There is always something to do in Marbella, and there are plenty of options to enjoy life. People who live here like to celebrate, it doesn’t matter what: Spanish Semana Santa, Irish St Patrick’ Day, American Thanksgiving Day, Swedish Midsommar, good weather, birthdays, wedding anniversaries, even divorces. It seems like Marbella has been created to live in joy and we know how to party in style. Those who have visited our ferias are aware that all Marbella residents are the best ambassadors of fascinating festivities.
No wonder that La Feria de San Bernabé, an annual festival observed in June in honour to Marbella’s patron saint, becomes the time when our town comes to full festive mood. The fiesta has a long history that goes with the life of Saint Bernabé, born as a Cypriot Jew named Joseph, a man of kindness and courage.
An exciting atmosphere takes over the colourful streets on these days and locals as well as tourists and visitors, can enjoy true spirit of Andalusian traditional fiestas: numerous activities for adults and kids, mass processions Romeria (pilgrimage), fireworks, shows, events, performances of all kinds, and of course, the trademark ‘casetas’ set up just for the fair. San Bernabé Day coincide with Carmen Day which commemorates the Reconquest of Marbella by the Catholic Monarchy in 1485. This is so much Marbella! Why celebrate one big day if we can double fun? Well, who speaks about a day? During the week-long affair of celebration and merrymaking (normally, June 8th – 14th) “Day fair” takes over the old part of Marbella and “Night fair” is held near La Cañada (Féria de noche… sounds so romantic!).
(Main entrance of Feria de Marbella)
Usually, each type of event requires its particular ‘protocol’. There are no limits at San Bernabé Feria. You can wear whatever you like to feel comfortable. However, there is a perfect outfit for the fair – horse riders’ and Gitana dress, authentic flamenco fashion (hair slicked back, strategically placed flowers, fans, large ear rings, necklaces and bracelets, artfully applied makeup – a renowned image of Spanish beauty). Young and old proudly wear traditional dress, and both tourists and locals savour the picturesque charm of southern Spain. By the way, Andalusia is the cradle of quintessential Spain. Think flamenco, bullfighting and dancing horses, Spain’s first constitution, passionate and radiant Velázquez, Murillo, Lorca, Picasso, Paco de Lucia, Antonio Banderas. Gazpacho, tapas culture and Jerez (sherry) were also born here.
Speaking of…The most popular drink at feria is Cartojal, sweet Malaga wine that always ends up in the suitcase of the tourists who try it. It is served cool and you want to drink it again and again. Well, let’s blame the heat! You can also cool down with a glass of beer, world-loved sangria, manzanilla, and try a traditional drink ‘rebujito’, made with fino sherry and ‘7 Up’. All that singing and dancing makes you not only thirsty but also hungry, and Spanish omelette, fried fish and tapas (naturally, washed down with a refreshing drink) are as popular as churros with hot chocolate when the sun disappears into the sea.
San Bernabé Feria 2020 is suspended due to the coronavirus crisis, as it was done in April with Easter celebration. This year’s suspension is the first one in 80 years. Last time it was cancelled in 1940, during the Spanish Civil War.
(Typical decoration on the streets of Marbella)
Marbella City Council, mayor and Association of Brotherhoods has adopted this decision by consensus, but left the door open to organize “specific and punctual acts” on June 11th, the actual Day of the patron. Among the traditional acts of celebration was the Holy Mass in Encarnacion Church, the placement of the Banner of Marbella on the balcony of the Consistory and raising the flags of the European Union, Andalusia and Spain, accompanied by the hymns of each entity.
This year we are missing processions and fun on the streets, in bars and restaurants, parks and places where people usually enjoy performances by flamenco groups, artists, dance schools and simply enthusiasts. However, aficionados of the feria use social media to spread joy, choose the virtual King and Queen of the festivities in some neighbourhoods, visited (in masks) the statue of Saint Bernabé in the Alameda and gather in small groups for the occasion. To maintain a minimum essence of this year’s festivity, residents have been encouraged to hang out on social media platforms and share the best images of their celebrations during the previous ferias.
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