Marbellas Fair of “Feria” in Spanish is one of the city’s most famous and popular traditions, a great social event celebrating the patron saint of Marbella “San Bernabé” with the most important date being 11th June. The Feria takes place between the first and the second week of June. It is an exciting celebration for people of all ages, an Andalusian Fair in Marbella where parties start from noon and continue into the night. Traditionally Spain’s cities and towns most important event on their yearly calendar is the celebration of the towns Fair. Beginning in 1847 as a livestock fair, currently Malaga, Cordoba and Seville, host the most popular Andalusia and Spanish fairs. These festivities commemorate the re-conquest of Marbella by the Catholic Monarchs in the year 1485. During the week both tourists and citizens enjoy the charm of traditional and colourful Andalusian festivities. The Marbella town hall decorates the streets with flags, posters and multi-coloured garlands, and large parasols and tarpaulins are placed around the city so that the streets have more shade to be able to cool off through the typical hot days. Engulfed in Andalusian art, from the original buildings and architectural design to the street decorations ready for the fair.
During the week, activities and varied shows take place at both the Day and Night Fair. A few weeks before the Fair opens, the traditional contest to choose “The Queen and Ladies” of the San Bernabé Festival takes place. Marbellas Feria is officially opened on the Monday night with an opening ceremony, which is followed by a fantastic firework displays on the El Faro beach in Marbellas city centre, a truly breath-taking event, and as the high point to the evening the Fairs lights are switched on, marking the start to the festivities.
Traditionally each day begins with a parade of carriages through the city until noon, then lunch is held at the fair ground or in the cities restaurants and bars, later heading to the Feria ground, with many “Casetas” multiple tents where the magic and the evening festivities unfold. The well-known “Casetas” usually are owned by families, associations, political parties, media groups, etc… The “Casetas” are temporary tents, restaurants/bars open all day and night, offering tapas and wines from the Malaga region, with selections of the most delicious typical Marbella cuisine including the classics; “Paella”, “Gazpacho”, (tomato and green pepper cold soup), “Ajoblanco” (white soup served cold with a mild garlic flavour), “Jamón”, etc… Early in the morning and before starting the next day many people have “Churros con Chocolate” (a traditional doughnut with a hot chocolate drinking sauce). The most popular Casetas are usually full and have long queues of people waiting outside to enter, once inside, you can experience the Fair in its most original environment; with wonderful gastronomy, dancing, traditions and then the nightlife…
People come from all over Spain and Europe to join in these celebrations; wearing flamenco dresses “traditional Gipsy dress”, colourful polka dot dresses that are handmade, many from great designer brands that cost up to thousands of euros for each garment. Women’s accessories include large colourful earrings, castanets, extravagant combs (many are family pieces handed down from mother to daughter through generations) and of course the classic Spanish dance shoes. The men wear their traditional Spanish dress with hats called “Cordobés”; some of the outfits are really impressive! Many foreigners join in the festivities and dress for the occasions. Feria week also offers a variety of concerts and activities that the city offers for the public and visitors to enjoy.
If you are planning to visit Marbella during the Feria, Marbella Unique Properties is pleased to offer you a selection of properties available for rent. A complete guide to What’s On and events during Marbellas Feria week can be found in the local tourist offices, call us to make sure you don’t miss out and find that perfect Feria week property to stay in and join in the celebrations. A truly Spanish summer event, held once a year and not to be missed.