A special report on the Arenas mule feria.

We were asked to attend the 13th annual mule festival in the small village of Arenas. 416m above sea level and 10km from Velez-Malaga on a typically windy Spanish mountain road Arenas is a beautiful old village whose history dates back to medieval times in the age of Al-Andalus.This celebration of the mule and traditional farming practices is sponsored by the town hall and ADEMU an association (Spanish Charity) dedicated to preserving mules.

mule and poster advertising mule festival in arenas

Mules arrive at the "Feria de la Mula" all through the day and many more are transported in lorries. The younger mules, around 15 months, sell for around 1000 Euros with an older tamed mule in good condition can fetch 6000 Euros. Situated in the feria ground and sports hall this celebration lasts long in to the night and also features Flamenco, fantastic food, market stalls and of course a giant paella.

giant paella at mule festival

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We are pleased to report that while we were at the fiesta we saw only animals of the highest standard who were clearly being very well looked after. The care and attention shown to the mules was fantastic and there is clearly a great love for these animals.

mules and horses lined up for inspection

Around 250 to 300 mules, donkeys and horses were expected to attend with 3000 visitors the population of the pueblo more than doubles during the fiesta. Two of the early stars of the show are pictured below. The spectators were very keen to get near them and these three gents wasted no time in checking out their teeth.

beautiful mules Arenas 12/10/08 Feria de la Mula inspecting a mule