Although the Fuengirola Fair, in honour of its patron saint, Our Lady of the Rosary (Nuestra Señora del Rosario), is one of the most popular festivals among locals in this town on the Costa del Sol, the coastal town also features other important dates in its calendar. These include the People’s Fair (Feria de los Pueblos) and the Festival of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Fiestas de la virgen del carmen), patron saint of fishermen.
To enjoy some of the best festivals in Fuengirola with friends, the best idea is hire a 7 seater car in Malaga so you can travel as a group to enjoy one of the unique experiences offered by the festival programme of these celebrations.
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Fuengirola Fair (Feria de Fuengirola) and the Festival of the Rosary
If there is one iconic celebration in the calendar of popular festivals in Fuengirola, it is undoubtedly the Fair in honour of Our Lady of the Crowned Rosary (Nuestra Señora del Rosario Coronada). This is widely acknowledged to be one of the best fairs in Andalusia and celebrations take place over one week, from 6th to 12th October. The fair includes a series of events and activities, including processions, concerts, fireworks and attractions for children.
The figure of the horse is prominent in the festival of the Rosary, as are the flamenco dresses worn by local women as the typical outfit for this celebration. The Fuengirola Fair is a chance to enjoy a few days filled with music and fiesta, both with family and friends, with activities for all ages.
Main activities of the Fuengirola Fair
During the week, the town’s streets are decked out to host an extensive programme of activities focussed on everyone’s enjoyment, although the most iconic activities of the Fuengirola Fair are definitely the ones mentioned below:
Rosary Pilgrimage (Romería del Rosario)
It takes place the week before the start of the Fuengirola Fair. The main activity is the Pilgrim’s Mass (Misa de los Romeros), which is held at the Nuestra Señora del Rosario Coronada Church, situated in Plaza de la Constitución. Once the mass is over, the image of Our Lady of the Rosary (Nuestra Señora del Rosario) is placed on a cart pulled by oxen and taken on a procession to El Esparragal Park, in the neighbouring town of Mijas. Those attending will be able to use the free buses to reach the park and, once there, enjoy a day of harmony with food, drinks and musical performances.
Proclamation (Pregón)
Before switching on the lights to the Fair Grounds (Recinto Ferial) of typical fairs in Andalusia such as the Ronda Fair (Feria de Ronda) or Malaga Fair (Feria de Malaga), the proclamation (pregón) takes place. This marks the start of the festivities and is usually done by a famous figure from Fuengirola.
Concerts
At the Fuengirola Fair, visitors and locals will be able to enjoy an extensive offer of concerts at affordable prices with artists from the national music scene of different musical styles. These concerts are usually held at Palacio de la Paz and the entry price is usually between 10-15 euros.
Flamenco Festival
This festival in honour of flamenco music and tradition brings together great voices, musicians, ‘palmeros’ (those who clap to the music in flamenco performances) and dancers from the national and regional stage. It takes place at Palacio de la Paz and the entry price is between 5-10 euros.
Day of the child (Día del niño)
Without a doubt, the most anticipated day for little ones. On this day, the fair attractions sell their tickets at a reduced price and there are free performances for the whole family.
Information of interest about the Fuengirola Fair
- Date: The dates revolve around the saint’s day of Our Lady of the Rosary (Virgen del Rosario), which takes place on 7th October, with the celebrations lasting for a week.
- Place: During the day, the Fair takes place in the town centre, while at nightfall, it moves to the Fair Ground (Recinto Ferial).
- Time: The activities that make up its programme begin at 10am and last throughout the day, finishing with the celebration in the Fair Ground which is open until the early hours.
- How to get to the Fair Ground (Recinto Ferial)?: The town hall offers people a bus service that links the town centre with the Fair Ground at nightfall and it continues until early morning.
- Where to eat?: Both in the town centre and in the fair ground, there are public marquees (casetas) where you can enjoy some of the best tapas from Fuengirola, although the local restaurants offer an enhanced service to be able to cope with demand and serve everyone attending this event.
The People’s Fair (Feria de los Pueblos)
The International People’s Fair (Feria Internacional de los Pueblos) is a major cultural event and festival that takes place at the end of April. Over several days, it offers a mix of culture and tradition from more than 30 countries through its gastronomy, art and folklore. It has been renamed the International Countries’ Fair (Feria Internacional de los Países) and is a fantastic way of travelling the world in just five days, experiencing the cultural diversity which characterises the town.
In the Fair Ground (Recinto Ferial), visitors can find dozens of marquees (casetas) which represent the participating countries and regions, offering the opportunity to try the traditional culinary offer of each area. In addition, there are also children’s attractions, an International Sample Trade Fair (Feria Internacional de Muestras), outdoor exhibitions and live dance and music performances which represent the popular customs of the participating countries, making this a unique cultural event.
Information of interest about the People’s Fair (Feria de los Pueblos)
- Date: The People’s Fair takes place at the end of April, coinciding with the last weekend and lasting until the beginning of May. The 2024 edition will take place from 1 to 5 May.
- Place: Fuengirola Fair Ground (Recinto Ferial)
- Time: The marquees are open to the public from 13:00 until 04:00.
- Price: Free entrance to all of the marquees
- Where to eat?: The different marquees of the fair are themed by country and offer typical cuisine from each country to suit all tastes.
Festival of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Fiestas de la virgen del carmen)
The Festival of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, popularly known as Los Boliches Fair (Feria de los Boliches) takes place in the Los Boliches neighbourhood of Fuengirola in July. It coincides with the day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the patron saint of fishermen.
16th July is when the main activities take place, including a mass at 12:00 in the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen y Santa Fe Church in Los Boliches and a procession with Our Lady of Mount Carmel which parades through the streets until it reaches Los Boliches Beach, where the fishermen take her image into the sea. As they sail with this religious image, there is an enormous firework display.
For the duration of the Los Boliches Fair, the Fair Ground (Recinto Ferial) is filled with marquees (casetas) with live music and dance performances, typical cuisine from the area and attractions for little ones, providing a cultural offer suitable for all ages.
Information of interest about the Los Boliches Fair
- Date: Los Boliches Fair, in honour of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Virgen del Carmen) is held between 13th and 17th July, with the 16th being the main day of this celebration.
- Place: Fuengirola Fair Ground (Recinto Ferial) and Los Boliches Beach.
- Time: Most of the performances take place at nightfall.
- Where to eat?: Those attending the fair will be able to eat in the marquees or in some of the most popular restaurants for eating in Fuengirola, enjoying its exquisite gastronomy.
Points of interest of Fuengirola’s Fairs
The map below signposts some of the points of interest in which the different fairs of Fuengirola take place, with the main setting being the Fair Ground (Recinto Ferial). However, other important places are signposted such as Los Boliches Beach, the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen y Santa Fe church or the church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario Coronada.
