Day of the Virgen del Carmen in Nerja

Nerja , the fishing village par excellence, gives you a day of celebration in honor of its patron saint: La Virgen del Carmen. Around the second half of July, the preparations for the celebration begin. The main day of the festival coincides with July 16 (Carmen Day).

The procession of the Virgen del Carmen is truly special. Given its peculiar characteristics. The patron saint of the sea, in addition to touring different parts of the town, also plows through the sea surrounded by other boats.

Throughout the year the tribute to the Virgen del Carmen is in the El Salvador Church . Main church of Nerja which can be accessed for free. Located in the Balcony of Europe.

The preparations for the celebration begin on July 15 at the hands of the Nerja City Council and the brotherhood of the Virgen del Carmen. During this 15th a floral offering takes place around the Virgin. On July 16 , known as the big day, this spectacular procession is celebrated. For which numerous locals meet in the points of the coast of Nerja in order to follow the virgin by the sea. Usually the route of the procession begins around 7:00 p.m. The itinerary is usually as follows: from St Puerta del Mar, towards Pintada St, La Cruz St, Ánimas St, Granada St, Cavana Square, El Barrio St, Castilla Pérez St to lead to the seafront of Torrecilla Beach. It is at this point where you can appreciate how massive this holiday is.

Without a doubt, the embarkation of the Virgin is the most special moment of the procession. The brothers (known as the men of the sea) transfer the throne where the virgin rests to a small wooden boat. The virgin is followed by numerous boats until she completes her journey through the sea. Once the maritime procession has started, the locals usually move to the Balcony of Europe to see the virgin's landing from the heights. Therefore, the maritime procession ends at Calahonda Beach (located under the viewpoint). Another unique moment is when the brothers walk along the beach promenade of Calahonda Beach to cross the Boquete de Calahonda and finish in front of the El Salvador Church. The Virgin is also accompanied by two musical bands: the municipal band of Nerja and, by the cornet and drum band San Miguel de Arcangel. The end of the procession is accompanied by a great fireworks display. The strategic point to witness the fireworks is the Balcony of Europe.

From here we recommend other key moments of the procession less known, but also worthy of admiration:

• In front of the El Salvador Church, a special tribute is made to the Virgin along with the oldest fisherman by the hand of the choir called the Virgen del Carmen and the Nerja folk group. You will be able to appreciate the traditional dances and songs of the town.
• At the intersection of Calle El Barrio and Plaza Cavana, the orchestra known as “Nuevo Compás” performs a musical classic called: Salve Marinera. This zarzuela (song) is part of the tradition of the sea.

Finally, on July 17, the members of the Virgen del Carmen brotherhood perform a moraga (typical coastal celebration) in the Los Cangrejos Square before dark. Located on the seafront of Torrecilla Beach. The peculiar thing about this day is the offering of sardines completely free of charge. In addition, there is a performance by the Orquesta Nuevo Compás.