Romantic Ronda warms up and will pay tribute to Grazalema

Ronda will once again recreate the era of bandits and romantic travelers, among other iconic figures from the late 19th century, from May 29 to 31, with the celebration of Ronda Romántica, a festival that will reach its twelfth edition in 2026, organized by the Ronda city council, with the support of the Junta de Andalucía and the Diputación of Málaga.

“Plaza de la Merced is ideal but it is true that it is already getting hot, as you have told us; and we believe that here in the Alameda, the shaded area will favor the development of the festival,” said the mayor of Ronda, María de la Paz Fernández. In addition to the Alameda, there will be other stages on the balconies of the Alameda and on Paseo de Blas Infante.

There will be reenactments by historical associations, performances of dance and song, folklore, flamenco, musicals, charangas, pasodoble, activities aimed at children, horseback rides, and the runway, which this year will be open to the general public and will feature a prize for the best costume, sponsored by Turismo de Ronda.

Likewise, Fernández highlighted the tribute that will be paid on Saturday night to Grazalema, emphasizing the bonds that have been strengthened between both towns after the reception of these neighbors in February, when they had to leave their homes due to the effects of the storm series. “We are more brothers and neighbors than ever,” the mayor stated.

The Romantic Market will also be set up, with 60 stalls featuring food products, crafts, brotherhoods, taverns, villages… This year, as a novelty, wooden booths will be used.

Inaugural Parade

The festival will officially open with the Parade, on Friday afternoon, from Ruedo Alameda to Merced, but in the morning, as is traditional, the Children's Parade will take place, featuring the participation of students and teachers from various schools.

The mayor insisted on the importance of participating in Ronda Romántica dressed according to the era, during the weekend and especially in the Parade. “It's beautiful to dress up, to offer this magnificent image to the rest of the province and to Andalucía, highlighting this part of our history,” she said.

“I insist on inviting all groups, associations, and the towns of the region… It is a beautiful, colorful spectacle, rooted in our history. Dressing up from the era is to enjoy and show the whole world this important part of our history.”