Feria de Mijas Pueblo
In early September, the white mountain village of Mijas Pueblo turns into a great Andalusian celebration in honour of its patron saint, the Virgen de la Peña. Unlike the La Cala feria in July, this one unfolds in the narrow streets and squares of the old village, high above the coast. This guide explains when it is, what to expect and how to be there as a visitor.
What is the Feria de Mijas Pueblo?
The Feria de Mijas Pueblo is the big annual festival of Mijas Pueblo, held in honour of the Virgen de la Peña, the village's patron saint. It is a true village feria: friendly, traditional and less touristy than you might expect, with casetas, sevillanas, a funfair and music late into the night.
Do not confuse it with the Feria de La Cala de Mijas in July. These are two different festivals in the same municipality: La Cala by the sea in July, Mijas Pueblo in the mountains in September. We explain the difference between the two in Mijas Pueblo vs Mijas Costa.
When is the feria in 2026?
The feria falls around the day of the patron, the Virgen de la Peña, on 8 September. It usually runs from early September to the second weekend; in 2025 that was 6 to 11 September. The exact dates and full programme for 2026 are published by the Ayuntamiento de Mijas shortly beforehand, so check them if you want to plan your visit around it.
Early September is still high summer on the Costa del Sol, but in higher Mijas Pueblo the evenings are a touch fresher than on the coast, pleasant for celebrating late.
The procession of the Virgen de la Peña
The religious heart of the feria is the procession on 8 September. The image of the Virgen de la Peña, which rests the rest of the year in the chapel carved into the rock (the Santuario de la Virgen de la Peña), is carried through the streets of the village. In the days before, there are a general peal of bells, the novena and the traditional floral offering.
The Virgen de la Peña is woven into the history of Mijas. For more about the village and its story, read things to do in Mijas Pueblo.
Cabalgata, casetas and funfair
The feria traditionally opens with a cabalgata of giants and big-heads (gigantes y cabezudos) through the village, followed by a celebratory dinner for the elderly. By day there is the feria de día with live music, tapas and a drink in the sun; in the evening the celebration moves to the casetas and the funfair, with performances and dancing until late.
One of the days is the Día del niño, with rides at reduced prices for families. As at other ferias, quiet hours are set (often between 7 and 9 PM) when sound and flashing lights are reduced, so that people with autism can take part too.
Practical tips
The feria is free to attend. Mijas Pueblo sits on a mountainside with narrow streets, so parking is limited; use the car parks at the edge of the village and walk into the centre. From the coast it is a short half-hour drive uphill, or take the bus.
Combine your visit with a walk through the white village and a terrace with a view over the coast. Our guide to restaurants in Mijas Pueblo points you to the addresses with the best views.
Staying and more festivals
Most visitors stay on the coast, in La Cala or Riviera del Sol, and drive up to the village for the feria. For more on where to base yourself, read where to stay in Mijas.
Summer in the Mijas municipality is full of festivals: the Noche de San Juan (23 June), the Feria de La Cala de Mijas (late July) and, to close the season, the Feria de Mijas Pueblo in September. Plan your trip well and you can catch several.
When is the Feria de Mijas Pueblo 2026?
The feria falls around the day of the patron, the Virgen de la Peña, on 8 September, usually from early September to the second weekend (in 2025 it was 6 to 11 September). The exact dates for 2026 are published by the Ayuntamiento de Mijas shortly beforehand.
What is the difference from the Feria de La Cala?
They are two separate festivals in the same municipality. The Feria de La Cala is by the sea in late July; the Feria de Mijas Pueblo is in the white mountain village in early September, in honour of the Virgen de la Peña.
Who is the feria in honour of?
The Virgen de la Peña, the patron saint of Mijas Pueblo, whose day falls on 8 September. On that day the image is carried in procession through the village.
Is the feria free and how do I get there?
The feria is free. Mijas Pueblo sits on a mountainside with limited parking; use the car parks at the edge or take the bus from the coast.
Looking for a place to stay in Riviera del Sol? See the Coral Mijas Stay penthouse