The annual San Bernabé Feria is a vibrant and culturally significant festival held annually, where for a whole week, Marbella’s residents and its visitors get together to honour and celebrate the city’s patron saint: San Bernabé.
From processions that pay homage to pilgrimages through the Old Town’s narrow streets, to showcasing traditional dress, singing, and flamenco dancing, to the day-to-night fairground fit for a movie set and a jam-packed programme of events from the first day until the last, the Feria has something for everyone.
This year, our team attended the Feria’s inauguration on June 5th — The impressive night time ceremony was held in the terraced area just above the Marbella harbour, in Parque Francisco Cuevas Blanco (Terrazas Puerto Deportivo). The show began with live music, Spanish guitar and accompaniment, whereafter the crowning of the city’s pageant royalty took place. For the finale, a “Sky Symphony” of fireworks was displayed from the shoreline on El Faro beach.
While most nighttime attractions take place at the fairgrounds, the daytime activities are concentrated in the city’s parks and squares, including Alameda Park, Parque de la Represa, Los Naranjos Square, and the Church Square. For a full visual of the programme, click here.
“Our Feria week has become, without a doubt, one of the main references of the province and Andalusia’’ – María Ángeles Muñoz, Mayor of Marbella
Over the weekend we took the opportunity to visit the night fairground, and had a fantastic time, enjoying the rides and trying our hand at winning those pesky fairground prizes. (If you have won them before you must be part of the elite, because we’re almost certain they’re rigged). To top off the evening, we had dinner and dessert. We opted for freshly baked jacket potatoes with various toppings, and the iconic buñuelos (mini doughnuts), sweet nuts, and giant marshmallows. The tastiness of food available made up for the lack of prizes we didn’t win, and of course we returned home with goodies for all those who couldn’t make it.
