Ajoblanco Festival 2026 in Almáchar: free tastings, flamenco and tradition on 5 September

The first Saturday of September has a very particular flavour in Almáchar. On 5 September 2026, this white village in the Axarquía will once again turn its streets into a large gastronomic and cultural route for the 56th Ajoblanco Festival.

The day will revolve around a recipe that is both simple and deeply connected to the identity of the region: almonds, garlic, bread, olive oil, vinegar and water form the base of ajoblanco, a cold soup traditionally served in this part of Málaga with muscatel grapes.

But visiting Almáchar that Saturday will mean much more than simply tasting it. From 10am until well after midnight, there will be workshops, guided tours, tastings, verdiales music, flamenco, children’s activities and a popular evening party.

Free ajoblanco tastings in the streets of Almáchar

One of the moments that attracts the largest number of visitors each year will take place between 12 noon and 3pm, when free tastings begin at Paseo de la Axarquía and Plaza del Santo Cristo de la Banda Verde.

Each edition of the festival serves thousands of tastings and transforms different parts of the village into places where visitors can discover not only ajoblanco but also products closely linked to traditional farming in the Axarquía.

Along the route there will be opportunities to taste muscatel grapes, raisins, local wine and ajoblanco mixture, creating a gastronomic trail through the historic streets.

That is one of the main differences between this celebration and a conventional food fair: the event is not concentrated in a single venue. The entire village becomes part of the experience.

Learn how to make ajoblanco at a free workshop

The programme will begin at 10am at the Senior Citizens’ Centre on Calle Barakaldo with the workshop ‘Learn to Make Ajoblanco’.

There will be three sessions:

10am-11am
11.30am-12.30pm
1pm-2pm

Participation is free, although places are limited and advance registration is required.

The workshop offers the chance to discover the preparation of a recipe in which the balance of ingredients, texture and treatment of the almonds are just as important as the ingredients themselves.

At 12.30pm, there will also be a traditional raisin preparation workshop, another activity directly connected with the agricultural heritage of the area.

Guided tours to discover Almáchar beyond the festival

Anyone visiting the village for the first time will also be able to join the free guided tours organised throughout the day.

The tours will introduce visitors to the history and some of the most interesting corners of Almáchar while the streets prepare for the busiest part of the festival.

The village forms part of the Raisin Route and has a particularly strong connection with the cultivation of Alexandria muscatel grapes, whose traditional production system in the Axarquía has received international recognition as agricultural heritage.

The Ajoblanco Festival therefore also acts as a showcase for a form of farming that has shaped the steep landscapes surrounding the village for generations.

Ajoblanco, wine, raisins and grapes throughout the afternoon

From 6pm, another gastronomic route will begin for visitors interested in trying different local products.

The streets will offer further tastings of ajoblanco and muscatel grapes, while local wine will be served in Plaza del Santo Cristo and other points will offer ajoblanco mixture and raisins.

The route turns a walk through the village into a small food trail, with each stop offering something different.

Families visiting with children will also find a dedicated Kids Zone at Paseo de la Axarquía, scheduled to run from 6.30pm until 9pm.

Verdiales music takes over the streets

Traditional music will play an important role during the afternoon.

From 5pm, a verdiales parade will begin making its way through the village before giving way to a series of performances in Plaza de España.

Local choirs, municipal dance groups and verdiales ensembles will keep the atmosphere going until around 8.30pm.

The festival therefore retains a strong connection with the folklore of the Axarquía, where verdiales continue to form part of many traditional celebrations.

Manuel Sarria will deliver the 2026 opening speech

At 8.30pm, attention will move to Plaza de España for the official ceremony of the Ajoblanco Festival.

Málaga comedian and television presenter Manuel Sarria will deliver the opening speech for the 56th edition.

The ceremony will also include the presentation of the Ajoblanco Awards 2026, recognising individuals and organisations for their connection with Almáchar and their cultural, social or promotional contribution to the Axarquía.

Flamenco and a popular party until late at night

The evening will offer two very different atmospheres.

At 10pm, Plaza de España will host the traditional Flamenco Night, with live singing, guitar and dance.

At the same time, Paseo de la Axarquía will switch mood completely with a Solidarity Popular Party, featuring live music and DJs.

During this part of the festival, visitors will also be able to enjoy muscatel chicken tapas and sangria for €1, while stocks last, with proceeds supporting a charitable cause.

And when the evening appears to be drawing to a close, one final tradition will remain.

At midnight, Puerta Ancha will host traditional circle songs and a zambomba-style celebration, extending the festivities into the early hours.

Free shuttle bus from Torre del Mar

One of the most practical options for anyone wanting to enjoy the day without worrying about driving will be the free shuttle bus service.

Buses will depart from Torre del Mar Bus Station, with a stop in Vélez-Málaga.

Departures are scheduled for 12 noon, 3pm, 7pm and 10pm, while return services from Almáchar will leave at 2pm, 5pm, 9pm and midnight.

The service could be particularly useful given the large number of visitors traditionally attracted to the festival and the characteristics of the roads leading into the village.

Practical information

Event: 56th Ajoblanco Festival
Date: Saturday 5 September 2026
Location: Almáchar, Axarquía
Activities begin: 10am
Ajoblanco tastings: from 12 noon
Official ceremony: 8.30pm
Flamenco Night: 10pm
Solidarity Popular Party: from 10pm
Admission: activities and tastings are free according to the programme
Transport: free shuttle bus from Torre del Mar with a stop in Vélez-Málaga

More than half a century after its first editions, the Ajoblanco Festival continues to show how a humble recipe can become one of the best reasons to discover the gastronomy, agricultural landscape and traditions of the Axarquía in a single day.

The date and official information about the celebration can be found in the tourism calendar of the Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Costa del Sol Axarquía.