Istan is swapping streetlight for candlelight, it’s the return of La Vela

Istan is giving La Vela festival a new twist this year, swapping its usual large-scale lighting for the atmospheric glow of candlelight. The annual night-time street festival takes place on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29 in the Sierra de las Nieves village.

Rather than floodlit stages and screens, squares, fountains and mountain viewpoints are illuminated solely by flickering candles. Neighbors adorn their front doors with flowers and fairy lights to celebrate. The event remains free to attend, having started back in 2019.

Organisers describe it as a sensory experience centered around a diverse musical lineup, rather than a typical gig night. The weekend kicks off with a tribute to Huelva star Manuel Carrasco, followed by performances from Javier Ojeda, once frontman of Malaga new wave outfit Danza Invisible, and Cádiz Carnival favourite Rafa Taleguilla, among others. Local singers also get a chance to perform at the El Peñon viewpoint.

This year's festival has expanded to include a new stage at El Coto, a district on the outskirts of the village, allowing performances to spread across a larger area of Istan. Council officials say the popular event now draws in visitors from beyond the village's roughly 1,400 residents, providing a welcome boost to the local economy during the late summer months.

Those planning to attend are advised to take note that roads into Istan become very narrow as they approach from the coast, and parking can be limited within the village. Visitors are encouraged to arrive well before dusk and plan to walk between venues. Detailed stage times can be found on the town hall's website in the lead-up to the weekend.