Cutar turns back the clock for three-day Fiesta del Monfi with Andalusi food, music and history

Cutar will travel back to the 16th century from Friday, October 2 to Sunday, October 4, when its 22nd Fiesta del Monfi fills the Axarquia village with an Andalusi souk, food, music and historical performances.

Declared a Festival of Provincial Tourist Interest, the event recalls the monfies, Moriscos who took refuge in the mountains after resisting forced conversion. Monfi means ‘banished’ or ‘exiled’ in Arabic.

A hidden Quran gives the festival extra history

One of Cutar‘s most remarkable stories centres on Muhammad al-Yayyar, an alfaqui who hid manuscripts and a Quran inside a house to protect them. They were discovered during building work in 2003 after centuries behind a sealed wall.

The Quran is believed to date from around the 13th century and is held by the Provincial Historical Archive of Malaga. Cutar’s Centro de Interpretacion de la Alqueria tells the story of the manuscripts.

A new statue of al-Yayyar will be unveiled on Friday at 6.30pm, followed by an Andalusi cooking demonstration and a concert by Mawazin at 10pm.

Souk, falconry and live music

Visitors can browse the Andalusi souk throughout the weekend, with craft and food stalls, while demonstrations include falconry, henna and pottery. Donkey rides, children’s activities, fire shows, magic and storytelling are planned.

Saturday brings workshops in recycled paper, ceramics and Arabic calligraphy. Sunday adds bookbinding.

Live music includes the Tetouan Conservatory Orchestra, led by Amin Chaachoo, and Clara Campos on Saturday. Emilio Villalba and Sara Marina perform on Sunday, before the Tetouan orchestra closes the festival.

Shuttle from Malaga

History fans can join the theatrical route Cálamo y cal, el destino de al-Yayyar at 6pm on Saturday or Sunday. Guided visits to the Centro de Interpretacion de la Alqueria are also planned.

A shuttle will run on Saturday and Sunday from Malaga, stopping at Rincon de la Victoria, Torre del Mar and Velez-Malaga. Buses leave Malaga at 11.30am and return at 8.30pm. Reservations are available on 621 509 471.