The birth place of Picasso, it is a hotbed of flamenco, fiesta and bullfighting, while picturesque white villages, Islamic palaces and an endless coastline make it an exotic and photogenic destination. There is always something happening in the bars and clubs and on the streets of the Costa del Sol, especially at fiesta times. Festivals are the expression of the character of a culture and Mediterranean vitality emanates from the folklore, music and traditional clothes of the people of the Costa del Sol. Each year in the middle of August the city of Málaga has a week-long festival called the Feria Grande. Once the sun has gone down, thousands dance, drink and celebrate in the real, an open air venue filled with traditional Andalusian tents and stalls (free public entrance). A similar festival - Feria del Centro - is held from dawn until dusk in Malaga's historic centre. Wherever you are in Spain, you can't help but notice the Spaniards' infectious enthusiasm for life.