The Axarquía town will resonate with the sounds of violins, tambourines, guitars, and street-level singing. The event, dedicated to the Comares style, will begin with the arrival of the 'pandas' (musical groups) around 9:00 PM, while the contest itself kicks off at 11:00 PM. The event was presented by representatives from the Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Costa del Sol Axarquía and the Almáchar City Council.
One of the distinctive features of this contest is its format: it will take place without a stage or microphones. The pandas will perform in circles in different corners of the square, aiming to recreate the traditional way of experiencing verdiales, up close and with the audience integrated into the festivities. The value of this event in showcasing a fundamental expression of Malagueño folklore has been highlighted.
The deputy mayor of Almáchar, Mario Torres, emphasized the continuity and success of the event, which is linked to the Almáchar Verdiales School. He recalled that verdiales are an essential part of the identity of Almáchar and the Axarquía region, and that the Plaza de España offers an ideal setting due to its acoustics.
The organizer, Carlos Aranda, explained that the contest, which began in 2012, revives the essence of old festivals where musicians would spontaneously join together. Emphasis was placed on the importance of dedicating a specific contest to the Comares style. The rules allow participation from performers as long as no more than three members from the same official 'panda' are in the 'arrejuntados' formations.
The organization sets limitations on instruments and roles to ensure balanced participation. The contest will not require uniforms, and the performance order will be decided by draw. Each formation will undertake four rounds: a 'fiesta' with mandatory string bass, a free 'fiesta', a couple's dance, and a 'trenzaíllo' dance. A jury with experience in the Comares style will award prizes for couple's dance, 'trenzaíllo' dance, and the overall 'fiesta' classification.
“"We are very excited that Almáchar is celebrating this contest dedicated to the Comares style, which didn't have one like the Almogía or Montes styles do. And furthermore, with great public success."
“"I am convinced that you will be impressed by the street-level singing, the instruments used, or the colors of the ribbons on their attire. It is a folklore very much our own, with deep roots, and it says a lot about who we are."
