the Razas Caprinas Andaluzas (Andalusian Goat Breeds) and, of course, the sampling of indigenous products, especially chivo al lechal (a kid dish).

The La Candelaria fiesta in honour of the Virgin of the same name is celebrated on the night of 1 February. The residents light bonfires in different places in the village and form circles around the fire and sing ancient traditional tunes. During the Carnival in late February the women, besides wearing the traditional disguises, form circles and throw pitchers or jugs back and forth until one of them drops the receptacle on the ground.

From 12 to 14 June the Feria de San Antonio (San Antonio fair, also known as the Feria Chica, or Little Fair) is celebrated, as it has been since 1934.

The Semana Cultural (Cultural Week) is held during the second week of August and brings together theatrical presentations, verbenas, concerts and sports activities. It is customary on the last day to prepare an Andalusian breakfast from traditional local products.

Tourist Information: Town Hall, Avenida de la Constitución, 50 (29315). Telephone: 952 750 179; Fax: 952 750 273