Events in the Marbella area

As with many Spanish destinations the area around Marbella has many local fiestas.  This area is so cosmopolitan that there is always something going on, though these may not be announced early enough for us to notify you on this page.  We will update these events as and when information becomes available.

Annual Events in and around Marbella

As we have said there are many events going on in this area below we mention the main annual festivals.

January

To celebrate The Epiphany the Fiesta de Los Reyes is the three kings festival where three men dress as the Kings from the Orient and ride through the town in a procession scattering sweets to the children.

February

Carnival affects all areas and is celebrated 40 days before lent so usually falls early in February close to Shrove Tuesday. There is usually a parade, the selection of a Carnival Queen and a street party atmosphere with every one in costume.

March

Easter week processions are another extravagant array of processions and parades and each area takes it very seriously, it is definitely not treated as a carnival but a religious celebration of the Resurrection.  One of the best spectacles, amongst many other towns, is in Estepona.
April and May

The spring fairs start a couple of weeks after Easter – if you fancy a day out during this time there are notable fairs in Seville and Jerez.  The Jerez Fair is usually in the first week of May and is an Equestrian event where some of the world best riders and their horses compete.  The Seville fair is completely different with parades during the day and late night entertainment of flamenco and tango and more.

June

During the first fortnight of June, Marbella celebrates the San Bernabe Fair. The most important day is June the 11th, featuring the Commemoration of the Christian Conquest. This celebration includes bullfights, concerts and other activities.

23 June is the night of San Juan and is celebrated on Andalucia´s beaches with bonfires called juas. These fires are accompanied by music and fireworks on the beach. For good luck, the people dip their feet in the sea just after midnight.

Corpus Christi is widely celebrated in June on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday and usually involve procession of representatives from the Church, local government and the military all in their own colourful uniforms and is a typical feast day in Spain.

July

16 July is the marine procession of the Virgen del Carmen, as she is the patron saint of sailors most of the coastal towns and villages celebrate with a procession of a flower decorated boat with a statue of the Virgin del Carmen in it.  Then as with all Spanish fiestas there is a party atmosphere.

Summer Fairs

There are many summer fairs and pilgrimages all over the area and visitors are always made welcome. Marbella holds it summer fair usually in the second week of June.

October

Around the 19th of the month is the Fair of San Pedro de Alcantara the patron saint of Marbella this is a week of typical Andalusian festivals and you are sure to enjoy the celebratory atmosphere.

November

On the first day of the month, All Saints day, many in Marbella spend the day in the country, this is a public holiday, and the festivities go on well into the evening.

December

28 December is the Dia de los Santos Inocentes and is the equivalent of our April Fools day.  A day of practical jokes and partying in the hills at La Venta de San Cayetano.