Marbella Feria.
Marbella Fair, a venerable yearly tradition in Marbella, spans an entire week and honours the city’s patron saint, “San Bernabe.” Many shops close at midday, allowing the whole Marbella community to partake in the vibrant festivities!
The highlight of the Feria de Marbella is the procession of horses and carriages that takes place on the opening day of the fair. The procession is a spectacular display of traditional dress and horsemanship, with riders and carriages adorned with flowers and ribbons.
When?
The Feria de Marbella is a vibrant and exciting celebration of Spanish culture and tradition, and it is a must-see event for anyone visiting the city in the second week of June, a thrilling event unfolds, bringing joy to individuals of every generation. Marbella’s “Old Town” transforms into a vibrant Andalusian Fair during the daytime, while the festivities persist well into the evening and night. A lively Fair Ground and Fun Fair also await visitors near La Cañada, offering further entertainment options.
Origins.
The Feria celebration is prominent in the yearly schedule of towns and local communities across Spain, typically commencing two weeks after Easter. Initially established as a livestock fair in 1847, the inaugural official Feria occurred in San Sebastian.
Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is home to one of Spain’s most renowned Ferias. Each day, the Feria starts with a captivating procession of carriages and equestrians parading through the city. By midday, the entire community assembles and heads towards the bullring, where bullfighters and breeders convene.
Day and Night.
During the fair, the streets of Marbella are decorated with colorful lights and streamers, and the city comes alive with music, dancing, and traditional street performances. The fairgrounds feature a large amusement park with rides and games for all ages, as well as numerous food stalls and vendors selling local crafts and souvenirs.
Day and night, there is a bustling atmosphere as market stalls, temporary marquee tents called “Casetas,” restaurants, and bars open their doors in Marbella. They offer a delightful array of Tapas and Malaga wines, showcasing the most compelling examples of the city’s traditional cuisine. Visitors can relish in the flavours of Marbella, including mouthwatering dishes like “Paella,” refreshing “Gazpacho” (a cold tomato and green pepper soup), and creamy “Ajoblanco” (a mild garlic-flavoured cold soup). The culinary experience extends to delectable seafood and various barbecued delights. In the early hours, many individuals indulge in the famous “Churros con Chocolate,” a Spanish pastry resembling a donut enjoyed by dipping it into hot chocolate.
Inauguration
The grand opening of Marbella Feria takes place on Sunday, followed by a magnificent firework showcase on the beach on Monday evening. The Feria presents a captivating lineup of Spanish cultural performances featuring talented dancers from local academies showcasing the art of “Flamenco” and “Sevillana.” The streets come alive with vibrant parades, musical bands, and a continuous series of weekly concerts. Attendees are treated to mesmerizing traditional shows and lively street dances, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages everyone to join in and experience the renowned Spanish dances.
Concluding the week-long festivities, the Feria ends on the final Sunday with the commencement of the “Gran Corrida de Toros” at 11 am. This traditional Bullfight unfolds in the Plaza de Toros de Marbella, featuring renowned bullfighters passionately engaging in the spectacle.
Celebration of Marbella.
Across the town, lunch is savoured at various local restaurants and bars, where delectable tapas are served. As evening descends, the Feria transitions to the Fair Ground, where grand marquee tents known as “Casetas” are erected. Typically owned by influential families and political figures, these Casetas become the hub for evening festivities encompassing lively dancing, melodic singing, and an abundance of tapas.
The “Casetas” are often packed with eager crowds, forming long queues outside, all eager to enter. Once inside, an immersive Spanish nightlife experience awaits, with captivating live performances, enchanting singing, and vibrant dancing. The festivities draw attendees from various parts of Spain and Europe. Spanish women adorn themselves in their most exquisite and luxurious attire, such as the Flamenco or Sevillana dresses known as “Traje Gitanas.” Many of these intricately designed, multi-coloured polka-dot dresses are handcrafted and bear prestigious designer labels, with some commanding prices that can reach thousands of euros per dress.
Outfits.
Women accessorize their outfits with striking, oversized earrings in vibrant hues, castanets, and ornate hair combs, some of which are cherished family heirlooms passed down from generation to generation. Completing the ensemble are the iconic Spanish dancing shoes. Meanwhile, men don traditional Spanish attire, accentuated by the distinctive Cordobes hats or sombreros. The costumes worn by men and women are often breathtaking and luxurious. It is not uncommon to witness foreigners enthusiastically joining in the celebrations, dressed in the traditional style, further enhancing the vibrant atmosphere of the Feria.
The town of Marbella is adorned with decorations.
In anticipation of the Feria, the streets of Marbella are embellished by the Town Hall with a vibrant array of flags, posters, and colourful garlands. Additionally, numerous large sunshades are erected throughout the town, creating fantastic and shaded streets for everyone to enjoy.
LuxuryForSale.Properties Real Estate.
If you are considering visiting Marbella during this time, LuxuryForSale.Properties is delighted to present a range of short-term rental properties. It is important to note that properties are in high demand, particularly during the summer months and Feria week. Therefore, we encourage you to contact us promptly with your requirements and secure your holiday home reservation immediately!
For a comprehensive overview of the events during Marbella Feria week, you can obtain a detailed guide from the local Tourist Offices or by contacting LuxuryForSale.Properties. This resource will ensure you stay informed and do not miss out on exciting happenings. Additionally, it is essential to remember to protect yourself from the sun by applying sunscreen and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
An unmissable annual event, the Feria is a quintessential Spanish summer celebration!