Día de la Pasa 2026 Celebrates Axarquía Raisin Heritage in El Borge

The rolling hills of the Axarquía hold agricultural traditions stretching back centuries, and late summer marks one of its most celebrated moments. On Sunday, September 20, 2026, the village of El Borge hosts its annual Día de la Pasa (Raisin Day). Dedicated to the internationally recognized heritage of raisin production and the harvest of Muscatel grapes, this festival offers visitors staying in Nerja a captivating glimpse into the cultural roots of the region.

Honoring a Centuries-Old Tradition

El Borge stands at the heart of Axarquía's raisin country. The unique, sun-dried Muscatel raisins of this area carry international recognition for their artisanal cultivation on steep, sun-drenched hillsides. The harvest takes place in late summer, and the festival serves as the community's joyful celebration of completing this labor-intensive work.

Throughout the day, visitors can witness live demonstrations showcasing the traditional steps of the craft. Key among these are demonstrations of how grapes are dried on *paseros*—special sun-drying beds built on angled slopes to capture maximum warmth and sunlight. Watching the transformation from juicy green grape to rich, wrinkled raisin brings local rural heritage vividly to life.

Gastronomy, Local Wine, and Village Life

Beyond the educational demonstrations, Día de la Pasa is a feast for food and wine enthusiasts. The village streets come alive with opportunities to sample typical Axarquía gastronomy. Stalls and local producers offer tastings of the region's famous sweet wines, produced from the very same Muscatel grapes that yield the raisins.

The event provides an authentic cultural outing just inland from the coast. Walking the whitewashed streets of El Borge during the festival allows travelers to experience lively Andalusian hospitality, traditional music, and authentic village flavors far removed from standard tourist itineraries.

Visiting from Nerja

Located in the interior hills of the Axarquía, El Borge makes for an ideal day trip from Nerja. Driving takes roughly 45 to 55 minutes, winding inland past Vélez-Málaga and into the scenic vineyard-dotted landscape. Arriving earlier in the day is recommended to find parking comfortably and explore the village squares before the festivities reach their peak.

Good to know

• Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026.
• Location: El Borge, Axarquía (Málaga province).
• Highlights: Traditional *pasero* drying demonstrations, Muscatel wine tastings, and local food sampling.
• Getting there: Best reached by car from Nerja via the A-7 and inland provincial roads past Vélez-Málaga.
• Tip: Wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking on hilly village streets.