The Axarquía region in Andalusia is rich in traditions and village festivals, each with their own unique charm.
In this blog we would like to tell you more about the village festivals (ferias) and special festivities and dances, with special attention to our village Comares.
Comares, known as the “Balcony of the Axarquía”, offers spectacular views over the region and has a rich history and culture. Also in music and dance. The region of Málaga has its own type of flamenco called Verdiales. This music is traditional for this region and has its own dance and colorful costumes. Typical traditional instruments belong to this music such as the guitar, violin and tambourine. This music has a peasant origin. It is a type of sung and danced fandango that is accompanied by an orchestra. A fandango is a dance form in 3/4 time that was originally sung, but over time was increasingly performed purely instrumentally. The Panda, as the group of people who perform the Verdiales is called, consists of the following instruments: 1 violin, 2 to 4 guitars, 1 tambourine, various cymbals, several castanets and sometimes a lute or bandurria. The conductor walks in front of the group, holding up a stick and pointing to the singer and indicating the beginning and end of the piece of music. The dancers dance around the panda and wear colored ribbons on their castanets. The music of Verdiales has a rhythmically exciting character that can put you in a trance if you listen carefully. In our village Comares there is even a square named after the Verdiales. Various panda groups perform here during the feria.
The feria in Comares takes place in July in Los Ventorros, in August on the village square of Comares, and in Las Cuevas, and in January on the village square of Comares during San Hilario.
The village festivals in the Axarquía region offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the local culture, gastronomy and traditions. Each village has its own unique festivities that reflect the rich history and vibrant culture of Andalusia. Comares, with its spectacular views and lively ferias, are highlights not to be missed.
We hope to see you soon at one of the ferias / Verdiales!