On the 15th of May Nerja celebrates San Isidro Labrador´s Saint´s Day. San Isidro Labrador or Saint Isidore the Laborer in English is also known as Isidore the Farmer, (c1070 – May 15, 1130). He was a Spanish day laborer known for his goodness toward the poor and animals. He is the Catholic patron saint of farmers and farming. This festival is the biggest happening in Nerja during the year. The festival is officially just one day, the 15th of May, but the party starts the night before and stops on the morning of the 16th. It is a great party and well worth experiencing if you have the opportunity.
The procession starts near the Balcon de Europa at El Salvador Church on the 15th at 12:30 pm and slowly winds it’s way up to the well known Caves of Nerja, only a three km walk, but will take a few hours. On this procession you see a lot of horses, gorgeous Andalucian thoroughbreds, with the riders in traditional dress, some with girls on the back and carts drawn by oxen that are still used to plough and work the land here in Nerja. At the Caves there are loads of bars and food stalls from paella to burgers, a lot of market stalls, loads to see and do. The whole day you can see Flamenco shows from the local schools and other people. More than 6,000 people are expected to attend the festival near the caves in this year.
If you want to visit Nerja and the San Isidro procession but don´t know where to stay I can recommend the Hostal Casa Mercedes.
