Marbella Festivals & Celebrations
Marbella festivals and celebrations take place all throughout the year particularly in summer when everyone takes to the streets for any excuse to have a good time. There are a over 3000 ferias celebration in Andalucia, not to mention the holidays and other important religiously and secular celebrations.
We have organized a list of some of the main festivals taking place in Marbella so you can plan your holiday. We also have more detailed information on fairs on the Costa del Sol.
The most popular Marbella festivals and celebrations in Spain are the fairs or "feria". These are week long events that include entertainment, song, dance, food for both adults and children. There are also "verbenas" and "romerías" which are smaller in scale and have more religious signicance. Annual events also include: "veladas" and "mercados".
- Feria - Translated means fair, that involves fun fair rides, tents with music, dance shows, food, etc.
- Carnaval - This festival involves processions, street parties, where everybody dresses up.
- Verbena - Includes an agriculture show, entertainment and a small funfair for kids.
- Romeria - Is a Catholic celebration that consists of a trip or peregrination on floats or horseback.
- Mercado - Translated means market, which Spain has many of through out the year.
Don't know what a feria is? Read our page on Ferias in Spain to get a better understanding and to find out which fairs are held when.
Keep in mind that some Marbella festivals and celebrations repeat on the same day every year and others are week long events that change annually. As soon as any dates are announced we post them here and in our Calendar of Events.
- Check out our Calendar of Events to see what is on during your stay in Marbella!
- Learn more about Fairs in Spain
January Marbella Festivals
THREE KING'S DAY - 06 Jan (same date every year)
Three Kings Day in Marbella honors the visit of the Three Kings to worship and bring gifts to the new-born Jesus Christ. In Spain, it has traditionally be the most important day that culminates the "Christmas" holidays.
February Marbella Festivals
Think you have to fly to Rio to celebrate Carnival? Think again, Carnival in Marbella is getting bigger and better every year. San Pedro and Marbella host celebrations and festivities. Mid/End of February to beginning of March.
Semana Blanca is an elective week of vacation in the school calendar. It is chosen to compensate for the local ferias that occur during the summer break. La Semana Blanca usually takes place in the second half of February. In Andalusia, it always coincides with February 28th which is Dia del Andalucia. A great time to go skiing in Sierra Nevada.
DIA DEL ANDALUSIA - 28 Feb (same date every year)
Día de Andalucía in Spanish, is a holiday celebrated only in the region of Andalucia to commemorate the referendum for Andalucia to become an autonomous community within Spain, which was held on February 28, 1980.
March Marbella Festivals
Semana Santa, otherwise known as Holy Week or Easter is celebrated in every village and city in Spain. Don't miss seeing at least one of the Semana Santa Processions in Marbella, San Pedro, Nueva Andalucia. Usually celebrated end of March to April.
april marbella fetsivals
ROMERIA VIRGEN DE LA CABEZA - Malaga (Last Sunday every year)
Virgen de la Cabeza is the saint of the district of 'Estación' Alhora. There are festivities all weekend but the highlight is on the Sunday morning at 11.30, after a Eucarist service in the chapel, the Virgen de la Cabeza is carried around the streets of the 'barrio'. Lead by civic leaders, the local town band provides the music.
May Marbella Festivals
FUENGIROLA INTERNATIONAL FERIA
The Fuengirola International Fair (La Feria Internacional de Los Pueblos) cultural festival hosts over 33 countries and will feature music, dance and foods from all over the world. FREE entrance. One of our favorite Marbella festivals and celebrations. Usually takes place at the end of April or beginning of May.
CRUZ DE MAYO - 03 May (same date every year)
Cruz de Mayo is always on May 3rd however, events may take place on the weekend before or after.
ROMERIA DE LA CRUZ DE JUANAR - 03 May (same date every year)
Did you know that it is tradition to hike to the top of Cruz de Juanar on May 3rd? If you haven’t done it yet, put it on your calendar for this May 3rd.
The Spring fair offers plenty of artisanal arts, crafts and food to choose from and a phenomenal ambience. Guests can find everything such as hats, toys, books, baskets, clothes, cookies, antiques, paintings, food & drink and more.
Estepona celebrates it's patron saint day San Isidro Labrador on May 15. Annually the whole week is celebrated with parades and activities for the whole family. There is also a small funfair prior to the big fair celebrations in July.
