Take our calendar tour of Manilva’s festival musts. Whether you enjoy these festivals every year as a resident or if you’re planning a holiday don’t miss out as these celebrations are a feast for the senses.

Carnival, February 24-25
Fun for all the family, this weekend celebration features impressive costumes, music, dancing and chirigotas, satirical Andalucian folk songs.

Easter Week, April 9-16
One of the most important weeks in the Spanish calendar. This festival celebrates the life, passion and death of Jesus with processions through the local streets.

San Juan’s night June 23
This evolved out of an old pagan ritual marking the summer solstice, which has been united with a christian saint’s day. Bonfires on the beach create a magical atmosphere throughout the night.

Day of the Virgen del Carmen, July 16
The villagers of Castillo de la Duquesa and San Luis de Sabinillas carefully decorate fishing boats with effigies of their patron saint, the Virgen del Carmen, and sail them up and down the coast.

Day of Santa Ana, July 26
Saint Ana is the patron saint of Manilva, and her feast day is celebrated with a parade of floats, music and dancing until the early hours.

Day of San Luis de Sabinillas, August 25
The feast day of the patron saint of San Luis de Sabinillas is honoured with sports competitions, music, laughter and dancing.

The grape harvest, September 2-3
A festival to celebrate the grape harvest, including grape-treading to produce the first wine of the year, which is offered to friends and visitors to taste.