Ferias in Spain - Marbella fair

What are ferias in Spain? Every year each city in Spain holds a fair or "feria", which is usually a week long celebration that takes place in city squares or fairgrounds and is a big part of the social and religious calendar. Fairs are particularly popular in the Spring and early Summer when the weather is more temperate. Festivities in a fair vary from city to city but usually include a parade, outdoor parties with food, drink and dancing, music concerts, rides for older and younger children, fireworks and dance performances.

In Andalusia alone there are over 3,000 fairs celebrated each year. There is always a daytime schedule as well as evening events which incorporate parades with horses and carriages that make their way through the city or musical and dance performances. IThe ferias in Spain always are attended by locals and entertainers who are impeccably dressed in traditional Spanish costume, which tempt you to go out and buy your own outfit.

The city gears up for their fair several weeks ahead of time as flags, streamers, and rides slowly decorate the city. Store fronts beging to display Spanish flamenco-type dresses in every color and style as well as bright fun accessories. The atmosphere during the fair is absolutely electric with bands playing in town filling the streets with Spanish music.

Ferias in Spain are usually the local saint's day of a city, however there are other types of fairs that dedicate the celebration to a harvest, the deliverance from the Moors, or simply a safe return from a trip out to sea. Nearly any excuse will do to break out in song, dance and festivity.

During the week of the fair shops close by mid-day in order for the shopkeepers to participate in the fun. So if you have any shopping to do during the Feria week, make sure you get it done in the morning. Spaniards do not get much sleep during the fair week as they dedicate their time to preparing for the fair with lots of fanfare, making sure their costumes (which cost a fair penny and must be different from one year to the next!) are in perfect order and the children are all well dressed...you´ll even see some dogs decked out in flamenco outfits. Locals stop only occasionally mid-day for a horse ride or to watch a bullfight.

If you really would like to "go native" during the ferias in Spain then it is important you acquire a schedule in order to follow and attend the many amazing events the city puts on. In Marbella and San Pedro the local fairs offer children´s rides and attractions in the evening starting usually around 8:00pm. As a parent of two small children I always found it amusing that the adults party during the day and the children´s events begin in the evening, when my kids are usually preparing for bed. We would often arrive an hour or so too early when the fairgrounds were barely opening and the operators of the attractions were still setting up. It often was to our advantage as there were usually several attractions open and ready for business. This way we beat the crowds and my kids were all tired out by the time things really start to roll at around 10:00pm.

If you are attending the Marbella Feria or the San Pedro Feria and have children you will want to take advantage of the 50% off day which occurs usually mid week. The only downside to this day is that the whole city shows up with their children so the crowds are unbearable. My advise is to get there as early as possible. You will also save yourself endless drives around the block looking for a parking space.

The children´s rides and fair games during ferias in Spain are separated for older children and younger children. The older kids are offered the typical fair rides that turn your stomach upside down such as the Pirate Ship swing, fast spinning tea cups, bungee jumping-style rides that throw you up in the air quickly, really scary haunted house, and such. The younger children are offered carousel rides with real ponies, bumper cars, slow moving roller coaster, and easy to win fair games like duck fishing where you always win a prize. Keep in mind that the fairgrounds get really loud as for some reason each ride needs to blast music louder than their neighbors. It is very difficult to have a conversation and you wind up screaming in each others´ ears. To be honest, my son does not like the fairs because of this. He does not like the rides and the noise. The best part of the fair for him is the candy. On the other hand, my daughter absolutely loves it and can repeat a ride over and over again. She enjoys running into her friends from school and sharing in the fun.

There is plenty to eat at ferias in Spain like typical Spanish paella, barbeque, cotton candy, churros con chocolate (donut-like pastry eaten with hot chocolate), candied apples, popcorn and other typical fair food. But beware, you will likely get caught up in this and end up with an achy stomach.

If you are going to the San Pedro Fair then there is plenty of parking in the dirt road parking lot across from the entrance. There will be an unofficial parking attending guiding you to your spot who will expect a euro for his "efforts".

See what other traditional festivals are taking place in Spain

GUIDE TO FERIAS ON THE COSTA DEL SOL These are not exact dates, just general dates and may be changed for any number of reasons by the Town Hall. It is best to call the tourist office before heading out. Or follow us on Facebook or Twitter. We usually make announcements with schedules translated in English a week or two ahead of the fair.

June:
MARBELLA - Second week in June. Day fair held in city center. Night fair at fairgrounds on East side of city. See 2010 program. Tourist office: 952 771 442.

July:
ESTEPONA - First week in July. Day fair held at c/Real, Terrazo & Caridad by day. Night fair on avenida Juan Carlos I. Tourist office: 952 802 002.
NUEVA ANDALUCIA - Fourth week in July.


August:
BENALMÁDENA - Second week in August. Day fair held at Plaza del Alguacil. Night fair held at the fairgrounds. Tourist office: 952 442 494.

MÁLAGA - Third week in August. Day fair held in Malaga center. Night fair in Cortijo de Torres. Do not miss the fireworks display on Malagueta Beach! Tourist office: 952 134 730.

September:
RONDA - First week in September. Day fair held throughout the town center. Night fair at avenida de Malaga. Highly recommended! Tourist office: 952 187 119.

MIJAS - Second week in September. Held at plaza de Virgen de la Peña. Tourist office: 952 589 034.

TORREMOLINOS - Last week in September. Held at Auditorio Municipal Principe de Asturias. Tourist office: 952 379 512.

October:
FUENGIROLA- First week in October. Held at feria ground at avenida Jesus Santos Rein. Tourist office: 952 467 457.

SAN PEDRO DE ALCANTARA - Third week in October. Day fair in city center and calle Jorge Guillen. Night fair on fairgrounds. Tourist office: 952 785 252.

See what other traditional festivals are taking place in Spain