Every June, Marbella explodes with color, rhythm, and tradition as it hosts the Feria de San Bernabé, one of the most spirited festivals on the Costa del Sol. Whether you’re a local or a traveler looking to immerse yourself in authentic Andalusian culture, this is the week when Marbella truly comes alive.
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History
The Feria commemorates June 11, 1485, when the Catholic Monarchs peacefully took the city during the Reconquista. San Bernabé (Saint Barnabas) was declared Marbella’s patron saint, and the town has celebrated his feast ever since.
Originally a livestock fair in the 19th century, the event has evolved into a vibrant festival full of flamenco, horses, parades, religious devotion, and nightlife that carries on until sunrise.
Highlights of the week
The celebrations begin on Sunday, June 8th, with the Romería, a traditional pilgrimage where locals in folk dress walk to the Hermitage of San Bernabé in Nagüeles Park. There, they enjoy music, churros, hot chocolate, dancing, and a shared paella in a joyful, outdoor setting.
The fair officially opens on Monday evening with a festive speech, the coronation of the festival queens, and fireworks over Marbella’s harbor. Casetas, or decorated tents, come alive at the fairgrounds near La Cañada with music, food, and dancing that lasts into the night.
On Tuesday, the Feria de Día kicks off in the city center, filling streets like Alameda Park and Avenida del Mar with flamenco music, Sevillanas dancing, and crowds sipping rebujito while hopping between casetas.
June 11th marks the feast of San Bernabé, the feria’s spiritual core. A solemn mass, a citywide procession, and a historical reenactment of the 1485 conquest honor Marbella’s heritage.
The fair also includes family-friendly events, with Thursday dedicated to children and a sensory-friendly “quiet hour” on Friday.
Saturday features one of the most cherished traditions: a symbolic reenactment of the Christian entry into Marbella, with parades and medieval street performances. Festivities continue well into the night.
The week concludes on Sunday with a fun-filled water party and a grand closing concert by El Arrebato, wrapping up the feria with music, joy, and community spirit.
Whether you’re drawn by the flamenco, the food, the history, or simply the infectious joy in the air, the Feria de San Bernabé is a celebration that captures the very soul of Marbella. It’s a time when tradition and festivity come together, inviting everyone—locals and visitors alike—to dance, connect, and experience the heart of Andalusia.
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