The Festivals in Fuengirola, just like summer, begin with “Semana Santa” (Easter Week) which not only represents the best of traditional and religious celebrations like carriing the virgin on the shoulders, but also means the beginning of long days spent on the beach.
The people from Fuengirola start celebrating on Midsummer’s Eve (The Feast of St. John) the 24th of June. During the summer solstice the popular “juas” (figurines made of paper or rags) are burnt in representation of getting rid off everything bad in our lives.Mostly these celebrations are happing on the beach with also lots of sangria and grilled sardines.
Then in July, Fuengirola gives homage to the Virgin of Carmen, patron saint of sailors and all men of the sea. In accordance with tradition, the Virgin is carried by sailors and fishermen to their vessels and taken to sea and is later followed by a procession through Los Boliches, Fuengirola’s fishing quarter, where emotions overflow before this wonderfully impressive figure of the Virgin which is gently rocked by the waves caused by the movement and fervour of its bearers.
The town is a literal beehive of activity during the summer and it is not hard to find a band or puppet show on any street corner or alleyway. Even the younger generation has its very own festival, called the “La Noche Rosa” (The Pink Night), this music festival, which has been held for over a decade brings together many of the best national and international stars of modern music.Also after refurbishing the old castle lots of festivals are hold there like fiesta de Tapas.
Summer’s twilight month of August is just a preamble for the great October Festival (Feria). This Festival in honour of the Virgin of the Rosary is one of the most important in all of Andalusia, and Fuengirola takes great pride in the exceptional quality and fame of its many equestrian events and activities.
It is all the time of the great bullfighting tournaments, the carriage and harnessing exhibitions and the genuine Andalusian singing and dancing. Its also time where the nights have their own special splendour in the “casetas” (large booths or stalls) in the Fair Grounds, which are in fact an example to many other cities in Andalusia due for the quality of its year round installations where many of the local clubs and associations like to demonstrate their hospitality to both the native “Fuengiroleños” and all other visitors. Its a great time for having fun, meeting people and making friends. However, the star of the Feria del Rosario is without any doubt the horse. during this major festival, the beauty of the many horses and carriages makes the streets of Fuengirola the very best spectacle.
