The Festival That Made Me Fall in Love with Spain
By George Nayda
9 September 2025
8 min read
LIFE IN SPAIN
The Festival That Made Me Fall in Love with Spain
Imagine walking through a village where the streets are lit up with 25,000 candles, music in the background, and the smell of different food and wine follows you through cobbled streets. This is the Luna Mora Festival in Guaro, one of Andalusia’s most magical celebrations.
For me, this was more than just another event. At 28 years old, after years of visiting Spain, it was here that I finally fell in love with this country. Surrounded by history, culture, and the people, I understood for the first time what Spain truly offers. Even after visiting 27 countries in my life, I can say I have never seen anything quite like this.
In this guide, I’ll show you why Luna Mora is a must see and experience and why it may even change the way you see Spain.
What is the Luna Mora Festival?
Every September, the small village of Guaro in the Málaga mountains changes in a magical way.
By day, Guaro looks like many other Andalusian villages: white houses, narrow streets, and olive trees around it. But when the sun goes down during the Luna Mora Festival, the village transforms.
Thousands of candles light up the streets, balconies, and steps. The whole town shiness with a golden light that feels like stepping back in time.
The festival celebrates Andalusia’s multi cultural history when Christians, Jews, and Muslims lived together and created a rich culture. For two nights, Guaro remembers that past with music, dancing, storytelling, and artisan markets.
It is not only a festival. It is a chance to feel the heart of Spain.
How Many Candles Light Up the Night?
In 2025, Guaro will glow again with thousands of candles.
Imagine walking through a street where every lantern light is turned off and every door and window has a burning candle. Stairs look like rivers of fire. From the hills, you see the whole village shining.
Locals spend hours preparing all this. When it turns into night, people light the first candles, and slowly the entire village begins to glow.
It is not a show with big lights or technology. It is simple fire and people. The lighting of candles is a tradition.
The result is unforgettable. A sea of small flames that connects everyone.
The Festival That Changed How I Saw Spain
For me, Luna Mora was not just beautiful. It changed my how I saw Spain.
I was 28 years old when I first attended Luna Mora festival. Before that, I had visited Spain a few times for holidays on the Costa del Sol, trips to big cities, walks through small towns. My perspective of Spain as a general tourist was beach, sea, restaurants, bars and that was pretty much it, and therefore I never had that great image of what Spain has to offer until Luna Mora festival.
That night in Guaro, surrounded by thousands of candles, drinking a Cuba Libre, everything was different and felt surreal. I listened to live music, I saw families laughing, people dancing, strangers sharing drinks. And I realized something: Spain has so much more to offer and as a tourist I never got to see what Spain really had to offer until now, which really moved me.
I had already traveled to 27 countries. I had seen temples in Myanmar, skyscrapers in Singapore, and markets across the world. But nothing compared to the intimacy of this little village full of light.
It was the night I fell in love with Spain. It is a huge reason why I chose to stay and live here.
What to Expect During Luna Mora
The Luna Mora Festival is full of life. Every street offers something to discover.
Moorish Market (Zoco Morisco)
During the day and evening, streets fill with stalls selling jewelry, ceramics, textiles, and local products. The smell of almonds and olive oil is everywhere.
Workshops
Children and adults can join activities. You may try henna painting, origami, or learn traditional Andalusian cooking and dancing.
Performances
Belly dancers and flamenco singers perform in the squares. Music and theater appear around every corner.
Concerts Under the Stars
At night, famous artists play in the Luna Mora Auditorium. Tickets usually cost €10 to 15. Hundreds of people gather to enjoy music under candlelight.
The whole town feels like a living stage. And you can be a part of it.
Food, Atmosphere & Tips for Visitors
Food and drink are always part of Spanish life, and Luna Mora is no exception.
The streets are full of the smell of honey cakes, almond sweets, grilled meat, and Málaga wine. Families share food in the plazas while musicians play nearby.
Tips to make your visit easier:
Arrive Early in Coin: Roads close and shuttle buses get full. Come before sunset. You can't enter Monda and Guaro when you can't show proof that you live there, and will be send away by the Guardia Civil. Drive to Coin and follow signs for Luna Mora busses and see where you can park, bare in mind that you can be parked in between other cars when you park in the huge field and will have to wait for other people to leave before you can get out.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The streets are cobbled and steep.
Book Concerts in Advance: Buy tickets online to avoid disappointment.
Find High Ground: Walk to the higher streets for the best candlelit views of the town.
Why This Festival Matters for Buyers?
Many people think of the Costa del Sol only for beaches, golf, or sunshine. But Spain is much more than that, if you're open to it.
The Luna Mora Festival shows what real life here feels like. Neighbors come together. History is alive in the streets. Traditions are celebrated, not forgotten.
For anyone thinking about moving to Spain, this festival is a window into the lifestyle. Having a place on Costa del Sol near Guaro means you enjoy not only the modern comforts of the coast but also the deep culture of Andalusia.
Spain is not just a place to live. It is a story to be part of and Luna Mora is one of its amazing chapters.
Conclusion:
The Luna Mora Festival is more than candles. It is about people, families, neighbors, and visitors sharing two nights of music, food, and light.
For me, it was the night I understood what Spain is and has to offer. For you, it may be the moment you see why life here is so special.
If you are curious about living on the Costa del Sol, I would be glad to help you discover what this region can offer.
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