Málaga Club de Fútbol will host Real Zaragoza at La Rosaleda on Sunday 26th January at 18:30. This exciting match, part of Matchday 24 of LALIGA HYPERMOTION, will feature a special design and captain’s armband inspired by the town of Frigiliana, which will take centre stage in this highly anticipated event.
In the easternmost part of the Axarquía region of Málaga, nestled within the Natural Park of the Sierras of Almijara, Tejeda, and Alhama, lies Frigiliana, a true Andalusian gem seemingly suspended between the sky and the sea. From its vantage point 300 metres above sea level, this whitewashed village gazes out over the Mediterranean, embraced by a subtropical climate that gently caresses its streets year-round. Its breathtaking scenery has earned numerous awards and accolades, including its inclusion in the prestigious list of “The Most Beautiful Villages in Spain” in 2015 and being named one of Spain's 7 Rural Wonders in 2016. Frigiliana is more than just a destination; it’s an invitation to lose yourself in its beauty, savour its tranquility, and dream of returning.
Inhabited since 3000 BC, Frigiliana was home to Phoenicians and Romans before flourishing as Hins Challana under Muslim rule during the 9th and 10th centuries. After the fall of Granada, it became a key site of the Morisco rebellion in 1568, whose defeat led to the expulsion of the Moriscos and the subsequent Christian repopulation, marking a new chapter in its rich history.
Its narrow, cobblestone streets, lined with whitewashed façades, evoke a sense of peace and tranquility that only villages with such a rich history can offer. The Barribarto, in particular, dazzles with its beauty, whether under the bright sun, when the façades gleam intensely, or at night, when silence envelops its corners, broken only by the distant murmur of neighbours and the footsteps of visitors. Along the way, landmarks such as El Ingenio, the Fuente Vieja, the Ermita de Ecce Homo, and the Reales Pósitos make Frigiliana a truly unique destination.
Its cuisine reflects the bounty of the Axarquía region. Ingredients such as cane honey, extra virgin olive oil, and muscatel wines come together to create dishes bursting with flavour. One of its culinary treasures is choto (young goat), expertly prepared and often served with a smooth and delicious almond sauce, a feast that delights anyone who tastes it.
If you’re looking to celebrate and enjoy, Frigiliana is the place to be. From the San Sebastián festivities in January to the cultural explosion of the Festival 3 Culturas in August, the village comes alive with traditions such as carnivals, Holy Week, the Día de la Cruz, the San Antonio fair, and the Día de la Miel.
The poster for the upcoming match against Real Zaragoza and our captain’s armband are unique creations by the talented José Luis Puche, who has masterfully captured the essence of Málaga’s towns. This time, his work takes us to the iconic Ingenio, home to the Nuestra Señora del Carmen cane honey factory, the only one of its kind in Europe.