Marbella Fair 2025
The Feria de San Bernabé is one of the most important and vibrant celebrations in Marbella, Spain. Held every June, this festival honors San Bernabé, the patron saint of the city, and represents a blend of religious tradition and Andalusian culture. This week-long event, which takes place annually in early June, merges the vibrant essence of a Spanish feria with the allure of Marbella’s historic old town. Residents come together to dance, savor traditional cuisine, and engage with the cultural tapestry of the area, while the younger crowd enjoys the amusement rides. Renowned particularly for its flamenco performers, brass bands, and traditional casetas (marquees), the feria provides both locals and tourists with an authentic Andalusian experience.
During the day, the Parque de la Constitución becomes vibrant with activity, as street vendors and local shops establish booths that sell a variety of items, ranging from artisanal foods to boutique clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs. As evening approaches, the celebrations transition to the fairgrounds near La Cañada. These fairgrounds feature a selection of amusement park rides categorized by age groups, along with a tempting variety of food stalls that serve both sweet and savory delights. Additionally, traditional game booths are filled to capacity with large toy prizes that are notoriously difficult to win.
Historical Origins and Significance
The Feria de San Bernabé possesses profound historical importance, originating from one of Spain’s most crucial epochs. This celebration is historically linked to the reconquest of the city by the Catholic Monarchs on June 11, 1485, coinciding with the feast day of San Bernabé, who was designated as the city’s patron saint. The roots of the Feria de San Bernabé can be traced back to the Reconquista period, during which Catholic monarchs reclaimed the Iberian Peninsula from Moorish rule.
This significant date signifies the liberation of Marbella from Moorish domination, and the occurrence of this triumph on the feast day of San Bernabé resulted in the saint being permanently linked to the identity of the city. Consequently, the festival honors not only religious faith but also a pivotal moment in the history of Marbella.
Feria de San Bernabé Marbella 2025
The Marbella Feria commences with the traditional spectacular firework display on June 9th at 10 pm, launched from the beach adjacent to the Marbella Lighthouse. This year’s fair will be officially opened by Carmen Pastora, endearingly referred to as ‘Pichu,’ a well-regarded local personality and former staff member of the municipal festivals department.
Dates: 9–14 June 2025
Venue: Parque de la Constitución (day); Fairgrounds, La Cañada (night)
Tickets & Info.
- Booking: Free entry. Parking can be tricky so taking a taxi or using public transport is recommended.
- Bullfighter San Bernabe.
- You can find the Full programme of Marbella’s San Bernabé feria on Marbella’s Town Hall Website.
Overall, the Feria de San Bernabé is a celebration of Marbella’s heritage, community, and lively spirit. It showcases the city’s deep-rooted traditions while welcoming all to join in its joyful expression of identity and culture.