Come along with me as we explore the festival of Nisperos, you don’t want to miss this!
Sayalonga is a picturesque typical white washed village located in the province of Malaga. This village has a rich history that dates back to the Roman era like most of Spain but it was during the Arab occupation that the town experienced its most significant cultural influence.
Let me tell you a bit more of the history. The Muslims introduced irrigation systems and new crops such as citrus fruits, olives, and almonds to the region, which transformed the local economy to what it is today. The legacy of their cultural influence can still be seen in the architecture and agriculture.
With less than 2.000 inhabitants this intimate village holds lots of hidden gems. One of the most popular festivals in Sayalonga is the Festival of Nisperos held annually on the first Sunday of May. This festival celebrates the nispero fruit which grows in abundance here. The popular springtime fruit is known in English as the loquat. The festival features a range of activities, including live music, traditional dances, food stands serving local cuisine, and an awesome craft market where visitors can buy handmade items and food products.
Itinerary
- Historic Center
- Lunch Break
- Moorish Museum
- Church of Saint Catalina y Shrine of Saint Cayetano
- Round Cemetery and Lookout
This itinerary provides a taste of the nispero festival, history, culture, and natural beauty of Sayalonga. However, this is just a small itinerary of things that you can do. There are many other activities going on throughout the year and cultural excursions for travelers.
Sayalonga is a 40 minute drive from the city center of Malaga by car or bus. This village sits on top of a large mountainside and the views are incredible.
Historic Center
12:00 pm– Arrive at the historic center of Sayalonga. Take a stroll through the winding streets and discover the traditional white-washed houses, flower-filled balconies, and the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.Time to head to the main plaza to see the festivities. Stop over at the cultural center to retrieve our free bag and hat for collecting nisperos throughout the day. This awesome detail definitely gets you into the spirit of the festival.
Grab some nisperos and drink some sweet wine:
Lunch Break
2:00 pm– Take a break and have lunch in one of the many restaurants. Meson- Restaurante Morisco offers a variety of traditional dishes as well as the usuals. We grabbed some delicious tapas of albondigas, meatballs in sauce and ensaladilla rusa, Russian potato salad. Another great option during the festival is the street food. Let’s head over to the market located on the main avenue of the plaza. Grab a plate of homemade rice for 8 euro among other great foodie options.
Moorish Museum
3:00 pm– Visit the nearby Moorish Museum founded in 2004, a series of stunning artwork with cultural artifacts and findings. It showcases the influence and development of Muslim rule over the area of Sayalonga and its long historical ties to Spain.
Church of Saint Catalina y Shrine of Saint Cayetano
4:00 pm– Stop at La Iglesia de Santa Catalina and Ermita de San Cayetano. This is a small shrine and chapel dating back to the 16th century that was built on top of an old mezquita or mosque. The church is free to access and holds an incredible secret beneath. Discovered in 2007 is the original floor of the mezquita.
Cementerio Redondo y Mirador
5:00 pm– Discover the Cementerio Redondo, round cemetery that is unique to this area and the only one of its kind in Spain and Europe. Its octagonal base is situated in the courtyard of the local church of Santa Catalina.
6:30 pm– Return to the main plaza to grab a drink and enjoy live music and performances of traditional spanish flamenco and folk dance. The ambiance is overall cheerful and family friendly.
According to local legend of Sayalonga, a young boy was killed on the road above the cemetery, and when no family came forward to claim him, he was buried in the cemetery. On the Day of the Dead, celebrated November 2nd, children leave leftover flowers from other graves on his.
Right above this unique cemetery you can head up to the Mirador del Cementerio, a viewpoint located on the edge of the village. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Sierra Tejeda and the surrounding countryside.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sayalonga is a fascinating destination for travelers interested in a bit of history, culture, and gastronomy. The Festival of Nisperos is just one of the many ways to enjoy the past and present of this gorgeous village. You will surely be charmed by the warmth and friendliness of the locals and the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
