Rincón de la Victoria celebrates the Boquerón Victoriano Festival 2026 with more than 1,100 kilos of free anchovies

The famous boquerón victoriano is once again taking centre stage in Rincón de la Victoria. Until Sunday, 13 September 2026, the town is hosting a new edition of the Fiesta del Boquerón Victoriano, a celebration that combines local gastronomy, fishing traditions and activities open to the public.

One of the main attractions will take place from 11 to 13 September, when more than 1,100 kilos of anchovies will be served free of charge, mainly fried or marinated in vinegar, at participating restaurants across the municipality.

67 restaurants offering free anchovy tastings

From Friday, 67 restaurants in Rincón de la Victoria, La Cala del Moral, Torre de Benagalbón and Benagalbón will take part in the tasting programme.

Free portions will be served while supplies last during two daily periods: from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at lunchtime and from 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm in the evening.

Participating establishments will be identified with a special sign.

There will also be a charity stand supporting Rincón Contigo within the Sabor a Málaga fair, where visitors will also be able to enjoy anchovies with the purchase of a beer.

Sabor a Málaga comes to Plaza Al-Ándalus

From Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September, Plaza Al-Ándalus will host the Sabor a Málaga food fair.

Visitors will find a wide range of products from across Málaga province, including extra virgin olive oil, wine, artisan cheese, honey, chocolate, cured meats, pastries and craft beer.

The fair opens on Friday at 11:00 am, with the official opening scheduled for 1:00 pm. It will continue on Saturday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm and on Sunday until 9:00 pm.

Ten years of live cooking shows

The 2026 edition also marks ten years since live cooking demonstrations became one of the main features of the festival.

After the opening session with chef and television presenter Enrique Sánchez, the programme continues on Thursday, 10 September at 8:30 pm at La Calma Playa.

On Friday, 11 September, another live cooking session will take place at Plaza Al-Ándalus, featuring chefs Cristina Vargas Pérez, from La Quisquillosa, and Gonzalo Roldán, from La Finca.

Admission to this session will be free until full capacity is reached.

Fishing traditions and live music over the weekend

The programme goes beyond food.

On Saturday, 12 September, the day will begin with a recreation of the traditional tirada del copo, an old fishing technique, near Arroyo San Juan.

This will be followed at 9:00 am by a traditional fishermen’s breakfast organised with the local rowing club.

The day will continue with the Sabor a Málaga fair and live performances by Iván Zea at 2:00 pm and Miranda Cuenca at 8:00 pm.

On Sunday, families will also have entertainment with Las Aventuras de Peneque El Valiente at 12:00 pm, while Señor Mirinda will bring music to the final part of the festival from 7:00 pm.

The boquerón tradition goes beyond Rincón

The celebration also extends beyond the municipality through the Red de Restaurantes del Boquerón Victoriano.

This year, 57 restaurants across ten municipalities are taking part, offering everything from traditional recipes to more creative dishes inspired by Asian, Mexican, Italian and contemporary cuisine.

The initiative runs until 13 September, helping to promote one of Málaga’s most iconic seafood products both inside and outside the province.

A festival deeply connected to the sea

The Fiesta del Boquerón Victoriano is not simply a food event. It also celebrates the maritime culture of Rincón de la Victoria, the work of fishermen and restaurateurs, and a way of life closely connected to the Mediterranean.

With more than a tonne of anchovies for tastings, dozens of restaurants involved, live cooking and a major local food fair, the event is one of the most appealing gastronomic plans on the Costa del Sol this September.

The full programme, participating restaurants, tasting times and all activities can be found on the official Rincón de la Victoria Tourism page for the Fiesta del Boquerón Victoriano 2026.