Two Big Parties in Malaga to Welcome 2025

It's true that in all cities and many towns in the province, the farewell to one year and the welcome of another are joyously and relaxedly celebrated in the streets and squares. Everyone pays attention to the chimes of emblematic clocks to eat the grapes and then continue with the party. However, there are two proposals that stand out each year as the most original and lively. These are in Coín and Nerja.

These two towns, from different regions and environments, have consolidated over the last few decades as the two major events in the province for New Year's Eve. Lots of color and fun await in both on the upcoming Tuesday, December 31, when night falls and the final hours of the year draw near.

In Nerja, this celebration takes place in its most emblematic area, the historic center and the famous Balcony of Europe, which centuries ago was a castle and today is known as one of the best coastal viewpoints in the country.

The chance to see the first sunrise of the year from there is one of the attractions that draw hundreds of visitors each year, who join many locals in this massive celebration.

The atmosphere will be fully experienced in the pedestrian areas leading up to the viewpoint. Different bars will be set up to serve drinks to those participating in this Nerja celebration. It is customary for these stalls to be granted to non-profit associations from the town so that they can use this special evening to raise funds that will later be allocated to charitable purposes.

The chimes will be followed live in the square located at the entrance of the San Salvador church. The clock on the tower of this temple will guide the eating of the grapes at the exact moment, and then toast to the arrival of the new year.

From that moment on, the party will continue until the body can stand no more, despite the temperatures and humidity on these winter days in this area of Axarquía. Fireworks, music, and a great atmosphere will help to combat them.

The other great option to end a year and start the next in the most original way is the authentic carnival that the historic center of Coín will once again become.

This town in the Guadalhorce Valley began celebrating decades ago in an almost improvised manner a costume party for New Year's Eve. From there, it has become an unavoidable appointment for those looking for fun similar to a carnival on this special evening.

Every year the costumes become more original and fun. Many of them even refer to characters or situations particularly relevant during this year that is about to end. To encourage the creativity of outfits and attire, the Coín City Council holds a costume contest each year where the involvement in this celebration is rewarded. The categories included in this contest are individual, couple, family, group, and most spectacular group.

The farewell to one year and the welcome to the next will take place in the 'Pescao' square, an urban space known thus by the locals, although its real name is Bermúdez de la Rubia. There, neighbors and visitors will gather to focus on the clock of the bell tower of the San Juan church. From 11 PM, joyful and relaxed moments will already be experienced by those who come to this emblematic space.

But, after the chimes and the appropriate grapes and toasts with sparkling wine, another scenario awaits for the festivities, the Alameda square, where the evening, with all participants in costumes, will be intensely lived until well into the early morning. In this way, the municipality of Coín becomes one of the most original places in the country to experience New Year's Eve.

Balcony of Europe. The views of the Mediterranean coast that await those who last until the first sunrise of the year will be spectacular. This place, which many years ago was a fortress, is one of the most emblematic enclaves of the town of Nerja.

Where: In the Balcony of Europe square (access via historic center).

Church of San Juan Bautista. Although there are several religious buildings, this is the main temple of Coín. It is located in the center, in the well-known 'Pescao' square. Its construction dates from the early 16th century. A very special atmosphere will be experienced here this New Year's Eve.

Where: Access via Compás street and Teniente Coronel de la Rubia street.

Nerja Museum. A step away from the Balcony of Europe, this important historical collection can be visited, which today especially highlights 'Pepita', considered the best-preserved complete skeleton from the Epipaleolithic in Europe, making it the most emblematic piece of the Nerja Museum.

Where: In Spain square.

The Alameda. For the locals of Coín, this is one of the most emblematic sites. Not in vain, it is the place where you can see a Sacred Heart of Jesus, popularly called the Saint of the Alameda.

Where: In the center of Coín.

Casa Paco. This restaurant in Coín is a classic for those looking for quality meats with a grill touch. There, lovers of beef will have a hard time deciding between the entrecote or the rib steak. The Iberian shoulder on the grill or the beef tenderloin on the grill are also other recommendable options in this well-known establishment, which especially bets on products from the province, such as Coín veal or Malaga suckling goat. There, other preparations beyond meat are also offered. This is coupled with the tapas options that await in another establishment of the same owner, La Barra de Casa Paco, in the historic center.

Where: José Domínguez Moreno Street, 55, 29100 Coín. Phone: 952 450 349. www.casapaco.es

Paco El Churretero. The variety of beef offered by this restaurant on the Axarquía coast is hard to match or even equal. Wagyu, Simmental, Blonde Galician, Pasture... Just a step away from Burriana beach, the options this restaurant has are overwhelming. Today the grandchildren of its founder, the same Paco El Churretero, run this commitment to quality meat opposite beach bars where the typical 'pescaíto' fried is made.

Where: Camino de Burriana, 9. 29780 Nerja. Phone: 652 733 066.

Letmálaga Albaicín. This cozy tourist establishment is a good option for those who want to make a getaway to Coín, as it is very well located within the historic center of this Malaga municipality and not far from the Agri-food Market of the Guadalhorce Valley.

Where: Canónigo Ordóñez Street, 17, 29100 Coín. Phone: 663 325 793. www.letmalaga.com