More than 6m expected at Malaga fair

MALAGA Hoteliers Association predicts a fall in takings at this year’s August fair, although the six million visitors of last year are expected to be surpassed.

The President of the association, Rafael Prados, has said that having seen the poor results of this Easter, the sector is not very optimistic about the upcoming fair which starts tomorrow night and continues until next Sunday.

However, there will be more ‘casetas’ at the fair, both in the centre and at the Cortijo de Torres fairground, which will create more jobs.

Requests to install tables and chairs on the pavements are up by 70 per cent this year so that smokers can also enjoy the fair and make sure bars and restaurant don’t lose their clientele. So far, 275 licenses to do so have been granted.

As well as the ban on using flip-flops and beachwear, or attempting to enter establishments bare-chested during the fair, the police will also be cracking down on anyone found relieving themselves in public with fines of up to €750, as well as anyone drinking in the street other than in authorized areas.

The fair starts with a firework display at La Malagueta Beach from midnight tomorrow (Friday) going into the early hours of Saturday followed by a concert on the beach.

On Saturday at 12pm, there will be a floral offering to the patron saint, Virgen de la Victoria, from the Town Hall to her sanctuary.

Every day, from this Saturday until next, the day fair will be held in the streets of Malaga city centre (near Calle Larios) from 1pm to 7pm, while the fun continues into the early hours at the Cortijo de Torres Fairground, although anyone who wants to go earlier will find the casetas open for business from midday.

To get to the day fair by train, you should go as far as the Malaga Centro station and then take the short walk into the centre from there.

To get to the fairground, the station is Victoria Kent, which is also requires a short walk to the area with casetas and rides. In either case, remember that the last train back towards Fuengirola leaves Malaga at 10.30pm, or the next one will be 5.30 the following morning.

To get from Malaga to the fairground there will be 250 buses running from different parts of the city, costing €1.50, or 10 trips for €9.95.

The buses will run all night until 4am.

Buses back to other points of the Costa del Sol from Malaga will be running to their normal timetables.

By Jennifer Leighfield