Parauta's Rabbit Festival 2026: free rabbit and rice dishes, markets and live music from November 6 to 8

Parauta is getting ready for one of the most popular weekends in its annual events calendar. From Friday, November 6, to Sunday, November 8, 2026, this small village in the Serranía de Ronda will host another edition of the Rabbit Festival (Fiesta del Conejo), combining traditional cuisine, live music, local markets and family entertainment against the autumn scenery of the Sierra de las Nieves.

The main attraction will be the free tasting of traditional rabbit and rice, scheduled for Saturday, November 7, at 2:30 pm. Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy one of the area's most representative dishes without paying for the portion distributed during the festival.

The programme will also include live performances on Friday and Saturday evenings, traditional verdiales music, children's entertainment, bouncy castles, workshops and other activities.

The Rabbit Festival is officially recognised as a Festival of Provincial Tourist Interest (Fiesta de Singularidad Turística Provincial) by Málaga Provincial Council, highlighting its connection to local traditions and cultural heritage.

When is Parauta's Rabbit Festival 2026?

Although the main programme takes place on Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, celebrations will begin the previous evening.

Friday, November 6, will feature musical performances to open a weekend dedicated to local gastronomy and community celebrations.

Saturday will be the main day, featuring free rabbit and rice, traditional Málaga folk music and concerts continuing into the early hours.

Sunday will focus on families with children, offering workshops, performances and entertainment during the daytime.

The celebrations will take place across designated areas of Parauta's village centre.

Friday, November 6: live music to open the festival

The programme begins on Friday evening with entertainment for visitors spending the weekend in Parauta.

At 10 pm, local group Mutación will take to the stage to open the celebrations.

The next performance will begin at 11:30 pm, when El Negro y La Cebolla will continue the evening's entertainment.

Music will carry on with a set from DJ Toulalan, who will close the first night.

The DJ is also scheduled to perform again on Saturday.

Friday, November 6 programme

Friday evening provides an opportunity for anyone arriving before the main festival day to enjoy the opening performances.

Saturday, November 7: free rabbit and rice, traditional music and concerts

Saturday will be the highlight of the Rabbit Festival 2026.

The day will combine traditional Andalusian music, local food and live performances, beginning around midday and continuing late into the night.

Traditional verdiales music from 12:30 pm

At 12:30 pm, Las Raíces de los Moras will perform verdiales, a traditional style of folk music closely associated with Málaga province.

Verdiales form part of Málaga's cultural heritage and remain a distinctive feature of popular celebrations in many rural municipalities.

The performance will reinforce the traditional character of a festival that brings together music, food and local customs.

Free rabbit and rice tasting at 2:30 pm

The most anticipated moment will arrive at 2:30 pm, when the free tasting of rabbit and rice (arroz con conejo de campo) begins.

This dish is the culinary centrepiece of the festival and one of the main reasons visitors travel to Parauta from across Málaga province.

Rabbit and rice is part of the traditional cuisine of Spain's mountain villages, where dishes based on locally available ingredients have been prepared for generations.

During the festival, the recipe becomes a shared meal bringing residents and visitors together.

The tasting will be free, although arriving early is advisable, as the number of portions available may depend on the quantity prepared by the organisers.

Orquesta Antídoto and Grupo Chekere in the afternoon

The programme will continue after lunch.

Orquesta Antídoto is scheduled to perform in the early afternoon, around 3 pm, although another provincial cultural listing places the performance at 3:30 pm.

At 4 pm, Grupo Chekere is expected to take to the stage.

These performances will keep the celebrations going throughout the afternoon following the main food tasting.

Saturday night: photo booths, Glitter Bar and music until the early hours

Saturday's entertainment will continue late into the night.

At 11 pm, several activities will begin, including a Glitter Bar, a 360-degree video booth and a photo booth.

Visitors will be able to capture memories of the celebration through photographs and videos.

At 11:30 pm, Grupo El Callejón is scheduled to perform.

The music will continue after midnight with Los Bomberay, whose concert begins at 1 am on Sunday morning.

At 2:30 am, visitors can enjoy the event known as Hora Loca, a lively party entertainment session.

Finally, DJ Toulalan will take over from 3 am, bringing Saturday night's musical programme to a close.

Saturday, November 7 programme

Performances scheduled after midnight will take place during the early hours of Sunday, November 8.

Sunday, November 8: children's activities and a Malakay concert

The final day of the Rabbit Festival will have a particularly family-friendly atmosphere.

From 12:30 pm, Parauta will offer entertainment for younger visitors, including bouncy castles, workshops and musical performances.

This programme will allow families to enjoy the celebrations during the daytime without having to attend the late-night events.

The festival will finish with a performance by Malakay at 4 pm.

Sunday, November 8 programme

Sunday will also offer a good opportunity to explore the village and its natural surroundings.

Local markets and traditional products from the Serranía de Ronda

Alongside the free food tasting and concerts, the Rabbit Festival will feature areas dedicated to local products.

Visitors will be able to browse food and craft stalls, showcasing items connected to the traditions of the Serranía de Ronda.

Products commonly associated with these rural celebrations include chestnuts, honey, cured meats, traditional sweets and handmade crafts.

