Veladilla of San Miguel in Nerja

Plaza de Andalucía was one of the main meeting points of the celebration. The main programme takes place from 18 to 20 September 2026, although some activities start on the 17th.

This edition is also especially meaningful, as it marks the 15th anniversary of the revival of the Veladilla de San Miguel.

When is the Veladilla de San Miguel 2026?

The main events of the Veladilla de San Miguel in Nerja take place over the weekend of 18, 19 and 20 September 2026 in Las Protegidas.

• Main dates: 18, 19 and 20 September 2026
• Opening activities: from 17 September
• Venue: Plaza de Andalucía and the Las Protegidas neighbourhood
• Town: Nerja, Málaga

Veladilla de San Miguel 2026 programme in Nerja

This year's programme combines the traditions of Las Protegidas with live music, food and activities for all ages.

Highlights include the Gran Cucaña (greasy pole), the election of the Children's and Youth Queen and Gentleman, the Dessert Competition, performances by local groups, children's activities, folk music and the traditional floral offering to San Miguel.

Saturday 19 September: programme and times

Saturday 19 September is one of the busiest days of the Veladilla.

From 10:00 to 12:15, registration is open for the children's and youth Queen and Gentleman election.

At 11:00 the Nerja Music Band parades through the streets and, at 11:30, there is a pasodoble concert at the door of the Church of San Miguel.

At 12:00 the 14th Las Protegidas Traditional Dessert Competition begins, alongside entertainment for children.

The election of the Children's and Youth Queen and Gentleman is scheduled for 13:00. Then, at 13:30, the Senior Queen and Gentleman are named.

Between 14:00 and 15:00, visitors get a free tapa of migas with every drink at the festival bar.

The Gran Cucaña of San Miguel

One of the most traditional and eagerly awaited moments comes at 16:30 with the Gran Cucaña of the Veladilla de San Miguel.

Participants try to make their way along a pole of about five metres that has been made especially slippery. There are different age categories and prizes.

You can sign up on the Saturday itself in Plaza de Andalucía, or in advance through the organisers.

Floral offering to San Miguel and afternoon events

After the Cucaña, at 17:45, there is a big balloon drop.

At 18:30 the traditional floral offering to San Miguel takes place, with the Las Protegidas Folk Group and the Narixa Choir.

Holy Mass begins at 19:00 in the Parish Church of San Miguel.

The programme continues into the evening and night with flamenco, fandangos, dessert tasting and other performances. At 20:45 the prizes for the Veladilla competitions are awarded and the Grand Raffle is drawn.

Las Soles in concert in Nerja

One of the musical highlights of the Veladilla de San Miguel 2026 is the concert by Málaga group Las Soles.

The concert takes place on Saturday 19 September at 23:30 in Plaza de Andalucía, Nerja.

• Artist: Las Soles
• Date: Saturday 19 September 2026
• Time: 23:30
• Venue: Plaza de Andalucía, Las Protegidas, Nerja

Before the concert, at 22:00, the Orquesta Vaivén performed.

Sunday 20 September: Children's Day

The programme continues on Sunday 20 September with Children's Day, designed especially for families and young children.

Between 17:00 and 21:00, fairground rides cost a special price of €2.

The celebration ends at 21:00 with a closing firecracker display with balloons.

Veladilla de San Miguel competitions

Popular competitions are once again part of the Veladilla programme in 2026.

The 14th "José Alaminos" Façades and Doorways Competition is held on 17 September and rewards the best-decorated houses and streets of Las Protegidas.

The 14th Homemade Dessert Competition also takes place on Saturday 19 September in Plaza de Andalucía, with several categories and prizes.

These join the Gran Cucaña, the Queen and Gentleman election and other traditional activities that are part of the identity of this Nerja festival.

15 years since the Veladilla was revived

The 2026 edition is especially significant for Las Protegidas, as it marks 15 years since the Veladilla de San Miguel was revived.

The official poster of the Veladilla de San Miguel 2026 was designed by Rocío San Martín, while the children's poster is by Lucía Jiménez.

The opening speech (pregón) is given by Francisco Gumersindo, "Paco El Apañao", while Erika Ramos Algarín gives the youth pregón.

The celebration keeps its neighbourhood character, combining music, food, children's activities, popular traditions and events in honour of San Miguel.

Where is the Veladilla de San Miguel held?

Most activities take place in Plaza de Andalucía and the streets of the Las Protegidas neighbourhood in Nerja.

It is within walking distance of many parts of central Nerja. At the busiest times, especially on Saturday afternoon and evening, it is best to arrive early.

One of Nerja's September festivals

The Veladilla de San Miguel is a chance to discover a different side of Nerja beyond its beaches and main sights.

During these days, Las Protegidas recovers the atmosphere of a traditional neighbourhood festival with live music, food, competitions, children's activities, the Gran Cucaña and traditional events in honour of San Miguel.

If you are in Nerja from 18 to 20 September 2026, check the programme and times to plan your visit and enjoy the Veladilla de San Miguel 2026.

Times and activities may be changed by the organisers.