Every year in Andalucia there are a host of festivals and fairs, celebrating a wide range of things from the religious to the fun.

The Virgen del Carmen is the Virgin that is most intimately connected with the sea and is celebrated along the Malaga coast in the fishing villages. The celebrations vary slightly from town to town . One event that should not be missed is watching the much-loved effigy of the Virgen been not only paraded through the streets but also around the bay on a flower-adorned boat, which is accompanied by a flotilla of “jábegas” (fishing boats).

The festival runs from the 16^th to the 19^th of July.

One place that you can enjoy the celebrations is the Fuengirola district of Los Boliches

Below is a brief outline of the festivals events in Los Boliches

16^th July The festivities begin with the throwing of the fishing net followed by a Noon Mass and then a ‘Gran Moraga’ (Big Roasting Party) , a tribute to those who have lost their lives at sea. The festival official begins at 20.00 which is followed an hour later by an emotional procession though the streets and the fabulous firework display which can be seen right along the coast. There are a number of shows taking place as well.

17^th July . The highlights of this day include performances by various choirs and dance groups as well as a concert by Materia Prima.

18^th July The main event of the day is the fantastic 33rd ‘Juan de la Loma’ Flamenco Festival in Santa Fe de los Boliches. This celebration stars some of the great flamenco performers.

19^th July The last day of the festival sees some fun events including the Tapas Cycling Tours where there will be intermediate sprints stopping off at some of the best bars, taverns and kiosks in the area. There will also be a fabulous children’s party held in the afternoon and this festival draws to a close with a fantastic concert from Miriam Ortega, a local singer and Sergio Dalma

Apart from these main events there are a whole host of side shows, , the local bars and restaurants have live bands and other events and there are a number of small celebrations along the beach during the whole festival. There are also a number of unofficial firework displays that can sometimes go on into the early hours.

The main center for the celebrations will be the local fairground and the beach at Los Boliches, however wherever you go in Los Boliches during the celebrations you will be find people having a good time , and enjoying fine seafood .

Every year the event seems to grow and grow and quite often the celebrations seem to spread along into Fuengirola center itself and the district of Torreblanca which is right next to Los Boliches.

More information is available from the Department of Popular Celebrations. Telephone: (+34) 952 589 378 or you can visit the official website http://www.fuengirola.org

You can also get information from the local tourism office in Fuengirola or if you are already in the area any of the popular bars and restaurants in Los Boliches will be happy to give you more information.