The Málaga Fair as seen by foreigners:

Second day of the Málaga Fair 2025. The party never ends. Laughter, music, and shows dominate the streets of the downtown area. Not to forget, of course, the flamenco dresses, which are always present. It attracts not only people from Málaga and Andalusia but also captivates the hearts of thousands of foreigners who visit the city, creating a great mix of cultures in its streets. For many, it is their first contact with the essence of the south. Sweet wines, verdiales, flamenco, and an atmosphere that leaves a mark on those who delve into it.

Such is the case for Tatstuaki Sato, a young Japanese man who moved to Barcelona two months ago and has taken a few days to escape to Málaga with his partner. "I didn't know about the Fair, I found out when booking the flights and hotel," he confesses with a laugh. "We saw the fireworks the other night, and we also want to visit the Fair during the day and at night. It's my first time here, the atmosphere and culture are really incredible, it feels like a resort. It's very nice to be here," adds Sato.

Tourists are seen at the gates of the Alcazaba. / Antonio Castro

However, he is not the only foreign tourist who has been seen on the city streets these days. The Offices and Tourist Information Points of Málaga have recorded almost 6,500 visitors during the first two days of the Fair, of which 58% were international tourists, including British, French, and Italians.

Nati Durango is Colombian, and has been living in Rincón de la Victoria for a few months, which she acknowledges - while laughing - that they are no longer just a vacation. "It's the first time we come to the Málaga Fair," she explains. "We have been told it is the best fair there is, so we have expectations. We have been told it is incredible and all the things there are spectacular, so we want to see if our expectations are met," adds Durango. "I love the handmade items, the exhibits, watching the dance shows and the art, so I'm really looking forward to it," she concludes.

The downtown Fair is not just a simple party, but a reflection of the spirit of Málaga, its people, tradition, and identity. It is a festivity that, every August, welcomes thousands of people, becoming one of the great cultural treasures not only of the province but throughout Andalusia and one of the most prominent dates on the calendar.

Norah, a 21-year-old Dutch woman, is on vacation with her parents in Málaga. “I came when I was younger, about five years ago. I remember there were fewer tourists. Now it's very crowded,” she said on Larios Street while waiting to get an ice cream. “I love seeing the women dressed in flamenco outfits. They are beautiful. Those colors, those styles. It's my favorite part of the Fair. When I see them move, dance.”

Norah, a 21-year-old Dutch woman, on Larios Street. / I. Vargas

The young Dutch woman likes the city because it is very pleasant overall. “The temperature is also nice. Although sometimes it's very hot, but that's why we go for an ice cream at Casa Mira. They are my favorites,” she asserted. She also remembered to mention her beloved Casa Aranda, “a classic for churros.” If she has to summarize the essence of the Fair, she stays with “all the people in the street dancing and singing. It's just fun.”

The downtown Fair is not just a simple party, but a reflection of the spirit of Málaga, its people, tradition, and identity. It is a festivity that, every August, welcomes thousands of people, becoming one of the great cultural treasures not only of the province but throughout Andalusia and one of the most prominent dates on the calendar.