The Axarquia includes 31 white villages, called pueblos blancos, beautifully located between the hills planted with grapevines, olives, almonds, mangos and avocados. Festivals are an important part of life in southern Spain especially during the summer months when every village has its own “feria” (fair) and often they celebrate their own local produce. Thus, in Canillas de Aceituno, the celebration is around El Morcillo (the famous black pudding in the 2nd weekend in May), the coastal villages and towns including Torre del Mar, Caleta de Velez  Torrox and Nerja all celebrate  "El Noche de San Juan" on the 23rd June and on the 15 August Competa celebrates “El Noche y Dia del Vino”.

El Borge has several local holidays. We were there by chance last year in the 3rd weekend of September, along with thousands of others on the fiesta of el Dia de la Pasa. During this festival they celebrate the harvest of the raisins. There are performances by various musical groups, including the so-called Panda Verdiales and lots of stalls where you can eat paella and other local dishes. Also one should try the semi-dry white wine or the sweet red wine, both of which are made​​ from the muscatel grape, really delicious !

Another festival which is highly recommended (and we hope to go one day) is the Feast of St. Gabriel, the patron saint of El Borge. This is 2nd day of Easter and is celebrated with processions and performances by traditional and popular bands. Maybe it is better to stay locally for the night as the party lasts through to the early hours!

With cordial greetings from Marita of Team Second Home Andalusia