The question of street artists is one which tends to divide opinion, and one can understand both sides of the argument.
The streets of Nerja used to abound with itinerant musicians, jugglers, dancers and living statues in the summer months, but these have all but disappeared, consigned to history as a result of municipal ordinances regulating such activities. There are a few remaining, but not many.
Nerja, as with many municipalities, require street artists to obtain a license to perform, for a fee of course, which precludes itinerant musicians from displaying their talent. Some municipalities even require artists to ‘audition’ before a licence is issued.
This does, of course, ensure a reasonable ‘quality’. There are still, however, many places, particularly larger towns and cities, where almost ‘anything goes’.
The artists who cause the most comment, particularly in Nerja, are the small groups who wander from restaurant terrace to restaurant terrace, often only playing or singing half a song before going from table to table for a donation. For those wanting a quiet meal this can obviously be a bit of a nuisance, or annoyance.
One of my personal favourite living statues in Nerja a few years back was this guy, very original.
