The festival will take place on July 17 and 18 with six light interventions in the historic centre, plus the Family Days Festival from July 15 to 19 with free access.
The mayor of Antequera, Manolo Barón, and the deputy mayor for Tourism, Ana Cebrián, presented the Andalucía Antequera Light Fest 2026 this Thursday in Málaga, an event that commemorates the tenth anniversary of the declaration of the Dolmens Site as World Heritage by UNESCO.
The event, held at the headquarters of Turismo Andaluz, was attended by the territorial delegate for Tourism, Carlos García, and a representative from the Heineken Group, the event's sponsor. The anniversary, which took place on July 15, 2016, in Istanbul, gives special significance to this edition.
A Light Programme that Traverses Antequera's Heritage
The main days of the festival will be on July 17 and 18, from 22:30 to 02:00 hours, featuring six major interventions in iconic spaces. One of the main novelties is Luminare, a videomapping inside the Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor that will project images onto the main altar, columns, and ceiling.
The San Judas slope will host Rain of Light, an artistic installation that transforms trees into light sculptures. In the Coso Viejo, the traditional display of candles will be revived with designs inspired by the symbols of Antequera and UNESCO.
San Sebastián square will be the stage for The Fire of History, a proposal of light, music, and fire that evokes the origins of humanity. The courtyard of the Town Hall will host Music Party Universe, an intervention inspired by the sky and planets. Lastly, San Luis square will be dedicated to the youth with DJ Light, a videomapping and live music show.
Family Days Festival and Strengthening the Tourist Offer
As a complement, the Paseo Real will host the Family Days Festival from July 15 to 19, from 20:00 to 00:00 hours, with free access. There will be food trucks, children's activities, live music, and tributes for all audiences.
Mayor Manolo Barón highlighted that Antequera becomes the "capital of light in Andalucía" and thanked the support of the Junta de Andalucía, Turismo Costa del Sol, Heineken Group, and Morato Group. In 2025, the festival surpassed 40,000 visitors, establishing itself as a tourist attraction in the interior of the province.
Carlos García, territorial delegate, described the event as "a safe and respectful bet on heritage" that energises the local economy. Pedro Hernández from the Heineken Group praised the festival's ability to unite culture, gastronomy, and responsible leisure.
An Anniversary that Unites the Whole Province
The Dolmens Site includes the dolmens of Menga, Viera, and El Romeral, as well as the natural spaces of the Peña de los Enamorados and El Torcal. Barón reminded that these assets are heritage of all Malagueños and Andalusians, not just of Antequera.
For the residents of Antequera and visitors, the festival offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the historical heritage in a magical night setting. Most activities are free, and the Family Days Festival allows free access for families with children.
The weather forecasts for those dates are usually favourable, with warm nights ideal for strolling through the historic centre. It is recommended to arrive early to park, as the centre will be closed to traffic during the shows.
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