The biznaga, the symbol of Malaga

During your visit to Málaga, you are likely to be struck by the bouquets of white flowers that are sold on the street. These flowers are known as biznagas and are one of the city’s distinctive symbols.

At the restaurant
PEZWANDA
We pay tribute to this floral marvel, not only through its decorative presence, but also in every dish we serve, seeking to capture the essence of Málaga and offer our guests a culinary experience that reflects the richness and charm of this region.

Although they are traditionally made during the summer, Málaga’s favourable climate means they can be made all year round. Let us explain what they are, where to find them and their role in major events on the Costa del Sol, such as the Málaga Spanish Film Festival.

The origins and preparation of the biznaga The word «biznaga» has its origins in Arabic and means «gift from God». In the past, it was used as an air freshener because of its pleasant scent, and also as a natural remedy against mosquitoes. Nowadays, the biznaga has become a decorative feature and one of the symbols of Málaga.

The biznaga is a handmade creation that combines jasmine flowers and the stem of the nerdo, a type of thistle that is harvested before summer. It is made by inserting the jasmine flowers, whilst they are still closed, into the stem in the shape of a ball, so that they open at nightfall, giving off their characteristic scent.

Among the various types of jasmine, The most commonly used is the Royal Jasmine, which has white flowers and a sweet scent.

The «biznaguero’

The biznagas vendor is known as a «biznaguero». He usually wears traditional dress and carries the biznagas in a prickly pear leaf known as a ‘penca’. As well as selling them, the biznaguero is responsible for making the biznagas, beginning his work well before summer. In the months leading up to the hot weather, the nerdo is harvested and prepared by removing the unnecessary leaves and branches, leaving only what will form the base of the biznaga. It is then dried to become stiff and take on a beige colour, so that the jasmine flowers can be inserted. During the summer, the stem is harvested and the thorns and jasmine flowers are removed.

The figure of the biznaguero is honoured with the Statue of the Biznaguero, located in the Pedro Luis Alonso Gardens.

Málaga Film Festival and the Málaga Fair One of the highlights for buying biznagas is during the Málaga Fair, which takes place in August. Larios Street becomes a veritable market of biznagueros offering these fragrant bouquets to visitors.

This symbol also plays an important role at the Málaga Spanish Film Festival. Each year, the winners receive a silver-plated figure of a biznaga as a prize, and the top prize is the coveted Golden Biznaga.

The biznaga as a souvenir. There is a wide range of handmade souvenirs featuring biznaga motifs, such as jewellery, fans and clothes pegs,