Verdiales in Larios, folklore in the Constitution, and local music in four squares. The Centre Fair 2026 debuts a 16.30-metre arch and over 16,000 lanterns, with a programme that reinforces Málaga's character.
The Centre Fair of Málaga 2026 now has its programme. The City Council has presented an edition that emphasises local culture: almost all the artists performing in the Historic Centre are from the area, and the folk tradition will play a significant role in streets like Larios and the Constitution square.
The majority of performances will take place each day between noon and 6:00 PM, when the heat eases and the centre fills with people. The squares of the Constitution, Flowers, Bishop, and San Pedro Alcántara will host concerts by local artists, while Larios street will have a fixed folklore stage with performances from 12:00 to 17:00 featuring dance groups and choirs from the city.
Rodrigo Bocanegra, president of the Historic Centre Association, believes that this focus on local talent brings life back to the bars and restaurants, after past editions where an influx of visitors from outside crowded the streets. In statements to this newspaper, he celebrated that the fair is once again "a fair for Málaga people".
The folk tradition of the province will have its fixed spot in Larios: each day, between one and five in the afternoon, the verdiales groups of the three recognised styles (Montes, Almogía, and Comares) will take turns, with the Provincial Federation as host. Those who prefer flamenco can visit the Peña Juan Breva, on Ramón Franquelo street, which will open every afternoon from 3:00 PM from August 15 to 22, featuring singing, guitar, and flamenco performances by local artists.
This year's major visual novelty comes in the form of an arch: a structure of 16.30 metres that will be installed at the entrance of Larios street, reinterpreting well-known symbols of the city, such as the Cathedral and the Farola. The design plays with the green and purple of the Málaga flag in lateral fans, and includes details of verdiales ribbons and biznagas at the base. Surrounding it, over 16,000 lanterns will adorn the street throughout the Fair.
For the little ones, the Magic Fair celebrates three decades and marks the occasion with a special programme of children's activities that will take place during the central days of the fair, with morning and afternoon schedules so families can enjoy without stress.
The Centre Fair 2026 will be held from August 15 to 22, coinciding with the Málaga Fair. Entry to all performances is free, and the City Council recommends using public transport to avoid crowds in the Historic Centre.
You may also like
