Local information & events in the Carihuela area
The area
The Complex is located about 300 metres
from the seafront. Before reaching the seafront there is a shopping
parade which runs parallel to the Promenade (Calle Bulto). Here you
will find Banks (ATMs), Newsagents,
tobacconist, many bars and restaurants, chemist, a selection of
local food and wine shops. Also there is a wide variety of shops
selling souvenirs, leather goods and clothing.
Once on the seafront turn right to go to the Benalmadena Marina –
about 20 minutes walk. Turn left and a walk around the headland
leads to Torremolinos. When you reach about 100 metres past the
hotel Melia turn left into C.del Peligro to get to the town centre. There are many steps but there is also a lift.
To venture further afield there is a train service and bus service
(see “travel information”)
Tourist Information is situated on the promenade in the direction of
Benalmadena about 10 minutes walk. It is open until 2pm but not on
Sundays.
Events
Easter (semana santa) in & around
Carihuela.
If you are lucky enough to be in Spain for Easter, be sure to find
out where your local churches are, and when they are holding their
celebrations for Easter. You will find a procession at nearly every
church in Spain, including all those little churches hidden around
the corner!
Easter - or 'semana santa' (holy week), as it is known in spanish is
a very important part of the spanish religion and culture. In
Carihuela there is a celebration at the church in the middle of the
village, you will be able to see the local school children
rehearsing their various parts in the build up to Easter weekend. Be
sure to check the notice board at the entrance of the church to find
out specific details of the celebration of Easter.
In the city of Málaga there are many processions and parades to
celebrate semana santa, but be prepared, if the weather is good this
can be a very busy attraction with plenty of hustle and bustle, but
well worth the site of the religious procession through the streets.
There are usually pamphlets available detailing each church and
procession, distributed throughout the whole region and usually
available from any tourist or travel centre or major hotel. If in
doubt, enquire at reception at Carihuela Park Palace, as usual, they
are well informed and very helpful.
September
'Feria de San Miguel' This is an
annual event, literally 'The Fair of Saint Michael'.
This takes place at the end of September, around the third Sunday
the 'Romería' takes place, while the full fiesta celebrations start
from the following Thursday finishing on the last Monday in
September. Be sure to double check these dates if you are planning
on a visit, as they do fluctuate a little. (it is worth noting that
the Monday is an equivalent of a Bank Holiday, ie- banks, exchange
shops etc are closed as well as many shops and services)
The 'Romaría' originates from a pilgrimage to a shrine or church to
express devotion to the Virgin Mary or a local Saint. The romaría
has also become a rural festival which accompanies the pilgrimage.
People come from all over to attend, bringing their own food and
drink and spend the day in celebration.
There is a large procession of floats, all decorated by the local
people with a beautiful unique design made up usually of fresh
flowers. The locals spend almost all day and night dressing these
floats the previous day, in time for the big parade. The parade is
headed by the original floats, being pulled by two bullocks, each
float is accompanied by the supporters of that particular area,
company, bar, school, or whatever the float represents. The
supporters are mostly dressed in national costume, and give an
excellent display of traditional dancing and partying behind each
float. There are people going round selling small glasses, 'jupitos',
on a leather necklace. Buy one of these (of which the proceeds
usually go to a local charity), and many of the float supporters
will come round and top up your glass from a wine skin. The second
part of the procession is the floats being pulled by tractors, but
still has the same charismatic fiesta theme.
All these locals slowly make their way into the foothills where they
barbecue and fiesta well into the early hours.
This Romaría is a must see, I can not begin to describe the actual
feel of the atmosphere here. The parade starts at around 11am
towards the centre of Torremolinos and continues throughout the day.
Its easy to find, just look for the roads closed off and follow the
crowds! (check out the photo files for some of the pictures from
this years romaría)
From Thursday through to the Monday the party never stops, lots of
dancing, singing and typical Spanish fiesta, mainly all taking place
around the plaza at Torremolinos, (not far from the rail station).
The finalé is Monday night with a fantastic display of 'fuegos
artificiales', or fireworks to you and me!