The pastoral festival, which originated in Mijas in 2019, will be held for the first time outside that municipality. It will take place on Saturday, August 1, in Nerja, with parades and performances from five groups.
Next Saturday, August 1, Nerja will become the epicentre of traditional Málaga music with the celebration of the first itinerant edition of 'Zambombas al fresquito'. The event, which has so far been established in Mijas, brings its Christmas spirit to summer with a programme that will kick off at 20:00 with a parade starting from the town hall.
The initiative, presented this morning at the Axarquía Coastal Municipal Association, is organised by the Friends of Zambombeo Association, which under the slogan "In August? Why not?" aims to give greater exposure to the pastoral groups in the province. The president of the Association, Jorge Martín, described the event as "a unique occasion that draws attention for being outside the usual festive calendar".
A journey through the heart of Nerja
The parade will depart at 20:00 from the town hall and will travel through the Balcón de Europa, Carmen Street, Cavana Square, El Barrio Street, and Málaga Street, concluding at Los Cangrejos Square. There, at 21:30, performances will begin from five prestigious groups: the Iznate Pastoral, Raíces de Colmenarejo Pastoral, Pastores del Puerto Pastoral, Las Lagunas Pastoral, and the hosts, the Pastoral de Las Protegidas de Nerja.
Nerja's Councillor for Tourism, Ana María Muñoz, expressed the town's pride in being the first venue for this itinerant venture, noting that the pastorals are part of a cultural, musical, and ethnographic heritage of immense value. Muñoz detailed that the day will also feature a bar and food service set up by the Las Protegidas Neighbourhood Association, allowing attendees to enjoy the evening to the fullest.
From Mijas to the province: a commitment to tradition
José Miguel Ortuño, president of the neighbourhood association and director of the Nerja pastoral, explained that the event originated in Mijas in 2019 and, after establishing itself there until 2025, now seeks to give greater exposure and visibility to the participating groups throughout the province of Málaga. Ortuño thanked the close collaboration of the Nerja Town Hall and encouraged locals and visitors to enjoy a unique evening to "preserve, care for, and cherish the roots of Málaga's popular music".
For the people of Nerja and tourists, this event represents an opportunity to closely experience a tradition that has its roots in the pastoral of Axarquía, with municipalities like Benaque or Canillas de Albaida as references. The combination of popular carols and the summer atmosphere promises a different experience, where the heat of August merges with the Christmas spirit.
The festival, which is expected to travel to other municipalities in future editions, kicks off in Nerja with the intention of establishing itself as a cultural and tourist attraction in the region. The organisers hope that the public will respond positively and that this first itinerant experience will help to
The event is on Saturday, August 1, at 20:00, departing from the Nerja Town Hall. Entry is free, and it is recommended to arrive early to enjoy the parade and secure a good spot in Los Cangrejos Square. Undoubtedly, a unique way to spend a summer night, with the sound of zambombas and the warmth of tradition.
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