Maroween en Nerja

Introduction and local significance

Maroween in Nerja is a unique festival celebrated on 31 October 2026 in the district of Maro. This event combines Halloween celebrations with the traditional Fiesta de la Castaña y el Boniato (Chestnut and Sweet Potato Festival). Locals and visitors gather in this village in the province of Málaga to enjoy a day where terrifying aesthetics blend with local autumn customs. The events are concentrated in specific public spaces, attracting numerous people interested in experiencing a different kind of night in the region.

Historical origins and tradition

This festival fuses Anglo-Saxon Halloween elements with the traditional Andalusian chestnut roast, adapted to the rural environment of the district. As a recent anecdote from its calendar, in 2024 the celebration was postponed to Sunday 3 November due to the national mourning decreed for the victims of the DANA storm. Throughout the day, streets and house facades are decorated with pumpkins, cobwebs and handmade skeleton figures crafted by the residents themselves. In addition, the tradition is completed with specific contests aimed at rewarding the best individual or group costumes as well as the most terrifying facade in the neighbourhood.

Programme and main events

As the detailed official programme is shown in the card above, here we highlight the fundamental axes of the day organised for 31 October 2026. Activities kick off in the afternoon with theatrical and musical parades, followed by the traditional children's trick-or-treat tour through the streets of Maro. Younger visitors can also take part in a themed gymkhana at the Sala de Usos Múltiples (Multi-Use Room). Costume contests for children and adults, accompanied by zumba performances, live music and DJ sessions, set the pace for the afternoon and evening. The awards ceremony for the best costumes and facades precedes the concerts and musical performances scheduled to close the celebration.

Traditional festival food

The gastronomy of this celebration revolves strictly around seasonal autumn products typical of the area. Roasted chestnuts stand out in a very special way, prepared over an open fire in the traditional manner for the enjoyment of all attendees gathered in the square. Alongside them, roasted sweet potatoes make up the other major stars of the popular tasting offered during the afternoon in the village of Maro. These warm treats complement the evening's culinary offer, although for a more formal dinner at the few bars in the area, it is recommended to book in advance or eat beforehand in the main town of Nerja.

Visitor guide and where to stay

The main events of the festival are concentrated around the Plaza de la Iglesia de Maro, located at Plaza de la Iglesia, 29787 Maro, Nerja, Málaga. To leave a private vehicle, you can use the Nuevo Aparcamiento de Maro or the Parking de Maro and continue on foot. Due to the narrow streets and the large crowds expected for the night of 31 October, it is advisable to arrive around 17:00 to park with less hassle.

Regarding transport, although no special bus is mentioned in the 2026 programme, it is worth remembering that in 2025 the Town Hall provided a special urban bus service between Nerja and Maro operating from 17:00 to 2:00. To return in the early hours, the safest option is a taxi, as the N-340 road lacks a pavement for much of the route. It is wise to bring a warm layer, since the night temperature usually hovers around 16°C, and a raincoat in case weather conditions change. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance in the municipality of Nerja itself or in nearby towns to make travel easier and follow the nocturnal events without setbacks.