Veladilla de San Miguel
Plaza de Andalucía, in the Las Protegidas neighbourhood, will once again be at the heart of the Veladilla de San Miguel celebrations.
The programme for this year’s festivities has now been presented. The celebration will take place from 17 to 20 September, in a particularly significant year marking the 15th anniversary of the revival and reorganisation of the Veladilla.
The official posters (below in images) for this year’s celebration were also unveiled. The main poster was created by Rocío San Martín, whose painting portrays a neighbourhood rich in roots, identity and tradition. The children’s poster was created by Lucía Jiménez, capturing the importance and excitement that the Veladilla de San Miguel holds for younger residents.
This year’s opening address (pregón) will be given by Francisco Gumersindo, known as Paco El Apañao, a local resident with strong ties to Las Protegidas. The youth opening address will be given by Erika Ramos Algarín.
On 17 September, the traditional José Alaminos Façade and Entranceway Competition will celebrate its 14th edition, alongside a flamenco bag workshop.
The main celebration will once again include the election of the Children’s, Youth and Senior Queen and Gentleman, the Gran Cucaña, a dessert competition, a football tournament, and a wide variety of activities for all ages.
Music will also play a major part in the festivities. One of the highlights will be a concert by Las Soles on Saturday 19 September. The traditional Rociero Choir Gathering will take place on Friday, alongside other musical performances throughout the programme.
One of the most special moments will be the traditional floral offering to San Miguel, taking place on Saturday afternoon.
They also reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to supporting Las Protegidas and working alongside the Residents’ Association to ensure that this traditional celebration continues to grow and thrive.
Veladilla de San Miguel 2026 – Las Protegidas
Thursday 17 September
Location: Las Protegidas Residents’ Association headquarters
Flamenco Bag Workshop
Limited to 50 participants.
17:30 – Children’s group
20:00 – Adult group
19:00 – 14th “Façades and Doorways José Alaminos” Competition
From 19:00, the jury will visit the homes entered in the competition.
Friday 18 September
20:45 – Performance by Grupo Gotelé
21:00 – Dance performance by Christian David Callejón’s Dance Group
21:20 – Children’s Opening Speech of the Veladilla de San Miguel 2026
Delivered by Erika Ramos Algarín, introduced by Martina Gómez San Martín, Children’s Speaker 2025.
21:30 – Official Opening Speech of the Veladilla de San Miguel 2026
Delivered by Francisco Gumersindo “Paco El Apañao”, introduced by Lucía Muñoz, Speaker 2025.
Lighting of the festival entrance arch.
21:45 – Tribute to the youngest and longest-standing members of the association, followed by the presentation of the “A Lifetime Dedicated to Las Protegidas 2026” award to María Álvarez (Mari Alaminos).
Performance by the Nerja and Maro Folklore Group.
22:00 – 14th José García Conejero “Batalla” Rociero Choir Gathering
Coro Rociero Peña de la Amistad de Frigiliana
Coro Rociero Peña Nerjeña
Coro Narixa
Coro Rociero Virgen del Carmen de Almayate
Coro Son de Málaga
Saturday 19 September
10:00–12:15 – Registration in Plaza de Andalucía for children aged 3–10 for the Children’s Queen and Gentleman election, and ages 11–14 for the Junior Queen and Gentleman election. Participants must have a family connection to a member of the association with at least six months’ membership or live in La Barriada.
All participants must wear traditional dress. Late arrivals will not be admitted. Children who have previously been elected in another edition cannot participate again.
11:00 – Parade with the Nerja Municipal Band.
11:30 – Pasodoble concert by the Nerja Municipal Band, conducted by David Palomas Gómez, at the entrance of San Miguel Church.
12:00 – 14th Traditional Desserts of Las Protegidas Competition. Reception of desserts entered into the competition.
12:00 – Children’s entertainment by Sonrisas.
13:00 – Election of the Children’s and Junior Queen and Gentleman.
13:30 – Appointment of the Senior Queen and Gentleman.
14:00–15:00 – Enjoy a tapa of traditional migas with every drink purchased at the bar.
14:30 – Performance by “Paco El Apañao”.
15:00 – Performance by Proyecto Mandarina.
Face painting in Plaza de Andalucía.
16:30 – Grand Cucaña, Calle Barranquillo de Colombia Alta.
17:45 – Grand Balloon Shower, Calle Barranquillo de Colombia Alta.
18:30 – Floral Offering in honour of San Miguel, with the participation of Grupo de Folklore de Las Protegidas and Coro Narixa.
19:00 – Holy Mass at the Parish Church of San Miguel, officiated by Francisco Javier Velasco del Pozo, with the participation of Coro Narixa.
19:50 – Performance by Peña Flamenca Alboréa.
Chocolate dessert tasting while supplies last.
20:15 – Performance by Grupo de Fandangos Cortijeros de Río de la Miel.
20:45 – Prize-giving for the Veladilla de San Miguel 2026 competitions.
Grand Raffle.
21:00 – Performance by Christian David Callejón’s Dance Group.
21:15 – Performance by Grupo de Folklore de Las Protegidas.
22:00 – Performance by Orquesta Vaivén.
23:30 – Performance by Las Soles.
Sunday 20th
17:00 - Day of the Children - From 17:00 to 21:00, all fairground rides will cost just €2.
At 21:00, the celebrations will finish with a firecracker finale and balloons.
Official Organisers/ Posters/ Programme - Ayuntamiento de Nerja
This event is organised by the participating establishments and promoters. Nerja Amigos provides event information for guidance only and accepts no responsibility for changes to the programme, timings, cancellations or services provided by third parties. Event details may change without notice.
