Marbella & Malaga 2020 Events

2020 is an exciting year for Marbella, renowned for its luxurious lifestyle, wonderful Michelin star cuisine and 24/7 luxury shopping.

Marbella is also home to a number of events that take place each year, some based in Marbella and others coming from afar. Here is a list of this year’s calendar events:

January – Shopping – Marbellas January Sales, after the Christmas and holiday season, Marbella begins the new year with great offers and discounts. Various commercial centers including La Cañada and El Cortes Ingles as well as individual boutique shopping in Puerto Banus with all the famous brands.

February – II Salon Seleccion Malaga – 17/02/2020 –Malaga city has been chosen for the second time to host this popular wine tasting event. Presenting a selection of the best Spanish wines (90 points or higher) and Spanish wines with the best relationship Quality-Price (3,4 or 5 stars) in accordance to the 2020 Guide.

March – Malaga Film Festival – 13/03/2020-22/03/2020. As you may know the “Premios Goya” are the most famous film awards in Spain. This year’s Malaga nominees were; Antonio Banderas who won Best Actor and Pablo Barce was nominated for his short film “El Nadador”. The Malaga Film festival is very prestigious and renowned, last year with 22 official candidates for the main prize, with 13 Spanish directors and 9 Latin American directors. Typically, this week long event screens many short films, documentaries and films. Worth taking a look.

April – Easter falls in April this year again and Spain offers one of the most beautiful week long celebrations. One of the most important and busiest times of the year alongside Christmas. Each town and village from Malaga city down to Sotogrande and beyond prepare for Holy Week. Both Malaga and Marbella cities typically start in the afternoon and continue well into the early hours of the morning with street processions (parades) some solemn and some celebratory (depending on the day). Consisting of large floats carrying either a figure of Christ or of the Virgin Mary through the streets with members of the brotherhood carrying the statues or walking alongside them. Here is a link to the timetables and itinerary: https://www.semanasantademalaga.com/

May – The beach clubs open – May is the month where most of Marbellas beach clubs host their famous “Opening Parties”.

June – The Marbella Feria celebrates Marbellas patron saint San Bernabé. An exciting week of celebrations throughout the day and night. In the day, people gather from Marbellas old town and surrounding areas, to enjoy tapas, lunches and afternoon dancing in the street and local bars. With Flamenco shows and locals as well as tourists dress up in traditional costume and join in the festivities. The evening Feria is set near to La Cañada Shopping Center on the adjacent plot of land, with fair rides, food stalls and dancing well into the early hours.

July – “The Virgen of Carmen” patron saint of the fishermen, boats sail from San Pedro (that can be seen from the beach) down to Marbella Port, taking with them the Virgin saint. A unique event to watch from the shore, where hundreds of smaller boats accompany the Virgin to Marbella.

August – Marbellas busiest month for tourist, a hot climate and wonderful nightlife. Many events take place this month including concerts at the Startlite Music Festival, The Malaga Feria, celebrations on the beach and many wonderful restaurants and bars that can be enjoyed daylong and into the night. A great time to visit and get to know the area with lots to offer.

September – This is the month where the summer wind down, with closing parties of some of the most popular beach clubs and the school life beginning again.

October & November – Usually more tranquil months of the year, having said that San Pedro Feria is held in the month of October. A weeklong celebration beachside in San Pedro town. October and November are ideal times for golfers to enjoy our city, with a cooler climate and a relaxing environment.

December – The turning on of each towns Christmas Lights. Usually during the last few days of November, each town from Malaga city down to Sotogrande celebrate the turning on of their splendid Christmas illuminations. Malaga Cities Christmas lights in 2019 were named 2nd best in Spain, along Calle Larios a light show with giant illuminated snowflakes and arches that glowed and danced along to the music.

Another few important events that take place each year in Marbella and are not to miss are:

“Starlite” – A music festival that takes place each summer in the old Marbella quarry, set above Marbella town in the foothills of La Concha mountain, a unique venue for an intimate music festival. This festival brings a large variety of singers and musicians from all over the world to our charming town. For the list of this year’s lineup and tickets follow the link Starlite.

Ironman 2020 – 26/04/2020 – The Ironman adventure race returns to Marbella for another year. A triathlon event with swimming, biking and running. A dynamic course paired with the perfect climate and Mediterranean seafront promenade views. Full information and to book your place please visit their official website Ironman.

Bonicup 2020 – 12th-14th/06/2020 This unique football championship is to be held in the beautiful complex of La Dama De Noche in Puerto Banus, with the additional football installations of San Pedro De Alcantara and the Estepona Football de Arroyo Enmedio. A unique fusion of sport, tourism and entertainment, a family event for children over 15 years old. Full information on this event can be found on the following link Bonicup.

Thinking about visiting Marbella for an event? Why not contact our offices for information on short term rentals. We have a wide variety of property for rent from smaller apartments to large villas and would be delighted to help you. We look forward to your call.