June Marbella Festivals
The Marbella Fair Feria de San Bernabe takes place every June in Marbella. This fair is in honor of the city's patron saint San Barnabé and is a must see while in Marbella.
NOCHE DE SAN JUAN - 23 June (same date every year)
The festival of San Juan is held on the eve of June 23 and lasts until the wee hours of June 24th. It traditionally marks the beginning of the summer solstice and has its roots in pagan rituals. The elements of fire, water and light are all embedded in the tradition.
July Marbella Festivals
VERBENA TRAPICHE NORTE
Popular fair organized by the Association of neighbours 'Trapiche North'. Many events for children including: treasure hunt, sack race, search for your shoes, throw rope and play of the scarf, among others. The party has a bar with food and drink with great prices. Parque Xarblanca, Marbella
ESTEPONA FERIA
This is one of the biggest fun fairs of the summer. Kick starting with the most amazing fireworks, Estepona celebrates its second patron saint, Virgen del Carmen.
read more...
VELADA EL MIRADOR DE LA TORRECILLA
Nuevo Parque La Torrecilla, is a beautiful evening full of typical Spanish dancing and signing, the best of the Spanish food and drinks.
VERBENA VIRGIN DEL CARMEN - 16 July (same date every year)
The Virgen del Carmen Festival is held on July 16, however celebrations are often held before and after that day. The festival is in honor of the Virgen del Carmen - the Patron Saint of fisherman and the sea.
FIESTA DEL CARMEN IN FUENGIROLA (Los Boliches)
Festival in honor of the Virgin del Carmen. Activitities take place at the Fuengirola Fair Grounds and on the beach Los Boliches.
VIRGIN DEL CARMEN IN MARBELLA - 16 July (same date every year)
The Virgen del Carmen Festival is held on July 16, however celebrations are often held before and after that day. The festival is in honor of the Virgen del Carmen - the Patron Saint of fisherman and the sea.
VERBENA VIRGIN DEL CARMEN IN SAN PEDRO - 16 July (same date every year)
A pilgrimage with Land and Maritime which each year attracts numerous faithful and visitors. Enjoying a party with deep roots and popularity, from: Besides estar declared of Regional Tourist Interest in 1965.
Neighborhood fair in Nueve Andalucia features the daily performance of the different dance schools. Saturday will be the appointed day for the little ones with a children's Party with workshops, animation and cake and refreshments for all children attending. Usually the third week in July.
August Marbella Festivals
VERBENA NAZARENA - August
The Verbena Popular de la Hermandad Sacramental del Nazareno (Nazarene Sacramental Brotherhood Festival) is takes place from 19.00 to 02.00 at Plaza Santo Sepulcro, Marbella.
VELADA DEL CRISTO DEL AMOR - August
The city of Marbella of gather at the Parque de la Alameda to share stories, set of stall to selling lots of cute items. The day general offers good food, drinks and activities for everyone.
FESTIVAL DE LA COPLA DE CARNAVALERO - August
August festivities in Marbella continue with the Festival de la Copla de Carnavalero. Join the fun with the whole family to experience some real Spanish carnival atmosphere. 7:30pm, Auditorio del Parque de la Constitution
MALAGA FERIA - August
Malaga Fairgrounds are the biggest and best event on the Coast. The Day fairs in the tents have such an amazing atmosphere, which turns into dancing until night and even dawn if you wish to.
WESTERN FERIA - August
The Western fair will include painting workshops, puppet shows, parades, workshops area of children's entertainment, can-can dance shows and various activities for all ages set in the time of the West, among other activities.Playa Salida, San Pedro
LAS CHAPAS FERIA - August.
Las Chapas fair like every other fair, has rides and mini rollercoasters, stands and markets. Spanish foods and Spanish traditions.
VERBENA DIVINA PASTORA - 22 August tba.
La Velada de la Divina Pastora festival (an evening in the neighborhood of the Divine Shepherdess) is to be held at Arroyo de la Represa.This neighborhood is one of the most emblematic is Marbella and includes over fifteen thousand inhabitants who make this party a fun celebration for everyone. Kid's program starts as early as 6pm. Come enjoy a great evening of dancing, music and local celebrations.
