Malaga village turns into a 19th century bandit town this weekend

A Malaga village will become a 19th century bandit town this weekend, with costumed street scenes, live theatre, local food and craft stalls bringing El Burgo’s mountain past to life. More than 300 residents will take part in Pasion Bandolera from Friday, October 9 to Sunday, October 11, giving visitors a memorable reason to head into the Sierra de las Nieves.

The 13th Pasion Bandolera festival will transport the village back to 1840, when the mountains around Ronda were linked to some of southern Spain’s most famous bandits. Recognised as a Provincial Tourist Festival of Special Interest, the event turns El Burgo into a large open air stage, with scenes unfolding through the village rather than just inside a theatre.

More than 300 residents bring El Burgo’s bandit past to life

The festival all depends on the involvement of local people, with more than 300 residents dressing as villagers, bandits and travelling performers bringing historic stories to life.

This year’s tale centres on Agustina and Jose, members of a travelling theatre company called Las Finitas de Jerez. Their arrival in El Burgo sets off a plot involving secrets, family rivalries and encounters with bandits, told across more than 20 scenes mixing drama, comedy and local mountain folklore.

El Burgo also has a direct connection with Andalucia’s bandit history. It was the birthplace of Juan Mingolla Gallardo, known as Pasos Largos, one of the region’s best known late bandit figures.

What is happening across the weekend

The celebrations begin on Friday at 6.30pm, when an opening parade leaves Plaza de la Villa for the recreated bandit settlement. The official opening speech follows at 7.30pm, delivered by women who have played Agustina during the festival’s history, before the first theatrical scenes begin.

Saturday is expected to be the busiest day, with a guided walk beginning at 10.30am from the Tourist Office, followed by the reopening of the settlement and the Romeria de la Virgen de la Muñeca procession at midday.

Visitors will have plenty to see and do. You will be able to watch scenes including A escondidas en la taberna (Secrets in the Tavern), Rescate (Rescue) and Nadie huye de su sino (No One Escapes Their Fate), while exploring the decorated streets, food stalls and craft market.

Children won’t be left on the sidelines, they also have their own programme. El Juego will be performed on Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday includes a children’s parade along Calle Real at midday followed by a performance of El teatro at 12.30pm.

The story then reaches its final scenes, Agustina y Jose, at 4pm and 5pm on Sunday, before the official closing ceremony at 6pm.

A weekend escape into the Sierra de las Nieves

This festival is the perfect excuse to explore the beautiful El Burgo and the surrounding Sierra de las Nieves National Park, especially good for those fancying an inland alternative to the Costa del Sol’s usual weekend plans. Now the sun has lost its peak summer sting, you can use the trip to discover local walking routes along the Turon River and see landmarks including the Church of La Encarnacion. Visitors can also explore nearby Parauta’s enchanted forest, another memorable stop in the stunning Sierra de las Nieves area.

Anyone fancying travelling into the mountains for an alternative weekend should check El Burgo Town Hall’s full programme, parking information and travel updates before setting off.