In time honored Andalusian tradition, Marbella brings out its party spirit to celebrate the town patron, San Bernabé in their Feria de San Bernabé from around June 7th-13th.

This feria will give you a true flavor of Marbella in more ways than one. You will see and hear the traditional music of Andalucia, eat the authentic dishes of the area and drink the local wines.

It is a time to forget the daily routine and fling your self into the festivity of the feria. Don’t miss out on Marbella’s best party of the year!

Your senses will likely be over-stimulated as you walk (or dance) down the shaded Alameda or in the Old Town by the myriad of sights, sounds and smells. Follow the Spanish ladies in the colorful gypsy dresses to the local hotspots and treat yourself to a taste sensation.

The fantastic food found in Marbella should not be missed……quite the contrary, you should take advantage of the opportunity to sample the wide variety of traditional tapas, meals and drinks.

Paella being made in a huge paella dish at the Marbella Feria

The locals usually set up booths in the old town during the day and tents known as “casetas” at the evening fairgrounds. People from around the world gather there to socialise, eat typical Andalusian dishes such as Pescaito Frito (a mix of small fried fish), Jamon Serrano (cured ham), Manchego cheese and Chroizo (rich Spanish sausage), Ajoblanco (chilled garlic soup with almonds, bread, oil and vinegar), Gazpacho (chilled tomato, garlic and vegetable soup), and Paella are also amongst the local specialties that you will see in abundance at the feria.

Another Marbella specialty is grilled sardines….if you are a fish lover, definitely try these.

Your afternoon snack of tapas or your evening meal of fried fish will not be complete without a glass of classic Spanish Sherry, fino and manzanilla being the most popular.

Though sherry is drunk regularly by all Spaniards, during feria time it is obligatory! Another signature drink during feria is “Rebujito”…..a refreshing (but lethal) combination of fino and sprite served in a (supersized) plastic cup to bring along with you on your paseo (stroll) through the fair grounds.

If the music doesn’t get you up and dancing, this drink will!

Whilst you are indulging in the delectable tidbits, make sure to visit as many activities and events at La Feria de San Bernabé as you can. The Day time Fair gets going around noon as thousands of people parade through the Alameda gardens and around the cobbled streets of the Old Town.

There is music with a wide range of appeal in the shows for children, teens and adults…… everything from dance contests, singing contests, comedy shows as well as traditional, international and pop music shows. You can see the handsome bullfighters displaying their grace and bravery at the popular Corrida de toros (bullfights) both during the day and evening.

During the evenings there is much to be seen at the Marbella Feria fair. Lots of rides to be enjoyed by young and old!

As evening falls, the action moves to the Fair Ground where kids spin around on the rides, eat hot dogs and adults enjoy the exhilirating blend of music, dancing and laughter.

If you haven’t been to a feria in Spain, the night feria can be a bit daunting. With the glow and flashing of lights, the ringing of bells and the booming music, you may end up walking in circles. Lines of casetas (as many 80-100) cover the fairgrounds apart from the rides and games.

Each caseta is distinctive in some way, usually catering either to teens or adults. If your preference is flamenco, there will be no shortage of choices, if it is pop music these are abundant as well.

The same is true for food types, some casetas offer more fish dishes and others offer Spanish specialties such as paella or tapas for a light snack. Each caseta is like an individual party cheerfully decorated with colorful paper decorations dangling from the tent tops with dancing and singing, a bar where fino and the lighter manzanilla are served with plenty of chat and good cheer.

There are several processions during the day and the evening

The highlight for all the locals comes on June 11th when true significance of the feria takes to the street in the form of two processions. The first is in remembrance of the Commemoration of the Christian Conquest and the second is to pay homage to the town Saint, San Bernabé.

If you need a break from all the high energy atmosphere of Marbella’s feria, you are in the right place. You can easily find a solitary spot on the luxurious beaches to recuperate or take a day or ½ day drive out of Marbella either inland or further along the coast to catch a glimpse of another white village, equally inviting and worthwhile.

You have the lovely towns of Malaga, Ronda, Torremolinos and Estepona all within a one-hour drive…just to name a few. Then you can return with to the feria rejuvenated and ready practice your newly learned Sevillana dance moves!