Verdiales
“Verdiales” are also called "fiesta de los verdiales". A very old flamenco style, with peasant origin. Its nature is socio-musical deprivation in certain geographical areas of the province of Malaga (Axarquia, Montes de Malaga and the Guadalhorce Valley). This is a special “fandango” which is danced and sung with the accompaniment of a small orchestra composed by violin, tambourine, 2 or 4 guitars, zills and castanets, and in some cases, a mandolin or a lute.
This is complemented by the "alcalde" (mayor). The manager whose role is choosing with a rod the singer and approving the beginning and end of the musical track. The “abanderao” is the one who marchs along with the mayor in front of the group with an Andalusian or Spanish flag or with the image of the patron saint of the region. Typical was also the sound of a sea shell decorated with colored ribbons to notify the group's arrival at the farms which were nearby. The musical ensemble is called “Panda de Verdiales”. Performances were composed by three or four songs. A member of a group as well as fans of this style are called "festero" or "tonto" (fool). These designations refer to Fiesta Mayor de Verdiales, a fest celebrated on December 28th (Day of the Holy Innocents).
“La Fiesta de los Verdiales” is one of the most deeply rooted cultural expressions in Malaga. Although it is more related to the region of Montes. Songs and dances are part of a particular ecological-cultural context. Since 2009, “Fiesta de los verdiales” is in the process of being declared Heritage of Cultural Interest, under the category of Ethnological activities in different municipalities of Malaga.
