Marbella Feria – Marbella Fair

Marbella Feria (Fair) is on one Marbellas’ most famous annual weeklong traditions, a large social event celebrating the patron saint of Marbella “San Bernabe”. Most shops close at lunchtime throughout the week, so the whole community of Marbella can join in the festivities!

When?

This takes place the second week of June, an exciting celebration for people of all ages, with an Andalusian Fair taking over Marbellas’ “Old Town” in the day, festivities continue into the evening and night with a Fair Ground and Fun Fair located in the town near to La Cañada.

Market stalls, “Casetas” temporary marquee tents, restaurants, bars open throughout the day and night, offering Tapas and Malaga wines with selections of the most delicious of Marbellas’ typical gastronomy including “Paella”, “Gaspacho” (tomato and green pepper soup served cold), “Ajoblanco” (white soup served cold with a mild taste of garlic), amazing sea food and barbeque of all sorts. In the early hours many people choose “Churros con Chocolate” (an infamous Spanish donut type of pastry eaten dipped in hot chocolate).

Inauguration

Marbella Feria is officially inaugurated on the Sunday, the Monday evening offers a spectacular firework display on Marbellas beach. The Feria boasts Spanish performances with “Flamenco” and “Sevillana” dancers from local dance academies, Parades, Bands playing in the streets and Concerts almost non-stop throughout the week! Impressive traditional shows and dancing in the street, inviting all to join in and learn the infamous Spanish dances.

The Feria closes on the last Sunday of the week, starting at 11am with the “Gran Corrida de Toros” a traditional Bull Fight that takes place in the Plaza de Toros de Marbella with well known bull fighters participating.

Tradition

The Feria tradition is one of the largest events in every town and local community’s calendar throughout Spain, generally beginning two weeks after Easter. Originally in 1847 the Feria was an organized livestock fair, the first official Feria was held in the city of San Sebastian.

Seville, the capital of Andalusian hosts one of the most popular Ferias in Spain. Every day the Feria begins with a parade of carriages and horseback riders exhibiting through town, till midday when everyone gather and make their way to the bullring where the bullfighters and breeders meet.

Lunch is eaten throughout the town in local restaurants and bars serving Tapas. In the evening the Feria moves to the Fair Ground where “Casetas” marquee tents are put up, usually belonging to the most prominent families of the town and political members for evening parties including dancing, singing and of course tapas.

The most popular “Casetas” usually are full to the brim with queues of people outside waiting to get in, once inside, one can experience Spanish local nightlife with live shows, singing and dancing. With people coming from all over Spain and Europe to join in the celebrations; Spanish ladies take out their most prestigious and fine clothing including Flamenco or Sevillana dresses “Traje Gitanas”, many of the multi coloured polka-dot dresses are handmade and designer brands costing up to thousands of euros per dress.

Womens accessories include large colourful earrings, castanets, extravagant hair combs (many antique and passed down families from mother to daughter) and of course the classical Spanish dancing shoes. The men wear their traditional Spanish attire and hats/sombreros called “Cordobes”; some of the outfits are truly breathtaking and luxurious! Many foreigners join in the festivities also dressing in the typical style.

Marbella Town decorations

Marbellas Town Hall decorates the streets in preparation for the Feria with flags, posters and coloured garlands. Many large sun-shades are put up throughout the town so the streets are cool and in the shade.

If you are planning visiting Marbella during this period Marbella Unique Properties is pleased to offer a selection of properties available to rent short term. Properties tend to rent very quickly during the summer months especially during Feria week, don’t hesitate to contact us with your request and book your holiday home!

A full guide of the events during Marbella Feria week can be found in the local Tourist Offices or by calling Marbella Unique Properties, to make sure you don’t miss a thing! Make sure to remember to take your sun cream and drink plenty of water!

A truly Spanish Summer event, once a year and one not to miss!