Virgen del Carmen in Nerja
Every 16 July the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of fishermen, sets sail from La Torrecilla beach and travels along the Nerja coast to Calahonda. Declared a Provincial Fiesta of Tourist Singularity in 2026.
The fiesta of the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of fishermen, is one of Nerja’s best-loved traditions. Its main day is 16 July, with the sea-and-land procession, although events take up the whole week. In May 2026 the Málaga provincial council declared it a Provincial Fiesta of Tourist Singularity; in 2025 the town council had already declared it of Local Tourist Interest.
The sea-and-land procession
The Virgin leaves the Iglesia de El Salvador and is carried through the streets to La Torrecilla beach, where a large arch of paper flowers made by local people awaits her. There she is taken on board and, escorted by the fishermen’s boats, travels along the Nerja coast before landing at Calahonda beach. From Calahonda she is carried up to the Balcón de Europa amid hymns, dancing and showers of petals, and the night ends with fireworks and the image’s return to El Salvador.
Carmen week
In 2026 the events ran from 12 to 18 July: a mass at the Balcón de Europa, a mass for deceased members and a floral offering, and in Plaza de los Cangrejos a seafaring market, a popular beach-style moraga and a closing concert. Since November 2025 there has also been a viewpoint with a sculpture of the Virgen del Carmen next to the Cangrejos, which the procession now passes.
Local holiday in 2027
16 July 2027 (a Friday) will be a local public holiday in Nerja, as agreed by the town council on 30 June 2026.
Source: Nerja Town Council.
Expected weather
Excellent weather in July: up to 31°C, no rain and around 11h of sunshine per day.
31°C
High
22°C
Low
11h
Sun/day
0
Rain days
Sea temperature: ~24°C
Historical climate data — real forecast will appear within 16 days of the event
Virgen del Carmen in Nerja on social media
Where to park
To enjoy the Virgen del Carmen celebrations, we recommend using one of these 2 car parks:
- Balcón de Europa car park: this public car park is right under Plaza de España. It is paid and fully supervised.
- Giner de los Ríos car park: next to Plaza de España, with access from Calle Manuel Marín.
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Virgen del Carmen in Nerja
Playa de La Torrecilla, Nerja, Málaga
16 July, 2027
Organized by
Hermandad de Nuestra Señora Virgen del Carmen y Ayuntamiento de Nerja
