Everybody tends to corrently relate flamenco dresses to Andalucía, but did you know that in Malaga we also have our own traditional costumes?Marengo costume - Hotel Yaramar Fuengirola

To be more precise we have 3: the marengo, the verdiales one and the malagueñas costume.

This week we are going to explain you a little bit more about the first one.

The marengo and marenga costumes were traditionally worn by fishermen and people related to the sea.

The costume for women includes:

  • A white top with a round neck and puff sleeves. The top is decorated with red ribbon on the sleeves and the neck.
  • White petticoat with a ruffle also decorated with red ribbon.
  • A black mid length full skirt tuck up on one side to leave the petticoat a bit on display.
  • A red sash belt.
  • Black espadrilles (Though it is not uncommon to see them wearing them in red or white).
  • The hair is in a bun and decorated either with jasmine flowers or with red or white carnations.

The male version of this costume consists of:

  • Black trousers rolled up.
  • White shirt.
  • A red sash belt.
  • Black espadrilles (The colour may differ and it is possible to see them wearing them in white).

Does this outfit sound familiar to you? Maybe it does considering the “Cenachero”, who was a famous character in Malaga and of whom we have previously talked about here on the blog and in our weekly Spanish culture activity at the hotel, was dressed exactly like that! Same as the “biznagueros”who also wear “marengo” costumes and walk around the city of Malaga trying to sell their beautiful jasmine flowers.

Next week we will keep on talking about culture and traditional costumes, but if at the moment you are on holiday at Hotel Yaramar, your hotel in Fuengirola,  and you are interested in this topic or local culture in general try noy to miss our weekly Spanish culture activity which takes place every Thursday from 10:00 till 10:30 A.M by the pool!

Beatriz Muñoz
Guest Relations