Every year on the 12th of October, the village of Arenas holds the Feria de la Mula to honour and protect this hard-working animal that for centuries has been a vital part of rural life here in the Axarquia. The mula (mule) is still used to carry grapes, olives and other produce up the steep slopes of the sierra. A cross between a female horse and a male donkey, mules have much greater physical strength than either for their size.

The feria is a big social occassion for locals – muleteers compare and trade animals, children bounce on blow-up castles and eat chocolate-filled doughnuts, there is an amazing display of flamenco dance in the afternoon and of course a huge communal paella is served to keep the party going.