The XII edition of the Costa del Sol Espetos Contest will be held on August 1 at the Oasis beach bar in Torremolinos, bringing together professionals from 14 coastal municipalities in Malaga.
The next gastronomic event of the summer on the Costa del Sol has a date. The Oasis beach bar, located in the Los Álamos area of Torremolinos, will host the XII edition of the Costa del Sol Espetos Contest on August 1. Fourteen professionals from as many municipalities along the Malaga coastline will compete for the title of best espetero in the province.
The competition, organised by the Círculo de Empresarios de Torremolinos, has a dual objective: to reward skill in a centuries-old technique and to preserve a tradition that is part of the identity of the coast. Only residents of municipalities bathed by the Mediterranean, from Nerja to Manilva, can participate, ensuring representation from the entire coastal arc.
A Demanding Jury and Two Mandatory Espetos
The jury will consist of industry professionals, public figures, and fans of grilled sardines. They will evaluate aspects such as cooking, preparation time, flavour, and the final presentation of the dish. Each contestant must prepare two espetos: one of sardines, which is mandatory, and another of fish of their choice.
The organisation has highlighted that the level of competition increases each year. The winner will receive recognition from their peers and the honorary title of best espetero of the Costa del Sol, an award that already has its own name from previous editions.
For the residents of Torremolinos and tourists, the event is a unique opportunity to see live how master espeteros master the art of skewering sardines on sticks and grilling them over olive wood embers. The Oasis beach bar thus becomes the epicentre of sea flavour throughout the day.
Institutional Support and a Very Nautical Poster
The contest has the backing of the Diputación de Málaga, through the Sabor a Málaga brand; the Torremolinos City Council; and the Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Costa del Sol Occidental. As a novelty, this year Cervezas San Miguel joins as the official sponsor.
The presentation of the poster for this edition took place at the Larry beach bar in the La Carihuela neighbourhood. The illustration, in vibrant colours, shows an espeto with a sardine appearing turned on the stick. Its author explains that the image symbolises those Malaga residents who, caught up in routine, sometimes forget the privilege of living by the sea. An ironic nod that invites reflection while enjoying a sardine.
For the public, the contest is also a tourist attraction. Attendees will be able to see the preparation process up close and, at the end, taste the espetos. The event is ideal for those who want to learn about one of the province's most deeply rooted culinary traditions.
More than Sardines: The UNESCO Candidacy
The organisers remind us that the contest goes beyond competition. The initiative defends the espeto as a symbol of Malaga identity and seeks to ensure the generational transfer of a trade with over a century of history. The art of espeto aspires to be recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, a candidacy that the contest supports.
The event takes place at a time when local gastronomy is experiencing a tourist boom. For local hoteliers, events like this strengthen the Costa del Sol brand and attract visitors interested in culture and local products. The event on August 1 promises to be, once again, a tribute to the work of those who keep the flame of the embers in the sand alive.
The contest will start in the late morning and continue until the early afternoon. Entry is free, although it is recommended to arrive early to secure a good spot. Attendees will be able to enjoy live music and the best beach gastronomy.
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