Málaga CF will head to El Alcoraz to play the LALIGA HYPERMOTION matchday 35 fixture against SD Huesca. This exciting match will take place on Monday 14th April at 20:30, with Istán featured prominently in the match poster design and on the Blue and White captain's armband.
Istán, nestled between the blue of the Mediterranean and the foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves, is located near the UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve. This picturesque Andalusian village boasts a rich natural heritage, marked by water sources: springs, rivers, and irrigation channels, earning it the title “the spring of the Costa del Sol.”
Its origins date back to the ancient Muslim farmsteads, and its history is marked by struggle, resistance, and the coexistence of cultures. From the Morisco rebellion of 1568 to the Christian repopulation in the 17th century, the town has managed to transform each historical chapter into part of its identity. Vestiges of this era still remain in places such as the Castillejo, the Escalante Tower, and the mysterious Venta Quemá, strategic points in the former defensive system of the Kingdom of Granada.
Strolling through Istán is like getting lost in its charming streets. The Church of San Miguel, built in the 16th century, is one of the town's key heritage landmarks. Just a few kilometres away, the Hermitage of San Miguel stands on a cliffside cave, offering views of the Verde River reservoir and the blue Mediterranean Sea. The Escalante Tower, declared a Cultural Heritage Site, still stands as a testament to the town's history of resistance and rebuilding.
The local cuisine offers traditional dishes such as Corn Soup, Gazpachuelo, Berza, Migas, Fried Rabbit, and delicious sweets like Roscos de vino de alfajor. These delicacies can be enjoyed in the town's local bars, especially during the Gastronomic Showcase, where visitors can sample typical treats for free, paired with fresh orange juice. This event promotes both local cuisine and the town's dining establishments.
Tradition, music, and joy, this is how Istán is experienced. The Fiesta de los Quintos celebrates the coming of age of young people, who roam the streets with music and joy, recalling an ancient tradition. La Velá, a night festival since 2019, transforms the town with candles and diverse music, creating a unique atmosphere. Lastly, the Tomillería honours San Miguel with a pilgrimage to the hermitage, where the “tomilleros” enjoy a day of camaraderie and traditional music before the procession back to the village.
The captain’s armband and the match poster for the game against SD Huesca will feature the signature of José Luis Puche, who, through his art, pays a new tribute to our land. This time, his inspiration focuses on the La Esfera fountain, where water, a vital element in the town, intertwines with the green marble sphere, symbolising unity. The rusted metals speak of the passage of time and memory, while the white walls evoke Mediterranean tradition. The pool, with its serene presence, reminds us of the importance of irrigation channels and watering places in daily life.
