The Diputación de Málaga promotes a cultural agenda with the Serranía de Ronda as its focus. Benalauría revives the Mudéjar rebellion of the 15th century on Sunday, August 2, while Algatocín hosts circus and music.
The Diputación de Málaga has designed an intense cultural programme for the coming days, with a particular emphasis on the Serranía de Ronda. From Monday, July 27 to Sunday, August 2, the municipalities of the region will offer events ranging from flamenco to contemporary circus, as well as gastronomy and live music.
The highlight will take place on Sunday, August 2, in Benalauría, where the traditional Moors and Christians Festival will be celebrated. This performance, which takes place on the first Sunday of August, meticulously recreates the Mudéjar rebellion that shook the Serranía de Ronda in the 15th century. The streets of the village transform to host a roaming play that begins with the arrival of a Moorish party that plunders the church and kidnaps the patron saint, Saint Dominic of Guzmán. The Christian neighbours then initiate the rescue, capturing the children of the Moorish chief as a bargaining chip to recover the temple and return the saint to his place. The performance culminates with an elegy from the Muslim leader, who bids farewell to the land he must leave forever.
In the neighbouring town of Algatocín, the Cultural Week offers two notable events. On Thursday, July 30, at 22:00, the La Alameda venue will host the contemporary circus show 'Ursitoare', by artist Eva Escudier. Inspired by the fate fairies of Romanian mythology, it combines aerial acrobatics on fabric, dance, and gestural theatre, inviting reflection on freedom and change of direction. The following day, Friday, July 31, at 22:30, the group Electroduendes will perform a concert featuring covers of major hits from Spanish pop.
The Diputación's programme is not limited to the Serranía de Ronda. In Alameda, the fourth Flamenco Festival will be held on July 31 and August 1, while Humilladero will host the fortieth Flamenco Festival of the Emigrant. Alhaurín de la Torre will be the venue for the Gastronomic Festival of Zapata, declared of Tourist Singularity. Additionally, Sierra de Yeguas will offer a concert by pianist Diego Valdivia, and Casarabonela will host the children's show 'Cantolandia' by Timbleque Animación.
In the capital and Antequera, exhibitions also play a prominent role. The public will be able to visit 'The Heart of the Brigade', a tribute to the Infoca firefighters; 'Presences 61', about sustainable art; 'Magical Realism' by Maribel Alonso at the MAD of Antequera; and the Fine Arts creations at the MVA.
For the residents of the Serranía de Ronda, this agenda represents an opportunity to enjoy quality culture without leaving the region. The activities are free and designed for all audiences, with schedules that facilitate attendance for families and people of all ages. The Diputación emphasises the importance of keeping traditions like that of Benalauría alive, which attract visitors from across the province and contribute to the cultural and economic dynamism of the area.
The Moors and Christians Festival of Benalauría is one of the most unique events in the Málaga festive calendar. Its popular roots and the involvement of the locals in the performance make it an example of living intangible heritage. For those wishing to experience it, the Town Hall recommends arriving early to find parking and enjoy the atmosphere before the performance, which usually begins in the late morning and continues until noon.
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