Welcome to celebrate Halloween in Maro, Nerja: "Maroween" on Friday, October 31st
On Friday, October 31, 2025, the small village of Maro just 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 not only celebrates 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 most importantly, the entire town is transformed into a ghost town with cobwebs, ghosts, ghouls, skeletons, mummies, and graves everywhere. Everyone dresses up, so take the opportunity to go "all out."
Program for Maroween 2025
5:00 PM – Spooky parade through the village streets with Vaso Largo Band.
5:30 PM – Children's show with Amapola y Perdigón in the church square.
6:00 PM – Attractions open.
6:30 PM – Gymkhana 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 y Jotxan.
8:30 PM – Award ceremony for children.
9:00 PM – Adult costume contest on the red carpet with DJ Toulalan.
10:00 PM – Award ceremony for adults and for the most terrifying facade in the village.
10:30 PM – More music with DJ Toulalan.
11:00 PM – Performance with Carmen Soto.
2:00 AM – The party ends with music and dancing all night long!
Practical information - how to get to Maro
To make it easier for visitors, a bus will run between Nerja and Maro. It can be really difficult to find parking, so the bus is recommended.
Bus between Nerja - Maro
Free bus service between Nerja and Maro runs from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
– In Nerja: departures from the urban bus stops.
– In Maro: stop at the entrance to the village.
Other information about Maroween
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Horror parade and costume contests: The streets of Maro are filled with costumed participants of all ages, from scary skeletons to magical creatures. There are also competitions for the best costume/outfit.
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Haunted house - usually available every year, more information about this year's setup will follow.
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Live music and entertainment: Live performances by local bands and DJs in the square in Maro. There are usually also exhibitions and Halloween decorations throughout the town that are 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 usually get to go "Truco o Trato" - Trick or Treat, so bring a small container for the little ones to collect sweets. This year, Taller de Teatro de los Sentidos and Mayores de Nerja are hosting it at 6:30 PM.
A look back at past Maroween events
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. Every year offers new surprises.
Weather during past Maroween events
When we've celebrated Maroween on October 31st, it has either been a bit chilly, requiring a jacket, or it has been 25 degrees Celsius warm in the middle of the night. Quite varied, in short :)
Past Maroween programs
The 2024 edition was different due to storm DANA which swept over Spain's (primarily) eastern coast. Nerja and Málaga fared well; Valencia was the hardest hit 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 31, 2024, but instead on November 3, 2024.
2023 and previous years, even during the Covid years, were celebrated in the evening starting around 5:00 PM and ending in the early hours of the morning.
We look forward to Maroween 2025!
Maroween 2025 promises to be an unforgettable night filled with tradition, fright, and fun. Whether you're 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're near Nerja at the end of October.