Hello and welcome to the August issue of Soltalk. Well it’s hard not to talk about the weather isn’t it? So I will use all my willpower and not do it! However I hope those of you who have to work during these hottest months are coping well, personally I say roll on September.

Feel like a party? August means fair time in Malaga and the 7-day event starts with fireworks at midnight on Friday 11 August and continues until Saturday 19 August. Expect it to be very busy this year as many locals are keen to celebrate in style again.

Malaga Fair also includes parades of horses and carriages, all dressed up to the nines for the occasion. This year’s competition takes place on Friday 4 August in La Malagueta bullring at 8pm.

Enjoy this issue of Soltalk with all the regular news and features plus in addition this month a short story and a photography competition. By the way, August 15 is a national holiday in Spain – the Assumption of Mary. We hope you enjoy August.

SARAH BROOKES

The procession usually starts with horses ridden by people usually in traditional dress such as on our cover. These are followed by bullocks pulling what can only be described as party floats, highly decorated, full of people and carrying the essential food and drink and usually playing loud music! Then come tractors pulling more party floats and then there are those that simply walk along. For the less energetic there are buses to and from Nerja and Maro all day. It can be fun just to find a good spot along the route (check with the tourist office nearer the time) to sit in a bar or have a picnic and watch the fun.

SARAH BROOKES