The spectacular fire ritual that every December 12th transforms this town in Málaga into a unique image of Andalusia

Every December 12th, Casarabonela reignites its history. Located in the Sierra de las Nieves, this town in Malaga has been celebrating one of its most deeply rooted traditions for over three centuries: the Festival of the Virgin of the Rondeles, declared of Touristic Interest in 2001 and considered one of the most unique fire rituals in all of Andalusia. The night is lit with the flames of the rondeles, the old esparto grass mats used in the mills to press olives, which in the early 18th century the millers began to burn as an act of gratitude for the good harvest. These improvised torches have since become the symbol of a unique procession, where fire, devotion, and collective memory completely transform the town's appearance, welcoming the Christmas festivities with this particular rite.

When the night of December 12th arrives, the narrow and steep streets of Casarabonela go dark to make way for the glow of the rondeles and the lanterns placed by the neighbors on their facades. The Virgin, guarded on her throne and accompanied by the Friends of the Rondeles Association, proceeds from the Hermitage of the Veracruz to the church of Santiago Apóstol creating a landscape of shadows, smoke, and dancing lights that turn the journey into an emotional and sensory experience.

After the image enters the church, the celebration continues in the square, where the community regains strength with fritters, toasted bread with oil, and hot chocolate, heralding a long festive night that extends with zambombás and music in the municipal tent. This year, the event returns with a full schedule that spans the entire weekend. Check out the full schedule of the Festival of the Virgin of the Rondeles of Casarabonela this 2025.

Full Schedule of the Festival of the Virgin of the Rondeles of Casarabonela

Friday 12

• 10:00 AM – Opening of the Hermitage of the Veracruz to view the Virgin of the Rondeles on her throne before the processional exit.
• 4:00 PM – Opening of the Christmas Market and the Rondeles 2025.
• 4:00 to 8:00 PM – Painting Exhibition "Fiesta Virgen de Los Rondeles" at the Albaiva Mill, where visitors can also tour the old oil and flour mills.
• 9:30 PM – Parade of the Pastorales from the Friends of the Rondeles Association, who will enthusiastically tour the streets of our town.
• 10:00 PM – Honor Ringing by Mr. Francisco Llorente Martín, anthropologist at the University of Malaga.
• 10:15 PM – Blessing of the fire by our parish priest Mr. Juan Manuel Caracuel Merchán.
• 10:30 PM – Procession of the Virgin of the Rondeles in its official route to the Church of Santiago Apóstol.
• 11:30 PM – Tasting of typical fritters, toasted bread with oil, and hot chocolate in the Plaza of Casarabonela.
• Midnight – Zambombá Hermanos Ortigosa, A Party for Christmas. Plaza of Casarabonela.
• Midnight – Opening of the Municipal Tent Rondeles and Christmas 2025. Night animated by Nioz Dj.

Saturday 13

• 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Painting Exhibition "Fiesta Virgen de Los Rondeles" at the Albaiva Mill, where visitors can also tour the old oil and flour mills.
• 12:30 PM – Guided tour of the most emblematic places of the municipality. Registrations and departure at the visitor attention center. (652612343)
• 12:00 PM – Opening of the Christmas Market and the Rondeles 2025.
• 12:30 PM – Opening of The Tombola. Organized by the Ampa (end of studies trip)
• 4:00 PM – Sale of Fritters, for the benefit of the Ampa Casarabonela. Municipal Tent.
• 4:45 PM – Conference "The Culture of AOVE an inexhaustible resource" and Workshop on initiation to the tasting of AOVES. Led by Francisco Lorenzo Tapia. Limited places. Registration at the Town Hall, 674118621. Casaracultura building, Francisco Casatellano.
• 5:00 PM – Rondeles Workshops in the Municipal Tent: Rondeles Badges, Create your Brooch (drum, small rondel, castanets) and Morisco and Rondelero Trivial. Show what you know about our tradition.
• 8:00 PM – Enjoy the best Tardeo, performance to be determined. Municipal Tent.
• 11:00 PM – Night animated by Nioz Dj. Municipal Tent.

Sunday 14

• 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Painting Exhibition "Fiesta Virgen de Los Rondeles" at the Albaiva Mill, where visitors can also tour the old oil and wheat mills.
• 12:00 PM – Opening of the Christmas Market and the Rondeles 2025. and The Tombola. Organized by the Ampa (end of studies trip).
• 12:30 PM – Guided tour of the most emblematic places of the municipality. Registrations and departure at the visitor attention center. (652612343)
• 2:00 PM – Gastronomic Route Los Rondeles 2025. We will enjoy the typical dishes of Casarabonela prepared by local associations, all accompanied by the Adult Pastoral "Pedro Florido", from the Friends of the Rondeles Association.
• 5:00 PM – Zambomba Flamenca Al Son de un Compás. Municipal Tent