Málaga Club de Fútbol will face Albacete BP at La Rosaleda on Saturday 31st August at 21:30. This eagerly awaited match, corresponding to matchday 3 of LALIGA HYPERMOTION, will feature Villanueva de Algaidas.
Villanueva de Algaidas rests at the foot of Cerro Villeta, where the provinces of Málaga and Córdoba meet. In the northeastern part of the Antequera region, the landscape unfolds in gentle hills and small knolls, while to the south, the Arcas and Pedroso mountains rise as walls of white and grey stone. The land, rich in marl, is the perfect home for olive groves, which stretch across the territory, creating a sea of green and silver. Additionally, crops like wheat, sunflower, and anise add colour to the scene and perfume the air.
The town, birthplace of ancient stories, was founded among Chalcolithic necropolises and forests. In these lands, where Romans, hermits, and anchorites left their mark, a plague nearly destroyed the forest that sustained the village. However, the Franciscan friar Juan de Castro managed to eradicate the disease, and from the clearings that emerged, the seven nuclei formed and later merged to create the municipality. The formal establishment of Villanueva de Algaidas took place on 26th August 1843, when representatives from Archidona and Antequera met to negotiate its independence, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its history.
Visiting this picturesque town is like stepping into a captivating setting that promises to become an unforgettable memory. The Roman Era offers a unique view of the vast rural landscape surrounding the village. The Mozarabic Rock Hermitages, with their ancient caves, hold tales of faith and resistance, while the Arroyo del Bebedero flows through the greenery, preserving its natural beauty. From the Mirador del Olivar, the horizon is painted with green fields that stretch into the distance, and in the Plaza de Miguel Berrocal, the sculpture of the Torero pays tribute to the renowned local artist.
For hikers, “Las Peñas” is a natural paradise, where riparian vegetation contrasts with agricultural fields, inviting exploration and immersion in the essence of Villanueva de Algaidas.
The municipality's gastronomy is a tribute to the flavour of the land, drawing from the local produce. Olive oil and flour are essential in its cuisine, especially in the traditional “desayuno molinero,” which includes rustic bread with oil, orange juice, and coffee. The “Porra crúa” is a distinctive cream, while the salad of potatoes, orange, and cod is known as salmorejo. Sweetness is found in treats like huesos de santo, magdalenas, piñonates, and borrachuelos.
Villanueva de Algaidas celebrates its traditions with vibrant festivities. The carnival, once a time for singing and seeking love, now fills the streets with parades and the laughter of children. During San Marcos, the locals gather at Las Peñas, enjoying the countryside and continuing the tradition of “tying up the devil” to ward off evil. On 3rd May, the Exaltation of the Cross honours the Virgin of Consolation with a procession to La Villeta, where faith and community come together under the spring sky.
For the poster of the upcoming match against Albacete BP, José Luis Puche has skilfully captured the uniqueness and charm of the Costa del Sol municipalities. His work pays tribute to the renowned sculptor Miguel Berrocal, creator of the famous Goya statuette. The sculpture features a blend of bronze and blue-white tones, representing a perfect fusion of artistic culture and Malaguista identity.