Arenas Prepares Historic Mule Fair Celebrating Axarquía Agricultural Traditions The Axarquía village of Arenas readies its iconic Mule Fair on 12 October, honouring rural working heritage with displays, artisan markets and local gastronomy. Winding mountain roads through the Axarquía will lead thousands of visitors to the white village of Arenas this bank holiday Monday, 12 October 2026, as the municipality stages its historic Mule Fair. Officially designated a Festival of Tourist Singularity by provincial authorities, the annual gathering commemorates the pack animals that sustained hillside agriculture and terraced farming across eastern Málaga for centuries. Preserving Hillside Heritage Unlike conventional fairground celebrations, the gathering in Arenas keeps agrarian customs at centre stage. Mules and working equines were historically indispensable across the rugged terrain of the Axarquía, transporting moscatel grapes, olives and almonds across steep ravines where mechanised machinery could never tread. The fair provides a living showcase of traditional harness making, shoeing techniques and historic pack-saddling methods, led by veteran farmers from neighbouring hamlets. Livestock parades and traditional working displays will begin in the fair enclosure from mid-morning, accompanied by artisan demonstrations. Local leatherworkers and blacksmiths will display handcrafted tack, while agricultural cooperatives present regional produce, olive oils and traditional sun-dried raisins. Gastronomy and Community Culture The festival also serves as a major culinary highlight for inland food lovers. Community kitchens throughout the village square will prepare regional specialities, including migas and locally pressed wines, served to visitors and residents throughout the afternoon. Live verdiales folk ensembles, wearing traditional floral headwear and playing brass cymbals and guitars, will provide entertainment across the cobbled streets. For international residents across the coast seeking an authentic glimpse into the interior traditions of Costa del Sol Oriental, the Arenas fair provides practical access to living history. Municipal car parks on the outskirts of the village have been expanded for the holiday weekend, with shuttle minibuses ferrying spectators into the village centre from 10:00 onwards.