One of the most passionate, vibrant and colourful annual ferias is held in Malaga for nine days every August, and takes place this year between the 16th and 24th August.

This fabulous Andalucian feria was originally held to celebrate the re-conquering of the city of Malaga in 1487 by ´Los Reyes´, Isabella and Ferdinand, and is now one of the biggest street parties in Spain.

Many of the revellers arrive on horseback, wearing traditional dress and make their way to the centre of town, passing crowds of people dancing in the streets. Even in the daytime, the bars and restaurants are festooned with bunting and banners to leave visitors in no doubt how much this annual event means to the locals. The whole city vibrates with life and noise, and the fun continues at the fairground throughout the night.

My friends and I always take a trip to the feria during the daytime which is just as raucous as the evening, with all the usual attractions taking place through the streets. One of the most beautiful spectacles is the horse procession through the city centre, where the riders show off their skills and the horses turn out in all their feria finery.

Last year we took the train from Fuengirola to Malaga, which is a comfortable way of travelling, and also gives you peace of mind if you are likely to over-indulge with the fino sherry and sangria which is liberally served throughout the main square. The train takes about 40 minutes, and when you disembark, you only need to follow the crowds to find out where the fun is.

Loud music was blaring out of every bar we passed, almost as if they were in competition for the liveliest joint at the feria, and the local ladies dance in the streets, decked out in their flamenco dresses and shawls with flowers in their hair and dancing shoes to match.

The beauty of Malaga Feria is that it is not as touristy as the ferias in the main resorts to the west of Malaga, and you really sense a feeling of ´the real Spain´ when you visit here, instead of the watered down versions in other towns. This is the largest event in Andalucia, outside of Seville, and the location is superb.

Malaga is the type of city you can visit again and again, and you will always discover something new. Apart from the excellent Picasso Museum, the magnificent cathedral and elegant houses, the city also boasts some of the finest tapas bars and restaurants you will find in Andalucia. Two of the most famous are Refectorium and Adolfo.

Located behind the Málaga bullring in C/Cervantes, Refectorium becomes hectic during any bullfight, filling up with fans and often, after the fight, with the matadors too. The cuisine has traditional flair, and the servings are generous. Typical Malaga favourites are served including, cold almond soup with garlic and muscatel grapes. Another classic starter is garlic mushrooms with Serrano ham. The fresh seafood is a delight, including monkfish and rosada. Desserts are like mama used to make and , include rice pudding and home-made crème caramel. Tel: 95 221 8990.

Situated on Malaga´s Paseo Maritimo, Adolfo opened its doors in 1993, and has an enviable reputation for excellent food and service. The menu is changed every three months, and the style of the restaurant is traditional old Spain. Brickwork and dark wood decorate the two dining rooms, and an ornate bar is situated just inside the entrance. Fresh game and seafood is a speciality at Adolfo, and most of Malaga´s most famous dishes are served in the restaurant. Tel: 95 2601914.

Also famous for its tapas, Malaga´s bars open their doors early during feria time and often serve until the small hours of the next morning. There is no better way to enjoy this fabulous annual event than taking your time to explore the city´s streets, soaking up the atmosphere, and sampling different drinks and tapas along the way. Traditionally, fino, dry Spanish sherry, is served liberally during the feria, and many revellers carry a specially designed fino glass on a leather thong around their necks.

The evening celebrations take place at the fairground, and rides, sideshows and casetas jostle for position while thousands of fun-seekers dance the night away to some of the best live bands in Spain. At least one night during the feria, the attractions and sideshows open early and charge reduced prices for the smaller kids – ensuring everyone can join in the fun.

Malaga Feria is not for the faint-hearted, and if you prefer a quiet time, the city is probably best avoided during this time. If, on the other hand you want a change from the pool and the beaches, and you fancy joining in one of the liveliest annual celebrations in Spain, then there is no better way to spend a day or two than dancing, drinking and merrymaking with the crowds in Malaga City.

After a hard day´s partying, we return home on the train to Fuengirola footsore but happy after joining in one of the biggest parties in Spain.