Welcome to celebrate Halloween in Maro, Nerja: "Maroween" on Friday, October 31st
On Friday, October 31st, 2025, the small village of Maro outside Nerja transforms into a magical and slightly spooky place filled with music, dance, costumes, and the scent of freshly roasted chestnuts. The event combines the local autumn festival Fiesta de la Castaña y del Boniato (Chestnut and Sweet Potato Festival) with Halloween celebrations.
Time: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Location: Maro, Nerja
Halloween + Maro = Maroween
Maroween is a fusion of Maro's traditions and "Halloween." Maroween celebrates not only Halloween but also the local "Fiesta de la Castaña y el Boniato" (Chestnut and Sweet Potato Festival). This festival has its roots in ancient traditions where villagers gathered to enjoy roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes as autumn darkness fell over the village. During Maroween, this tradition spreads through the village streets, where visitors can taste these local delicacies offered for free.
But above all, the entire town is transformed into a ghost town with cobwebs, ghosts, ghouls, skeletons, mummies, and graves everywhere. Everyone dresses up, so be sure to go "all out."
Maroween 2025 Program
5:00 PM – Spooky parade through the village streets with the Vaso Largo Band.
5:30 PM – Children's show with Amapola y Perdigón in the town square by the church.
6:00 PM – Attractions open.
6:30 PM – Gyncana and “Trick or Treat” with the theater group Taller de Teatro de los Sentidos and Mayores de Nerja.
7:00 PM – Time to taste traditional roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes.
7:00 PM – Music with DJ Toulalan.
7:30 PM – Children's costume parade on the red carpet.
8:00 PM – Zumba show with Gema and Jotxan.
8:30 PM – Prize ceremony for the children.
9:00 PM – Adult costume contest on the red carpet with DJ Toulalan.
10:00 PM – Prize ceremony for adults and for the most frightening facade in the village.
10:30 PM – More music with DJ Toulalan.
11:00 PM – Performance by Carmen Soto.
2:00 AM – The party concludes with music and dancing all night long!
Practical Information - Getting to Maro
To facilitate visitors, a bus will operate between Nerja and Maro. Finding parking can be very difficult, so the bus is recommended.
Bus between Nerja - Maro
Free bus between Nerja and Maro runs from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
– In Nerja: departure from the urban bus stops.
– In Maro: stop at the village entrance.
Other Information about Maroween
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Scary parade and costume contests: The streets of Maro are filled with costumed participants of all ages, from spooky skeletons to magical creatures. Contests for the best costume will also be held.
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Haunted house - usually available every year; more information on this year's setup will follow.
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Live music and entertainment: Live performances from local bands and DJs in Maro's town square. There are also usually exhibitions and Halloween decorations throughout the town worth seeing.
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Market/stalls: There is usually a sale of various small items and food/sweets along the way.
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Trick or Treat. Every year, all children can usually go "Truco o Trato" - Trick or Treat, so bring a small container for the little ones to collect candy. This year, Taller de Teatro de los Sentidos and Mayores de Nerja are organizing it at 6:30 PM.
A Look Back at Maroween Past
Historically, Maroween has grown from a small local tradition into one of the region's most anticipated autumn festivals. In previous years, events such as horror film galas and enormous outdoor parties have left their mark on the celebration. Each year brings new surprises.
Weather during Maroween Past
When we have celebrated Maroween on October 31st, it has either been a bit chilly, requiring a jacket, or it has been 25 degrees Celsius in the middle of the night. Simply varied :)
Maroween Past Program
The 2024 edition was different due to Hurricane DANA, which swept over Spain's (especially) eastern coast. Nerja and Málaga fared well, but Valencia was hit hardest with over 90 fatalities. Spain declared 3 days of mourning to honor those affected by the storm. Because of this, Maroween was postponed by 3 days and was not celebrated on October 31st, 2024, but instead on November 3rd, 2024.
2023 and previous years, even during the Covid years, were celebrated in the evening starting around 5:00 PM and ending late into the early hours.
We Look Forward to Maroween 2025!
Maroween 2025 promises to be an unforgettable night filled with tradition, fright, and fun. Whether you are there to enjoy local delicacies, participate in the costume contest, or simply experience the unique atmosphere, Maroween is a festival not to be missed if you are near Nerja at the end of October.