The big week has arrived in Mijas Pueblo with the celebration of its traditional fair in honour of the town's patron saint, the Virgen de la Peña. Events got underway early on Monday 7th September with the parade of giants and big-heads in the afternoon.
The traditional street parade was brought to life by the Barakatum batucada, whose drum rhythms got locals and visitors into the festive spirit. The Las Lagunas Music Group also accompanied the parade, playing upbeat tunes suited to the occasion.
Behind them came four children’s floats, accompanied by Disney characters and superheroes to the delight of the youngest crowd members. This year, the Cristo de la Paz and Nazareno brotherhoods joined forces with Mijas Sports Club to organise the children’s floats.
A total of 12 'cabezudos' (big-headed figures), a staple of the parade, also took part. The procession wound through the town’s main streets to Barrio Santana, making a notable stop in Plaza de la Paz, where an accessible area had been set aside for children with reduced mobility so they too could enjoy the celebrations.
Liturgical events
The final novena in honour of the patron saint was held on Monday at the Church of the Inmaculada Concepción under the motto ‘Virgen de la Peña, I choose you’. The service was attended by the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, who delivered one of the readings.
Official opening
Later that evening, at around 22:00, a lectern and ribbon were set up at the entrance to Plaza Virgen de la Peña for the official opening of the fair. The mayoress, Ana Mata, accompanied by the government team, the official herald Mª del Carmen Jaime, and last year’s court, cut the ribbon and switched on the decorative archways. The party then walked the short distance to the municipal booth, where they raised a toast with residents to a successful 2026 fair.
King and Queen of the Fair
Following the inauguration of the fairground and the municipal booth, the first event on stage was the election of this year’s representatives. Four young women competed for the title of Fair Queen 2026, alongside a single male candidate. The contestants paraded in traditional flamenco dress, evening wear, and casual clothes.
Following the judges' deliberation, Nuria Marín Nuñez was crowned Queen, with Lucía Ruiz named First Maid of Honour, Claudia Marín as Second Maid of Honour, and Eva Cantalejo taking the title of Miss Congeniality. Cristian Herrera Claros was crowned Fair King.
The Youth Booth featured music and DJs throughout the night, as part of the ‘Selvática’ show. To round off the opening night, attendees enjoyed the ‘Festival Remember’ performance featuring Play Star 80 & 90, who closed out the evening with classics from the era. A 14-piece lineup of musicians, singers, dancers, and a DJ took to the stage, proving that live performance, strong staging, and high production value are their real strong suits.
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