Casarabonela Prepares for Fiesta de los Rondeles on December 12

As winter approaches, one of the most mesmerizing nighttime traditions in the province of Málaga returns to the mountain village of Casarabonela. On the night of December 12, 2026, the village will host the historic Fiesta de la Virgen de los Rondeles, an ancient celebration of light, heritage, and devotion.

Declared a Fiesta de Singularidad Turística Provincial by the Diputación de Málaga, this unique winter festival draws visitors keen to experience Andalusia’s authentic inland customs away from the busy coastal towns.

An Ancient Procession of Fire and Devotion

The hallmark of the Fiesta de la Virgen de los Rondeles is its atmospheric nighttime procession. As darkness settles over Casarabonela, the village streets are illuminated solely by the warm glow of *rondeles*—traditional hand-held torches crafted from dried *capachos* (the esparto grass mats historically used in olive oil mills to press olives).

Carried through the narrow, steep streets of the whitewashed village, these flaming torches guide the image of the Virgen de los Rondeles, casting dancing shadows on ancient walls and filling the crisp mountain air with the scent of burning oil and esparto. It is an extraordinary spectacle that bridges rural agricultural roots with community faith.

Visiting Casarabonela from Nerja

For travellers staying in Nerja or along the eastern Costa del Sol, the festival makes an evocative December day trip and evening excursion. Casarabonela is perched on the slopes of the Sierra de las Nieves foothills, offering panoramic views across the Guadalhorce Valley before night descends.

If you are travelling from Nerja, the journey by car takes approximately 1 hour and 15 to 1 hour and 30 minutes, heading west via the A-7 towards Málaga and then connecting inland toward Cártama and Pizarra along the A-357 before ascending to the village. Due to the procession taking place after dark in steep, pedestrianized streets, sturdy walking shoes and warm winter layers are strongly advised.

Good to know

• Date: December 12, 2026.
• Location: Village center and streets of Casarabonela (Málaga province).
• Official Recognition: Declared a Fiesta de Singularidad Turística Provincial by the Diputación de Málaga.
• What to expect: A nighttime religious and cultural procession illuminated by traditional flaming oil-press mats (*rondeles*).
• Tips for visitors: Wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes suitable for steep cobblestone streets. Allow extra time for parking outside the narrow village center.