September Marbella Festivals
VELADA PLAZA DEL TOROS
Celebrated at the Plaza de la Concordia, Bda. Plaza del Toro, where the neighbourhood celebrate with the procession of The Lady of Trinity and a pageant competition. Coronation of the Ladies, Mistes's and Queens with activities, food and drinks.
FESTIVAL LUNA MORA
An amazing musical and cultural event. When night began to fall the candles lit up the whole village, which was absolutely gorgeous. The village of Guaro, just 15 - 20 minutes from Marbella. A very special Marbella festival and celebration.
VERBENA POPULAR HERMANDAD DEL NAZARENO - September
The festival will bring together all the brothers and people close to the guild to raise funds to be allocated to renovate the material of the brotherhood with a new skirt for the Virgen del Mayor Dolo and a new standard for the Holy Sepulchre (Santo Sepulcro).
ROMERIA DE SAN MIGUEL - September
The Romeria or pilgrimage takes place the Sunday before the beginning of the Torremolinos feria.
TORREMOLINOS FERIA DE SAN MIGUEL - September
The Torremolinos fair is in honor of the patron saint San Miguel and includes parades, a children's fair, and much celebration during the day. This event has long been one of the most popular and important festivals in the area. Last week in September/First week in October
October Marbella Festivals
FERIA EL ANGEL
El Angel, La Colonia enjoy a yearly festive where they don´t just announce the towns Queens and Ladies, but they also have Baby Angel.
ROMERIA VIRGIN DEL ROSARIO - Benahavis - 07 October (same date every year)
A pilgrimage by foot or carriage is made by locals to the Ermita with a local fiesta taking place after a mass at private and local tents set up where people may gather to eat, drink, dance and basically be merry.
VERBENA MIRALFLORES
This event includes lots of dance shows and performances, a mini pageant competition and lots of fun rides and games for the little ones. It is normally during the second weekend of October and the neighbourhood decorate the streets of Miraflores in Marbella.
FUENGIROLA ROMERIA
Fuegirola hosts an amazing event and decorate the entire town. The Fishermen fish the best seafood and the Chefs cook the best "Paella" for Fuengirola and its neighbours.
Typically held on the third week in October this festival celebrates the patron saint of San Pedro.
HALLOWEEN - 31 October (same date every year)
Each and every year the Costa del Sol becomes more and festive for Halloween. Each year Marbella hosts more and more Halloween parties and events and Halloween Costumes and Halloween Supplies are becoming more readily available in stores.
November Marbella Festivals
DIA DE TODOS SANTOS - 01 November (same date every year)
A day to honor the deceased. Traditions on this holiday vary throughout the world, however in Spain families typically gather at local cemeteries to pay their respects to the departed.
DIA DEL TOSTON - 01 November (same date every year)
On Dia del Toston is it customary for family and friends to gather in local parks and town squares roast chestnuts, play games, eat, drink and festive together.
FEAST OF SAN MARTIN - 11 November (same date every year)
This holiday takes place in the villages and mountainous areas of Andalusia and involves plenty of food and drink.
December Marbella Festivals
CONSTITUTION DAY - 06 December (same date every year)
December 6th is also regarded as the start of the December holidays and is often celebrated in conjunction with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th, which is also a national holiday.
FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception in Spain (Inmaculada Concepcion) is a national holiday and is celebrated on December 8th. Most businesses will be closed, however, restaurants and cafes are likely to be open for business.
read more...
VERDIALES FESTIVAL
The Verdiales Festival takes place every year on the outskirts of Malaga on December 28t. It is a competition of song and dance which is a must-see if you are in the area at this time.
DIA DE LOS INOCENTES
Similar to April Fool's Day, Spanish celebrate the Feast of Fools . It is a festival that dates from the early seventeenth century with a marked pagan symbolism. The younger, dressed in outlandish clothes and gaudy makeup, have the power for a few hours, while brass bands participate in the fun. At night the traditional Baile de los Locos, where almost everything is allowed and, besides music, the picaresque is the great protagonist is celebrated.
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS - Throughout December
We are continually receiving new information on holiday events on the Costa del Sol, so please return to this page for updates or subscribe to our Newsletter to receive updates automatically on Fridays.
Marbella Festivals and Celebrations related articles:
- Explanation of Festivals in Spain
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