The Benalmádena Town Hall has unveiled the preliminary programme for the 2026 Virgen de la Cruz Fair, which includes the traditional pilgrimage and the election of the Queen, Ladies, and Gentlemen. The events will commence on July 31 at the Los Nadales Fairgrounds.
The Malaga town of Benalmádena is already preparing for one of its most significant festive events of the year. The City Council, through the Department of Festivities and Popular Traditions, has made public the preliminary programme for the 2026 Virgen de la Cruz Fair, which will kick off with two key events: the election of the Queen, Ladies, and Gentlemen and the pilgrimage in honour of the town's patron saint.
The councillor for the area, Yolanda Peña, was responsible for presenting these initial events at a press conference, accompanied by the general steward of the Nazareno Brotherhood, José Molina. Peña highlighted that these events “represent the beginning of a festival that is very dear to all Benalmádena residents” and emphasised that they are “a magnificent opportunity to enjoy our traditions, strengthen community ties, and continue to promote our identity markers.”
The programme will commence on Friday, July 31, at 20:30 at the Los Nadales fairgrounds. There, the election party for the Queen, Ladies, and Gentlemen of the 2026 Virgen de la Cruz Fair will take place. During the evening, the Benalmádena Pueblo Municipal Dance School will perform, and from 23:00, the group Sótano Sur will provide the musical entertainment. Additionally, the Cautivo Brotherhood will set up a bar at popular prices.
On Sunday, August 2, it will be time for the traditional pilgrimage of the Virgen de la Cruz. The events will begin with a mass at 10:00 in the Plaza de Andalucía. At 11:00, the pilgrimage procession will depart from Calle Real heading to the Finca Rústica Casablanca, where a day of community celebration in honour of the patron saint of Benalmádena Pueblo will take place.
Yolanda Peña has encouraged all residents and visitors to participate in these activities, stating that “we have prepared these events with great enthusiasm so that locals and visitors can enjoy a festive, family-friendly, and participatory atmosphere, keeping alive traditions that are part of our town's history and sentiment.”
With these initial events, Benalmádena signals the start of festivities that attract thousands of people each year. The Virgen de la Cruz Fair, held in August, is one of the most prominent events in the town's festive calendar, combining religious acts, popular traditions, and leisure activities for all ages.
For those wishing to attend, both the election party and the pilgrimage are open to the public and free of charge. It is recommended to arrive early, especially on the day of the pilgrimage, to enjoy the atmosphere and participate in the community gathering at the Casablanca estate.
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