Autumn is a particularly important time of year in this region, where chestnut harvesting and other seasonal activities have longstanding cultural and economic significance.

The markets complement the festival and provide an opportunity to discover some of the specialities produced in nearby villages.

What to see in Parauta during the Rabbit Festival

A visit to the festival is also an opportunity to explore Parauta itself.

The village lies in Málaga's Serranía de Ronda, within the Sierra de las Nieves area, and retains much of the traditional architecture associated with Andalusia's whitewashed villages.

Its compact size makes it possible to explore the historic centre on foot and discover streets and buildings reflecting its history.

Whitewashed streets with Moorish origins

Parauta retains a street layout with Moorish origins, featuring narrow cobbled lanes and whitewashed houses that form part of its distinctive character.

Walking through the old village reveals small squares and traditional fountains, particularly attractive during autumn.

The village also offers views of the surrounding mountain landscape.

Church of the Immaculate Conception

Among Parauta's main historic buildings is the Church of the Immaculate Conception (Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción), whose origins date back to the 16th century.

It is one of the village's most recognisable landmarks and a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in local history.

Parauta's Enchanted Forest: a family-friendly walking trail

One of Parauta's best-known attractions is its Enchanted Forest (Bosque Encantado), a walking route combining nature with fantasy-themed decorations.

The trail begins near the village and features figures inspired by imaginary characters, animals and fairy tales.

Along the route, visitors can discover wooden sculptures and other artistic creations integrated into the natural surroundings.

The walk is especially popular with families, although comfortable footwear is recommended and visitors should consider the condition of the paths.

A walk through chestnut trees in autumn

November is one of the most attractive times to explore Parauta's surroundings.

Chestnut trees turn yellow, orange and brown, creating the distinctive autumn landscape of the Genal Valley and the Serranía de Ronda.

Visitors attending the Rabbit Festival can combine the celebrations with a short countryside walk before the afternoon or evening entertainment.

Checking the trail conditions and weather forecast beforehand is advisable.

Pinsapo de las Escaleretas: one of Málaga's most remarkable trees

Another notable natural attraction in the wider area is the Pinsapo de las Escaleretas, a monumental Spanish fir tree located in the Sierra de las Nieves.

The tree is approximately 26 metres tall and is estimated to be around 550 years old.

The Spanish fir, or pinsapo, is a rare species of fir found in certain mountain areas of southern Andalusia and is one of the natural symbols of the Sierra de las Nieves.

Visiting this tree requires a separate excursion from the village centre and should be planned according to access conditions and available walking routes.

How to get to Parauta for the Rabbit Festival 2026

Parauta is located inland in Málaga province, in the Serranía de Ronda.

The village is primarily accessible by road, using routes connecting the Genal Valley and the Sierra de las Nieves.

From the western Costa del Sol, one of the usual options is to take the A-397 road connecting San Pedro Alcántara with Ronda, then continue along the local roads leading to Parauta.

Visitors travelling from Málaga city should plan their route according to their starting point.

Traffic on the roads approaching the village may increase during the festival weekend, so allowing extra time is recommended.

Tips for enjoying the festival

Arrive before 2:30 pm: The free rabbit and rice tasting takes place on Saturday and is likely to attract plenty of visitors.

Bring warm clothing: November temperatures in the Serranía de Ronda can be considerably cooler than on the coast, especially in the evening.

Wear comfortable shoes: The village has cobbled streets and slopes.

Check parking arrangements: As Parauta is a small village, finding parking near the centre may be difficult during the busiest periods.

Make the most of daylight: Anyone planning to visit the Enchanted Forest should consider doing so before the evening entertainment begins.

Parauta Rabbit Festival 2026: dates, prices and programme

Event: Parauta Rabbit Festival 2026 (Fiesta del Conejo).

Dates: Friday, November 6, Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8.

Location: Parauta, Serranía de Ronda, Málaga province.

Admission: Free entry to the festival.

Free food tasting: Traditional rabbit and rice.

Tasting date and time: Saturday, November 7, at 2:30 pm.

Live music: Mutación, El Negro y La Cebolla, DJ Toulalan, Las Raíces de los Moras, Orquesta Antídoto, Grupo Chekere, El Callejón, Los Bomberay and Malakay.

Children's activities: Sunday, November 8, from 12:30 pm.

Other attractions: Local markets, traditional products, Glitter Bar, 360-degree video booth and photo booth.

Official recognition: Festival of Provincial Tourist Interest.

Organisers: Parauta Town Council, with the involvement of Málaga Provincial Council.

A weekend of traditional food, music and nature in Parauta

The Rabbit Festival has become one of the gastronomic celebrations that introduces visitors to the traditions of the Serranía de Ronda.

Rabbit and rice is the highlight of a programme that also includes live music, traditional verdiales, children's activities and stalls selling local products.

The event also provides an opportunity to discover Parauta during autumn, when the chestnut forests transform the surrounding landscape.

From November 6 to 8, 2026, Parauta will combine traditional Andalusian food and entertainment across three days, with Saturday's free rabbit and rice tasting expected to be one of the weekend's most popular attractions.