The fourth vice-president of the Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Costa del Sol Axarquía, Marilé Muñiz, along with the deputy mayor of Almáchar, Mario Torres, and organizer Carlos Aranda, presented the event scheduled for this Saturday, June 27.
From nine in the evening, the streets of Almáchar will be filled with 'pandas' (groups) competing with their songs, music, and dances. A unique spectacle is expected for fans and newcomers alike, highlighting the authenticity of the instruments and the colorful attire, reflecting Malagueño roots.
The attending authorities thanked the Almáchar City Council and the organizers for their commitment to promoting popular customs and folklore that define the people of Malaga, inviting everyone to enjoy the verdiales and the town's charms.
The deputy mayor emphasized the pride in the event, originating from the Almáchar Verdiales School, reaching its eighth edition with great public and musician success, consolidating itself as a hallmark of the Axarquía region.
The verdiales pandas will arrive at Plaza de España from 9:00 PM, with the contest commencing at 11:00 PM. The location is noted for its charm and excellent acoustics for the performances.
Carlos Aranda explained that the contest, which began in 2012, was revived thanks to municipal support. Its unique aspect is the participation of non-federated festival-goers, recapturing the spirit of old festivals, and it is dedicated to the Comares style, which previously lacked its own dedicated event.
The contest rules stipulate that any festival-goer can participate as long as no more than three members from the same official panda are in the 'Arrejuntaos' panda. Instrument limitations are set for fairness: one violin, one pandero, one lute and/or bandurria, two guitars, two cymbals, additional castanets, one 'alcalde' (leader), one dancer, and two female dancers, plus any number of singers who do not actively play instruments.
No specific attire or uniform is required. The contest will be performed in a circle, without microphones or a stage. The performance order will be determined by a draw and will consist of four rounds: a 'fiesta' round with mandatory string bass, a second 'fiesta' round, a couple dance round, and a 'trenzaillo' dance round. A featured dancer will perform in the first round but will not be part of the competition.
The jury will comprise five individuals with experience in the Comares festival. Awards will be given for couple dance, 'trenzacillo' dance, and overall fiesta classification based on the number of participating pandas.
