Competa is situated 49 kilometres from Malaga and 18 kilometres from the coast at Torrox Costa, at an altitude of 636 metres. It lies within the area of Axarquia in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara, on the scenic Route of Sun and Wine, and has a population of 2,500.The area is irrigated by numerous springs and streams from the surrounding mountains. The nearby Casa de la Mira Nature Reserve is spectacularly beautiful. The main product here is the grape; the wines of Competa being excellent and renowned throughout Spain. In general the locals prefer the sweet variety whilst visitors prefer the dry. There is an interesting wine museum in the village that sells different types of local produce and handicrafts, as well as doubling as a bar and restaurant.
Annually on the 15th August there is a popular Fiesta to celebrate the 'Night of the Wine'; flamenco and other music and dance accompany the free-flowing wine.
The 'Night of the Wine' is a very old traditional party which has been celebrated for a long time. Traditionally the inhabitants of Competa went to their cortijos (farmhouses) up in the mountains during the vintage and didn't return until October, when the raisins were packed and the grapes had been pressed. On August the 15th they met at Plaza Almijara for a farewell party, where they sang and danced fandangos and drank the famous local wine. Being highly significant for the people of Competa, the party was made official in 1975. It is now organised by the local council and includes a programme by which visitors can get in touch with local traditions.During the morning of August 15th, there is demonstration of 'la pisa de la uva' (treading on grapes). There follows a free country-style lunch with 'migas de harina' (garlic and meat cooked with flour crumbs), sardines, rural salad (peppers, oranges, onions, olives and tomatoes) and chorizo sausages. Both the pisa and the lunch are accompanied by local musicians. The party continues into the evening until the early hours of the next morning with music and dance around the Plaza Almijara.
Competa is a pretty village which has retained its original Moorish layout and has lots of interesting nooks and crannies, with a good balance of shops, bars and restaurants. The magnificent parish church of La Asunción, in the main square of Plaza Almijara, was built in the 16th century in Baroque-Mudejar stlye. |
Other Links:
