Cosplay, gaming and Japanese pop culture explodes over Estepona as thousands gather for annual convention

Serene, stunning Estepona was transformed into a whole new world this weekend, as fans clad in colourful wigs and bright intricate costumes arrived in their thousands for three days of intense pop culture celebrations.

Cosplay catwalks and craft masterclasses

Organised by local non-profit association Pax Cultural with Estepona Town Hall, the fourth annual Costa del Sol Manga Festival gathered fans across the region inside the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos in Estepona from Friday, September 18 to Sunday, September 20. Doors closed on Sunday evening following a completely jam-packed schedule that featured cosplay competitions, video game tournaments, K-Pop dancing, specialist creative workshops and much more.

Participants have spent months carefully handcrafting elaborate outfits to show off their character and take to the main stage, where Saturday evening saw fierce competition for the individual cosplay title. Sunday followed with group displays and the ever popular mini catwalks, designed specifically for younger participants, giving families a fun and interesting afternoon out. Crafting enthusiasts also filled seats for specialist talks, including an interactive wig-styling session led by talented creator Karmaa_Cos.

Video games, card battles and K-Pop moves

Gaming enthusiasts took over dedicated free-play arenas and competitive brackets featuring titles like Guilty Gear and Mario Tennis. Tabletop strategists gathered around tables for Final Fantasy TCG and Warhammer, while music lovers packed the stage zone full for open request hours and Random Play Dance sessions celebrating all their favourite Japanese and Korean pop culture tunes.

Local creators, comic publishers and independent illustrator stands created a bustling market area throughout the venue. Visitors browsed custom art prints, handmade merchandise, imported collectibles, and book releases presented by publishers including MangaLine.

As another year passes and people pack away their costumes, Estepona can safely say it was once again a successful edition. For more photos, visit the Estepona town hall FaceBook page.