Nerja And Macharaviaya To Honor American Independence in Spain [Images Gálvez Macharaviaya Ayuntamiento on Facebook]Each year since 2009, the white village of Macharaviaya in the Axarquia area of Malaga Province in Spain, celebrates America’s Independence. For US travelers visiting the area this year, there will also be a celebration in the coastal town of Nerja. Why does Macaraviaya celebrate American Independence and why is the celebration also happening in the beautiful coastal town of Nerja on the Costa del Sol?
American Independence Day celebrated in Spain
Damas de Gálvez [Images Gálvez Macharaviaya Ayuntamiento on Facebook]Macharaviaya in the Axarquia area of Southern Spain has celebrated American Independence Day each year since 2009 and will hold an event on Saturday, July 6.
However, this year on July 5, Nerja, on the coast in Axarquia will also celebrate the event. For double the celebration, the town will hold a large military parade on Nerja’s iconic Balcón de Europa. Plans were made in a meeting of the towns’ mayors on June 24. Meanwhile, they were accompanied by members of the Grenadiers and Damas de Gálvez cultural association, all clad in period costumes.
While making the announcement, Nerja’s mayor, José Alberto Armijo, expressed his “enthusiasm for this collaboration. Moreover, he highlighted the importance of “strengthening the cultural and tourist links” between the two towns,
Parade in Nerja on the Costa del Sol
Mayors of Nerja and Macharaviaya [Images Gálvez Macharaviaya Ayuntamiento on Facebook]A poster reveals a preview of the activities and parades set to happen in the street of Nerja from 8:30 pm on July 5, 2024. The event will include the participation of 60 Grenadiers and Damas Gálvez, who will recreate and celebrate historical moments relating to American Independence. Nerja’s band will also contribute to the July 5 parade.
[Images Gálvez Macharaviaya Ayuntamiento on Facebook]The poster was designed by Fernando de la Rosa, who attended the meeting and highlighted how his art seeks to capture the essence of the Fourth of July celebrations. Moreover, it also celebrates “deep historical ties” between the village of Macharaviaya and the USA.
Fourth of July celebration in Macharaviaya
[Images Gálvez Macharaviaya Ayuntamiento on Facebook]Held every year since 2009, the Fourth of July fiesta in Macharaviaya is an annual event that celebrates historic links between the iconic Axarquia village and the USA. It is held to honor Bernardo de Gálvez, a hero of the American War of Independence who was born in the Axarquía village. During the event, key battles involving the hero will be celebrated.
Macharaviaya in brief
[Images Gálvez Macharaviaya Ayuntamiento on Facebook]Located in the Axarquia area, Macharaviaya is one of Andalucia’s iconic white villages (pueblos blancos). The town’s narrow cobblestone streets are lined with homes, many with bougainvillea and geraniums blooming on the balconies.
More information on the American Independence celebration can be found in the Museo de los Gálvez in the village. Meanwhile, the oldest building in Macharaviaya is the Church of San Jacinto.
About Nerja
Balcon de Europa, Nerja [Image by Manolo Franco from Pixabay]Nerja is a beautiful town, nestling on the coastline as part of the Costa del Sol. Its Balcón de Europa is a seafront promenade, standing on a promontory, offering panoramic views over the Mediterranean and the surrounding mountains. Below this lies idyllic sandy beaches and pretty coves.
The town also boasts the Cueva de Nerja, a nearby cave featuring unusual stalactites and stalagmites. Moreover, the cavern hosts popular summer concerts and is also renowned for its paleolithic paintings.