Among the icons of Spain are its famous ferias, the weeklong festivities that bring each and every village, town and city in the country to life in a riotous explosion of fun, dance and revelry, creating a year-round agenda of events throughout the country. The fact is, few people can throw a party like the Spanish, and those in Andalucía are well known for being among the liveliest and most colourful of all.
The fact that Marbella has such a cosmopolitan population gives its feria an added dimension, making it a truly fascinating mix of traditional Andalusian festivity with keen pan-European and exotic participation. So don’t be surprised if you see locals and foreigners partying side by side against a backdrop of archetypal Andalusian sights such as girls in polka dot dresses, flamenco performances on impromptu tablaos, sherry and wine bars, horse-drawn processions and the caseta houses at which groups of revellers congregate.
Seeing the convivial way in which the wine flows, tapas and snacks are freely available and people immerse themselves in good-natured fun in the large casetas and cafes that line the streets of the town centre and feria ground, it is no wonder that foreign residents and tourists alike love to join in the fun and watch the processions, listen to Spanish music and socialise. Added to the above are the classic fairground rides and headlining musical acts that also form part of a modern day feria.
This year’s Marbella Feria runs from the 9th to the 15th of June, opening on the Sunday with a spectacular firework display. Tuesday the 11th features the homage to San Bernabé, patron saint of Marbella and the actual reason for the celebrations.
Other highlights include a beautiful equestrian parade of Andalucian horses, Spanish pop star India Martínez and the good-natured revelry that turns Marbella into an open-air party zone for the better part of a week.