There are many popular festivals in Nerja throughout the year, marking the changes of the seasons, religious dates and patron saints – in fact pretty much anything and everything is an excuse for a fiesta whatever the weather. One of the biggest festivals here is San Isidro, celebrated every year on the 15th of May.

The festival is in honour of Isidro, a farm labourer from Madrid, who in legend received divine assistance to perform his work. As a result he has become the patron saint of farm workers and other labourers in many Spanish speaking countries. San Isidro was born in Madrid in 1082 and the city also holds a large festival on the 15th of May at the Pradera del Santo.

Here in Nerja the day starts with a service in the town’s main church El Salvador on the Balcon de Europa at 11am.

Once the church service is over there is singing and dancing outside the church followed by a long procession made up of dozens of ox carts, carriages, horses and men, women and children on foot all dressed up in smart riding gear or traditional farmers outfits. For the women and girls its an excuse to wear their colourful flamenco dresses and everyone makes a huge effort for the day.
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