The fair of San Isidro, the patron saint of farmers, is held on the 15th May. Isodor was an 11th century ploughman famous for his gift of divining water. Romerias often pass through fields, and fiestas incorporate agricultural tradeshows. One of the best in Axarquia is held in Nerja where the procession leaves from the town and winds it way to a hermitage at the Nerja caves for an enourmously popular fiesta that began with fireworks on the evening of the 14th.

The feast of San Juan is on the 24th June but celebrations are held leading up to and on the night of the 23rd June, coinciding with the summer solstice, the shortest night of the year and midsummer. It is associated with fire and magic and has clear pagan origins. It is celebrated on the beaches with huge bonfires, barbeques (particularly moragas - a sardine barbeque), fireworks and campouts. For good luck, people paddle or swim in the sea just after midnight. An old ritual, still adhered to, is to wash the face and feet three times in order to be granted three wishes and for a happy twelve months thereafter. Bathing at this time is also said to be beneficial for skin complaints. Traditionally the Spanish did not visit the beach until this day in each year.

SUMMER FAIRS:
The fiesta of the Virgen del Carmen, the protectress of seamen, is held on the 16th July. In the evening, each town and village on the coast parades their statue of the virgin by the sea before placing her on a boat for a night sail. The boat is brightly decorated and accompanied by other gay fishing and leisure craft, blowing their horns, during her annual adventure. On her return she is paraded once more along the seafront whilst firework displays light the skies. Within Axarquia good places to view, and accompany if wished, are at Nerja, Caleta de Velez (just outside of Torre del Mar) and Benajarafe. Estepona also puts on a good show.

Every town and village in Andalucia has its own summer fair. These can take place at any time after Easter until October. Even a 'day' fair can last a week with all local shops, businesses and streets closed. Tables and chairs are set up in the streets and music plays from every corner. People of all ages join the singing, dancing and revelry. Traditional fairgrounds with rides for children are set up on the outskirts of the town and, along with live music shows, will be open until the very wee hours of the morning.

An example of a larger summer fair is the Feria de Malaga. This annual nine day August fair is launched by a huge fireworks display on the opening Friday. From late morning until about 19.00h, celebrations overwhelm the city centre with music and dancing in the packed streets and bars, whilst horses and riders in costume parade around the streets. At night the action switches to the very large feria site at Cortijo de Torres, 4 kilometres south-west of the centre. Here there are fairground rides and a lot more music and dancing with live groups performing rock, pop, reggae, flamenco and other music until dawn.

AUTUMN FAIRS:
The fiesta of San Miguel, incorporating cattle fairs, is held on the 29th September. Within Axarquia these are held at Alfarnatejo and Velez-Malaga.

Vendimias (grape harvests) are celebrated during late August and September. The event is often accompanied by a fiesta. Competa hosts a 'Night of Wine' every August 15th.