The town of Villanueva Del Rosario is situated approximately 2 kilometres from the main Malaga to Granada autovia which makes it increasingly popular with those Spaniards who work in Malaga but wish to live in the country. Malaga is less than 30 minutes away and the beaches of the Costa Del Sol are easily accessible, as are the cities of Granada, Seville and Cordoba.

Villanueva Del Rosario is a growing town. Although there are only 3000 listed inhabitants, new houses are being built all around the village. Many are detached villas with gardens and pools and the new houses blend beautifully with the existing old town, with its whitewashed houses and twisted streets.  There are plenty of shops and tapas bars here and visitors are made to feel most welcome. Several British families now have homes here and the number is growing. The locals in this part of Spain are very friendly and there is very little crime here – everyone knows everyone else!

The town itself dates from the beginning of the 18^th century, being first named the Puebla de Saucedo, for its abundance of willow trees (sauces) in the locality. The original town was six farmhouses situated on land that belonged to the Duque de Osuna. This grew into a primitive urban centre that had a population of 1,378 by the beginning of the 19^th century. On the basis of a Royal Decree issued by the Cadiz Parliament and dated October 7^th, 1812, the inhabitants of Puebla del Saucedo demanded a change in their judicial status, but met with violent opposition from their neighbours in Archidona. Nevertheless, in February of 1813 their demands were met, and despite the anger of their neighbouring town, the two areas finally separated into two municipalities in May of 1821. The legal battle continued, however, with Archidona claiming in court that Puebla del Saucedo was a street in their town and therefore could not be a separate urban entity. Puebla del Saucedo continued to fight for independence, and in 1824 appealed to the King’s Council, with the issue being finally resolved in 1827 by a royal decree awarding the town its independence from Archidona. Three years afterwards the name was changed to Villanueva del Rosario.

FIESTAS
The Romería of San Marcos opens the festive season in April in Villanueva del Rosario. This is followed by the festival of San Marcos, the Veladilla del Carmen and the Summer Festival, which takes place during the first weekend in August. But the biggest festival in the town is, without doubt, that in honour of its patron saint, the Virgen del Rosario, taking place during the first week in October. Here there is bullfighting, music, dancing, singing and religious events.

GASTRONOMY
The gastronomy of Villanueva del Rosario is typical of that of other towns in the Antequera region, with traditional dishes being fried porra, gazpacho, fried breadcrumbs and game. In the field of craftwork, there is a wide choice. Ceramic pieces are made by potters Los Ponce, furniture is made by hand by the brothers Pailes and Diego González, leatherwork is done by Ricardo Martín, and Teodoro, of the Mirasierra bakery, makes delicious pastries.

The people of Villanueva Del Rosario are proud of their town and very loyal to their local football team – especially when they are playing against their nearest rivals Villanueva Del Trabuco. So, next time you enter the village, don’t just drive through, park the car and take a walk along the streets – stop and have a drink, or something to eat, say hola to the people you meet and I know you will want to return.

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