Villanueva de la Concepción

CARNIVAL. Date: February

Held for three days in February. A long weekend with a wealth of activities; carnival celebrations in the schools (songs, plays…), dances and groups putting on costumed pageants, traditional dances, folksongs (Churripampas), street bands and carnival groups, theatres and workshops for children, parades and a multitude of activities charged with imagination and a sense of humour for the benefit of everyone.

HOLY WEEK. Date: End of March, beginning of April

On the Thursday of Holy Week the residents of Villanueva de la Concepción take charge of setting up and forming a procession with the images of Jesus of Nazareth (16th C) and Our Lady of Sorrows, bearing them along the town’s main streets along with floats dedicated to the Passion. The moment of highest emotion is reached when, in the Plaza of Andalusia, both join and are raised together, reaching up until their bells are struck.
On Good Friday Christ on the Holy Cross and Our Lady of Sorrows are led out in procession carried by bearers.

SAINT MARK’S DAY. Date: 25 April

On St. Mark’s Day the customary hornazos of bread and egg are baked with the traditional figure of a serpent attacking a bird’s nest, celebrated with a contest for local people and students. The schools organize outings and parades for the students, ending with food or snacks in the countryside. Friends and family also take advantage of this day by spending it in the natural beauty of the countryside.

ROMERÍA OF SAN ISIDRO. Date: Near 15 May

This is held on the weekend nearest 15 May, in the Natural Park of the “Hoyo de la Turca” at the edge of El Torcal, in order to participate in a great culinary feast along with family, friends and visitors. Camping is organized for Saturday, while a Dawn Mass takes place on Sunday, with several flamenco performances.

VERDIALES FESTIVAL. Date: Month of August

The Villanueva de la Concepción Verdiales Festival is the oldest in Malaga Province; August 2009 was the 29th version. It represents the town’s most deeply rooted festive celebration. Groups of traditional musicians from the province’s different municipalities meet in the town. These groups represent the three styles of traditional music (verdiales): Almogía, Montes and Comares. The streets and plazas are filled with music and bustle from dusk to the early hours of dawn. The sound of large tambourines, guitars and violins, the different styles of singing and the traditional dances represent one of the finest exhibitions of the province’s popular heritage.

It was declared a fiesta of National Tourist Interest in 2000, and a fiesta of Special Provincial Nature in 2004 by the Malaga Provincial Delegation’s Local Resources and Initiatives Area.

FAIR AND CELEBRATIONS IN HONOUR OF PATRON SAINT. Date: Around 15 August

This celebration is in honour of the town’s Patron Saint, the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception. The program of activities is quite varied, beginning with a rock festival, Palmito Rock. A Dawn Mass is held on the 15th in the plaza of Andalucía in honour of its Patron Saint. Sports activities, bullfighting, etc. are organized. Don’t miss the contest for street adornments; this consists of the residents of a street joining together to adorn their street in whatever way they choose; popular farming tools, celebrations, etc.
Also highlighted is the now-traditional Ruta de las Tapas, where everyone can participate. It consists of tasting the municipality’s exquisite cuisine in the different bars and taverns. A souvenir is given to all who complete the route.

TOWN ANNIVERSARY. Date: 3 November

One of the most significant joyful occasions for Villanueva was its proclamation as a Rural Town in 1880. Festivities are held with sports and games throughout the day and are a popular celebration. The most touching act is the tribute to elders in recognition of the efforts made in building Villanueva de la Concepción.