14/05/2026
SAN ISIDRO 2026
Schedule for Friday, May 15, 202611:00 AM
– Holy Mass: Held at the Church of El Salvador (Balcón de Europa). The service usually features the Peña Nerjeña choir and the traditional offering of fruits to the patron saint of farmers.
12:00 PM – The Procession (Romería): The pilgrimage departs from the Balcón de Europa. The statue of San Isidro, pulled by oxen, leads a vibrant parade of horse riders, carriages, and "romeros" (pilgrims) dressed in traditional Andalusian attire.
Route: The procession moves through the town center, typically following Calle Pintada, Plaza Cantarero, and Avenida de Pescia, eventually heading toward the Nerja Caves grounds.
3:00 PM – Arrival at the Caves: The procession reaches the San Isidro chapel. Upon arrival, traditional dance performances (often led by the Christian David Callejón group) welcome the saint. The Celebration at the CavesOnce the procession arrives, the party transitions into a massive open-air festival (Verbena) that lasts late into the night:
Zones: There are usually designated areas for different crowds, including a Youth Zone (parking area), a Traditional Zone (near the chapel), and an Equestrian Zone. Entertainment: Expect live music, folklore dancing, and plenty of local food and drink.
Transportation: A special shuttle bus service will operate between Nerja and the Caves from 12:00 PM until 11:30 PM (and sometimes later for the return trips) to handle the crowds.Quick Tips for 2026Local Holiday: Because it falls on a Friday this year, the Town Hall has emphasized it as a day of "togetherness," so expect higher attendance than mid-week years.
Pre-Party: Keep an eye out for the evening of Thursday, May 14, as there is often a smaller "pre-festival" gathering at the Caves starting around 9:30 PM.The town is already buzzing with preparations, and it remains one of the most colorful and authentic opportunities to see Nerja’s agricultural heritage in full swing.
/Tomas Edstrom
