Now that springtime is upon us, the days are getting warmer, the flowers are blooming and feria season is just around the corner.
Andalucia boasts some of the most passionate and colourful ferias in Spain, and one of the best I have been to is at La Cala de Mijas in July. This is not the biggest summer festival, but the entertainment and atmosphere is second to none.
Last year we had a superb dinner at The Newmarket, in La Cala village first – you won´t find a better steak anywhere than here. Mike and Jo have run this busy restaurant for 7 years now, and it has gained an enviable reputation for excellent food and service. Open in the evenings, Tuesday to Saturday and for lunch and dinner on Sunday (the carvery on Sunday lunchtime is fabulous), the a la carte menu offers fish, meat and vegetarian dishes to suit all tastes.

After dinner we strolled over to the fairground, where booming music, flashing lights and fast rides were the first thing to hit the senses. There was plenty of parking next to the recinto ferial or even in La Cala itself for revellers who want to drive, but knowing how much fino and cerveza our party was likely to consume, we decided to take a cab home.

On entering the feria ground under the main archway, colourful sideshows and children´s rides are situated on either side of the walkway, including darts games, a rifle range and coconut shys – all of which remind me of the traditional English fairs we used to go to as kids. Being from Nottingham, I was lucky enough to visit the famous Goose Fair every October, and La Cala is like a mini version of that (without the wrestling competitions).

Loud music booms out from every stall, and many of the local women dance the traditional sevillanas, wearing colourful, swirling flamenco dresses. Many children wear miniature versions of the traditional outfits, with the boys donning riding boots, striped jodhpur- style trousers, red braces and cravattes, white shirts and short jackets, topped off with a traditional horseman´s hat. The girls proudly emulate their mother´s in colourful dresses and matching shoes.

Dotted along the route through the fairground, are various stalls selling sweets, nuts, candy floss and famous turrón nougat, plus a delicious range of chocolate almonds and sweet popcorn to keep the munchies at bay. Hot dogs, baked potatoes, doughnuts and bocadillos can also be enjoyed at the feria, but if you intend to go on the faster rides, I would advise you to eat afterwards. I won´t tell you what happened to my mate Johny, in case you are eating while reading this!

If you prefer to have a full meal, there are three outdoor café-bars close to the top of the feria ground serving fresh fish, brochetas, pinchitos, calamares, and a range of meat and salad dishes to satisfy the hungriest visitors.

Several bars and casetas are dotted around the fairground, often playing dance and disco music along with the more traditional sounds. We fell upon (quite literally as it happens) one marquee where partygoers were line dancing! Not something we expected to find here, but it was highly entertaining. If, like me, you are a bit of a people-watcher, this is a great place to be.

It soon became clear that the big tent was where all the grown up action was, and after acquiring a few more beers, and a bottle of fino, we headed in that direction. The live music was pumping, and hundreds of bodies were shaking their stuff on the dance floor. Disco music alternates with the live acts in the main marquee, so the music literally never stops. A huge bar covers the whole length of the tent, and to order drinks, you need to buy tickets first from a booth at one end of the bar. This can be a pain, if you have to keep going back to buy more, as there is always a queue later on in the evening. We knew about this in advance so bought 50€ worth between us – just to be on the safe side you understand.

The service leaves a lot to be desired but hey, this ain´t the Ritz, and the atmosphere more than makes up for the grumpy bar staff. Last year, several fantastic groups performed at La Cala, and the place was absolutely rocking. We staggered to the taxi about 4am, and the music was still playing. Admittedly, our ears were still ringing for half an hour afterwards, as the noise is incredible. As long as I have lived here, I never tire of the feria season, and La Cala de Mijas provides one of the best, fun-filled nights you can imagine.

Contact Details: Mijas Town Hall. Tel: 0034 95 290 3305. The Newmarket Restaurant. Tel: 0034 95 290 3305.
When: Usually the second week in July but confirm with Mijas Tourist Office.
Where: Recinto Ferial, La Cala de Mijas.
Directions: From Fuengirola take the main coast road (A7) West (direction Marbella). Exit the road approx. 5km from Fuengirola where you see the sign for La Cala de Mijas. As you exit the road you will see the fairground in front of you. At the junction turn left and first right to the car park.