More than 4,000 litres of ajoblanco will be served free of charge in Almáchar on September 5, 2026, as the town celebrates the 56th edition of its Fiesta del Ajoblanco. In the heart of the Axarquía region, the annual event turns the village into a hub of food and cultural activity from morning until well past midnight.
The programme brings local traditions to the fore. Free tastings of ajoblanco, a cold soup made from almonds, garlic, bread, olive oil and vinegar, will be available between 12:00 and 15:00 at the Paseo de la Axarquía and Plaza del Santo Cristo de la Banda Verde. Guests can also sample local muscatel grapes, wine and raisins at various points throughout the town.
Workshops and Guided Tours
The “Aprende a hacer Ajoblanco” workshop, for those who want to learn how to make the dish, will be held at the Centro de Mayores in three sessions: 10:00, 11:30 and 13:00. Spaces are limited, and advance booking by phone or email is required. Guided tours, including a session in English, will leave from the Paseo de la Axarquía at scheduled times, with a look at Almáchar’s history and its connection to local produce. Festival-goers can also enter the Museo de la Pasa for free.
Music, Art, and Community
Food is only part of the day’s programme. The V Concurso de Pintura “Ventanas al Arte y al Moscatel” art exhibition will be open from 12:00 to 20:00. At 17:00, the Panda de El Borge will lead a parade, followed by performances from local choirs, dance schools and verdiales groups. Children’s activities and theatrical scenes will add to the festive atmosphere, while a “Pica de Pasas” workshop at 12:30 will showcase the region’s raisin tradition.
Evening Highlights
The official ceremony begins at 20:30 in the Plaza de España, where Manuel Sarriá Cuevas will give the festival’s keynote address. The 2026 Ajoblanco Awards will go to Adolfo Cisneros, the programme “Techo de Cristal,” Fundación El Pimpi, the town of Adamuz and Revista Litoral, recognising contributions at local, regional and cultural levels.
From 22:00, the Noche Flamenca will bring together artists including Esmeralda Rancapino, Rubén Martín, Moisés Navarro, Fátima Navarro, Delia Membrive, Luis de Mateo and Carlos Haro for a free open-air concert. A charity dance with live music will take place at the same time at the Paseo de la Axarquía. Visitors can buy pollo al moscatel and sangría for one euro, with proceeds going to an animal protection association. Traditional music and communal singing are set to carry the festivities into the early hours.
Free Shuttle Service
To handle the expected influx of visitors, the local council will run a free shuttle bus from Torre del Mar’s bus station, stopping in Vélez-Málaga before reaching Almáchar. Return trips will leave from Parque María Zambrano. The service is timed around basic festival events, with departures to Almáchar at 12:00, 15:00, 19:00 and 22:00, and return trips at 14:00, 17:00, 21:00 and midnight. Those staying beyond the last bus will need to arrange alternative transport.
First held in 1968, the Fiesta del Ajoblanco is recognised as Málaga’s oldest gastronomic festival. Its lasting popularity reflects the region’s pride in its culinary heritage and the community’s commitment to sharing it with visitors. Talent24h reports that the event continues to draw locals and tourists, bringing together tradition, hospitality and celebration.
