Here is a programme of events organised by the local council and various associations for the festive season. There will probably be some additions over the coming days so make sure to check back regularly.

Saturday, 8th December - Christmas illuminations
Many of Manilva’s public buildings, such as the Town Hall, Casa de la Cultura, the churches, the Castle, etc. will be illuminated as will many of the streets, roundabouts and trees, which all goes to create a festive atmosphere.
In line with local tradition the ceremonial switching on of the lights will be performed by the Mayoress, Antonia Muñoz along with the rest of the government team, on Saturday, 8th December, which is also the national holiday, ‘Día de la Inmaculada Concepción’.

Friday, 14th December
7.00 pm Sabinillas Christmas Carol Concert
Manilva’s International Cultural Association “Bella Manilva” will be holding a Christmas Carol Concert on Friday, 14th December in the Parish Church of San Luis in Sabinillas.

The concert will combine both English and Spanish traditional christmas carols and music with a performance by the Sabinillas Choir 'Amigos de la Musica'.
The concert starts at 7.00 pm and all are welcome.

8.00 pm Foreign Residents’ Christmas Dinner
Manilva’s Foreigners’ Department will be holding a Christmas Dinner at the La Duquesa Golf Hotel on Friday, 14th December from 8.00 pm.

The price is 39 euros and includes a four course dinner, wine and champagne. All those interested should contact Chris Olsen at the Manilva Foreigners’ Department, Extension Usos Multiples, Calle Miguel Delibes, Sabinillas on 665 384 160.
Places need to be reserved and paid for by the 11th December.

Saturday, 15th December
This year, for the first time, Manilva will be staging a flamenco spectacle entitled "Manilva sings Christmas through bulerías" directed by Javier Flores "El Indio" along with a group of artists including guitarist Niño Javi, the violinist Álvaro, percussionist Juanma, dancers Juan Heredia and Joselito along with singers Delia and Mara Rey. The show will feature traditional carols, bulerías, fandangos, rumbas, etc. There will be many surprises during the spectacle and the whole performance has been arranged with a festive theme.

The event will be staged at the Manilva Youth Club, which is situated in the old  Sports Pavilion next to Manilva football ground, and entrance is free.

Tuesday, 18th December
Infants Christmas competition organised in Manilva’s Pablo Picasso de Manilva, San Luís de Sabinillas, Maicandil and the  Instituto “Las Viñas” schools. With prizes of books and educational games for the winners of the different categories.

Thursday, 20th December
Christmas cookery competition which will be held in Villa Matilde from 5 o’clock in the afternoon.  Each entrant will be able to submit a homemade dessert for the competition.  The jury will be made up of members of the municipal corporation and the Culture department.  The dishes will be judged on flavour, presentation and preparation, with prizes for the three best entries - 1st prize of 200 €, second 100 € and third 50 €..

Saturday, 22nd December
Christmas Concert in Santa Ana Church (Manilva), from 8 o’clock in the evening, with the Manilva Choir and the Municipal Band.

Sunday, 23rd December
Christmas Concert in San Luís de Sabinillas Church, from 1 pm, with the Sabinillas Choir.

Early morning Christmas  Day (24th/25th of December)
Parrandas competition.  The return of a tradition that has been lost to the muncipality over recent years.  For group enrolment call the Cultural department before the 21st of December ( Tel:  952 89 30 92)  giving the number of participants in the parranda (min. 8 persons), name of the group leader and a contact telephone number.  The music, lyrics, characterisation and merriment .  There will be a prize for the best parranda

Wednesday, 26th December
End of entry period for the ‘Belen’ (nativity scene) competition. To enter call the Cultural Department on Tel:  952 893 092 giving your full name, address and telephone number. Once entries have been finalised, the heads of this department will visit all the addressess of the different entrants and judge the Belenes on their originality, preparation and other details.

Thursday, 27th December
Christmas Concert in the San Luís Church (Sabinillas), from 8:30 in the evening, with the Ntra. sra. De la Victoria Choir of Malaga.

New Year's Eve
This years municipal New Year's Eve party will be held at the Hotel Suites Duquesa Golf.

The party will start around midnight on New Years Eve with entertainment supplied by two groups, with music and dancing to the early hours.

Tickets are 10 euros and are available to all residents of the municipality who are registered on the Padron. The ticket entitles you to transport by bus from Castillo, Manilva and Sabinillas, entrance, the first drink, party bag, "caldo de madrugada" and churros with chocolate.

Entrance is limited to 500 people so book early. For more information or to book your place visit the Fiestas Delagation in the Edificio Usos Multiples in Sabinillas, or the 'Bienestar Social' department in the Town Hall, Manilva.

Thursday, 3rd of January
The Three Kings will present the prizes to be given for the different Christmas competitions (Christmas and stories, cookery, parrandas and belen) during the collection of the letters for Three Kings.

The collection of letters for their Majesties, the Three Kings, will take place in each of Manilva’s three population centres:   

17:00 h. in the Church of Virgen del Carmen (Castillo)
18:00 h. in the Church of Santa Ana (Manilva)
19:30 h. in the Church of San Luís (Sabinillas)

Saturday, 5th January
This year's Cabalgata de Los Reyes, or the Three Kings Cavalcade, organised by Manilva's Fiestas Department is on the 5th January.

The cavalcade starts in Castillo at around 6 pm, before transferring to Sabinillas, at about 7 pm (timings are always approximate!) and finally wends its way up to Manilva at about 8 pm.

The cavalcade normally consists of three floats, each of which carries one of the 'Kings' and his entourage, there are also various performers, musicians, etc. As the procession wends its way through the streets the Kings and co. hurl sweets (2 tonnes this year) into the attendant crowd of children and adults, as you can imagine it's everyone for themselves and you will see most of the children coming away with bags full of 'caramelos'.

One thing to remember is to watch out for the parking restrictions posted on the lamp posts on the procession route. You will be towed away if you ignore them.