The white village of Salares in Málaga's Axarquía transformed its historic centre over the weekend as the XXIV Festival Árabe Andalusí brought three days of music, history, gastronomy and traditional culture to the town.

Held from Friday, September 18 to Sunday, September 20, the festival recreated an Andalusian-inspired atmosphere through its streets, with a programme that combined historical activities during the day with performances and entertainment in the afternoon and evening.

Three Days of History and Culture

The festival is dedicated to the heritage of the three cultures associated with medieval Andalusia and uses Salares itself as the setting for a programme centred on history and cultural traditions.

During the three days, visitors could attend conferences, exhibitions, workshops and guided activities while also exploring the town's streets and historic architecture.

The programme was designed to connect the area's historical heritage with music, food and popular culture.

The Streets Turn Into a Morisco Village

One of the defining features of the festival was the transformation of Salares into an Andalusian-themed village.

A traditional-style zoco offered crafts and other products, while decorations, music and food helped create an atmosphere inspired by the municipality's historical past.

The festival is officially recognised as a Fiesta de Singularidad Turística Provincial, highlighting its role within Málaga's provincial cultural and tourism calendar.

A Candlelit Saturday Evening

Saturday evening provided one of the festival's most distinctive moments, when candles were used to illuminate the village streets.

The lighting was followed by the itinerant performance “Sacerdotisas del Nilo”, featuring drums, torches and oriental dance, before further music and performances continued through the night.

The evening programme also included the official opening ceremony, the presentation of the Premios Alminar 2026 and performances by Duendes de Oriente, Antonio Guerra's Esencia Flamenca and the flamenco-pop group La Llave, followed by a DJ set.

Music From Different Traditions

Music was an important part of the weekend, with the programme moving between traditional Andalusian influences, flamenco and other contemporary performances.

The opening night featured Mandanis, with Daniel Martínez and Javier González accompanied by dancer Elena López.

Sunday's programme included the educational concert “Vientos de Al Andalus” by Javier Claros, as well as further dance, flamenco and choral performances.

Food Is Part of the Experience

Gastronomy was woven throughout the festival rather than being treated as a separate activity.

Visitors could sample products and dishes associated with Andalusian and local traditions, including Arab-style sweets, tea, pinchos morunos and other regional specialities.

Sunday began with a traditional breakfast of churros and chocolate, while a popular paella was also included in the day's programme.

A Weekend of Traditional Performances

The entertainment programme included dance, flamenco, street performances and equestrian activities.

Among the scheduled attractions was “Pasión Ecuestre: Doma y elegancia en un viaje de la tradición y el arte del caballo”, combining horsemanship with a theatrical presentation.

Falconry was also included, adding another historical and traditional element to the weekend.

The Festival Also Looks to History

Alongside the performances, the programme included talks exploring the history of Salares and its connection with the surrounding region.

One of the Sunday presentations focused on the Libro de Apeo y Repartimiento de Salares and the Andalusian mill of the former alquería of Rubite, presented by historian Valentín Fernández.

The historical programme reflects the festival's wider aim of connecting the town's contemporary community with its medieval heritage.

Salares and Its Islamic Heritage

Salares retains important architectural traces of its Islamic past.

Among its best-known landmarks is its historic alminar, a former Islamic minaret later incorporated into the church complex. Historical documentation from Málaga's provincial tourism resources identifies the structure as an important example of the area's Andalusian and later Mudéjar heritage.

The town's narrow streets and traditional urban layout also contribute to the historical setting used by the festival.

A Festival Established in the Provincial Calendar

The event has become a regular September fixture in Salares and is now in its 24th edition.

Its recognition as a Fiesta de Singularidad Turística Provincial reflects its established place among Málaga's distinctive local cultural celebrations.

The festival has developed into a combination of heritage event, cultural programme and community celebration.

A Programme for Visitors and Residents

The organisers designed the three-day programme for both residents and visitors, with daytime activities focused more heavily on cultural and historical content and evenings dedicated to performances and entertainment.

The format allows visitors to experience the town itself as part of the event rather than attending only individual performances.

Sunday Brings the Festival to a Close

The final day continued with the zoco, workshops, talks and performances before the closing programme.

Activities included music and dance, the paella gathering, further traditional performances and the falconry demonstration.

The festival concluded with a concert by Manuel Orta.

Keeping Local Heritage Visible

The festival's approach places Salares' historical identity at the centre of a contemporary cultural event.

Its use of the town's streets, architecture, food and traditions creates a setting in which history is presented through live experiences rather than only through exhibitions or talks.

For the community, the event also provides an opportunity to showcase local heritage to visitors from elsewhere in Málaga and beyond.

Salares After the Festival

The XXIV Festival Árabe Andalusí has now concluded after three days of events from September 18 to 20.

The programme combined Andalusian heritage with music, food, crafts, history and live performances, while the candlelit streets and traditional market provided the visual backdrop for one of the Axarquía's established cultural events.

Salares has once again used its historic setting to bring its medieval heritage to the centre of a weekend-long celebration.