Gastronomic Festivals in Malaga in February

Discover with us the Gastronomic Festivals in Malaga in February. We never tire of saying it, winter as such does not exist in Malaga. Although it is true that it is usually the coldest month, the mountain ranges protect the province from the cold north winds.

And while the rest of Europe is still under the icy grip of winter, in the mountains of Malaga the almond trees are in bloom. This is certainly a visual delight that you should not miss! Below we also present a related event that might interest you!

This month’s events will take you to the inland white villages. These villages of Moorish origin are located in the mountain ranges of Malaga, such as: Serrania de Ronda, Sierra de las Nieves and Axarquia, with the highest peaks of the province.

Combine a visit to the interior where time is slower and many traditions are still preserved. And of course with excellent local gastronomy!

Gastronomic Festivals in Malaga in February

Almond Day – Guaro

Situated next to the Sierra de las Nieves National Park is the white village of Guaro. Every year they celebrate their Dia del Almendro, a very special celebration that pays homage to the blossoming of the almond trees during the month of February.

We can personally recommend this event. The fields covered with almond blossom in shades of white and pink are a pure delight for nature lovers.

The town hall of Guaro organises two free hiking trails where visitors can stroll among the blossoming trees while enjoying the panoramic views of the mountains and the valley.

In the centre of the village there will also be a market with typical regional products and musical performances.

For those interested in the routes

It is compulsory to register in advance in order to participate.
Long route: A route of approximately 10 kilometres, ideal for the more experienced or those looking for a greater challenge.
Short route: A more accessible route of 4 kilometres, perfect for families with children or people who prefer a more relaxed walk.
Meeting point: Both routes start at Avenida Andalucía in Guaro.
Timetable: The long route starts at 10 am, while the short route starts at 11 am.

• Registration
• When: 2 February
• How to get there

Oil and local products fair – Archidona

Archidona is probably one of the least known municipalities in Malaga. It is located in the north of the province, about 50 kilometres from the city of Malaga, bordering the province of Granada.

You can take advantage of a visit to this small town during the second weekend of February, when Archidona hosts the second edition of the Olive Oil and Local Products Fair.

You will be able to enjoy a wide range of activities including music, cultural visits, tastings, oil tastings and sporting events. The gastronomic highlight is the popular
market ‘Sabor a Malaga’, with a large number of stands where you wil be able to buy from local producers.

Take advantage of your view to take a walk to the Sierra de Gracia periurban park from where you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view.

The natural enclosure also contains the remains of the ancient Archidona Fortress.

If you don’t feel like walking, you can always visit the Plaza Ochavada. More than two hundred years old, it is considered one of the urban jewels of Andalusia.

• When: 8 and 9 February
• How to get there

Oil milling festival – Riogordo

The white village of Riogordo is located in the Axarquia, the westernmost and highest region of the province. This extra virgin olive oil producing village pays tribute every year to its green gold.

For several days visitors can enjoy exhibitions and conferences, live cooking demonstrations or guided tours of the olive groves.

To liven up the event, there is also a market with local products and live music with the traditional Verdiales bands.

Interestingly there will be an English version of the milling for English-speaking visitors. Last year’s programme included a tour of the Riogordo olive oil cooperative, and a typical Miller´s breakfast, followed by a walk through nearby olive groves, guided olive oil tasting and show cooking.

The event is free. Places are limited so please reserve in advance by sending an email to lamoliendariogordo@gmail.com.

For exact dates of the English version, please visit the event FB site.

• When: 21, 22 and 23 February
• How to get there

Slaughter Festival – Ardales

Ardales is a village of Moorish origin situated between the Serranía de Ronda and the Guadalhorce Valley. Crowned by an ancient Moorish fortress from the 9th century, this white village is above all known for its landscape and historical legacy: the cave village of Bobastro, the Guadalhorce reservoirs and the Caminito del Rey.

For more than a decade Ardales has been paying homage to the traditional production of sausages and pork meats. One of the most popular Gastronomic Festivals in Malaga in February for meat lovers.

During its Fiesta de la Matanza you can see how sausages and other meat products were traditionally made. There will also be free tastings of bread rolls with sausage and pork stew in the village square.

Last but not least, there will be an artisan and gastronomic market with a wide variety of sausages, sweets, extra virgin olive oil and goat’s cheese. And to liven up the party there will be musical performances from 5 pm onwards.

• When: 9 February
• How to get there

Gastronomic Fair – Benarrabá

Another white village of Arabic origin is Benarrabá. It is located in the Genal Valley and belongs to the Serranía de Ronda.

During this event the villagers present to their visitors the delicacies that the village has to offer. In addition, there are activities for all ages.

From 10 o’clock in the morning you can take part in a collective breakfast. Or you can join a hiking route through the Genal Valley. Or you can take part in a workshop to prepare the star dish of the village, salmorejo de carne (meat stew).

There will also be a showcooking and a market of artisan and gastronomic producers at Plaza de la Veracruz, where there will also be a bar area.

From 2.30 pm onwards, attendees will be offered a tasting of the traditional salmorejo de carne (meat stew). During the afternoon there will be more dynamic activities for all ages, enlivened by live music.

• When: Around 28 February, Andalusia Day (Holiday). For the exact date visit FB Townhall Benarrabá
• How to get there

Soup of the seven branches – El Burgo

The white village El Burgo is located on almost 600 metres above sea levesl in the Sierra de las Nieves National Park.

El Burgo celebrates Andalucía Day with the preparation of the Sopa de los Siete Ramales, a traditional dish made by the locals in a festive atmosphere, which is then offered in a free tasting to all attendees.

This traditional country dish is prepared in a juniper wood bowl. Its curious name comes from the main ingredients of this soup: tomato, pepper, onion, garlic, bread, potato and wild asparagus, topped with fried egg.

In addition, during the day there is a craft market where you can buy typical products of the Sierra de las Nieves and other items. Live music will liven up the day, along with a variety of activities one of the most popular Gastronomic Festivals in Malaga in February.

• When: 28 February
• How to get there

Flour Carnival – Alozaina

The white village of Alozaina, of Muslim origin, is situated on the foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves National Park. This quiet village just before Lent celebrates its own special Flour Carnival, which dates back to the end of the 15th century.

In a great festive atmosphere, the streets of the village are filled with music and dancing, costumes, activities for all ages and live music during several days.

At this carnival festival, however, flour is the secret ingredient for a unique celebration not to be missed: The locals ‘go armed’ with bags full of flour, ready to dye all the people in their path white.

• When: End of February, for exact dates check the Alozaina Town Hall FB.
• How to get there

Powder Day – Tolox

The white village Tolox is located in the heart of Sierra de las Nieves and is distinguished for maintaining its most ancestral traditions during carnivals. In fact, the Tolox Carnival is one of the oldest carnivals known in our province.

Powder Day traditionally takes place on the night before Ash Wednesday. According to custom the villagers throw talcum powder at each other. In contrast to Alozaina in this village the original flour has been replaced by talcum powder. However, the result is the same: A lot of fun and everybody ends up ‘whitened’.

• When: Variable date but always on Shrove Tuesday. For exact dates check the FB of the Tolox Town Hall.
• How to get there