Marbella Festival Calendar
Marbella is a melting pot of traditional Spain and other cultures imported by the expat communities across the Costa del Sol. In fact, Andalucía enjoys 14 bank holidays a year, inclusive of national, regional and municipal holidays, owing mainly to the religious calendar and other constitutional celebrations.
As such, Marbella’s annual events schedule is jam-packed. If you find yourself visiting Marbella at any time of year, there is a large chance of stumbling across a religious procession, a carnival parade or fiesta.
We’ve summarised the highlights.
January 5-6: La Dia de los Tres Reyes (Three Kings Day)
Kicking of fthe year, Three Kings Day is one of Spain’s most anticipated holidays, and it is celebrated as Christmas Day is elsewhere in the world. It marks the arrival of the Three Kings to worship and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Spanish children write letters to the Kings detailing their present wish lists, much like ‘Santa Claus’.
On the eve of the 5th, towns host a spectacular parade with each King mounted on large chariots, throwing sweets to the children waiting eagerly below. Don’t forget to try ‘el Roscon de Reyes’, which is a round sweet cake decorated with candied fruit. According to tradition, surprises such as porcelain figures are placed inside the cake, with the one who finds them blessed with good luck for the year.
La Dia de Los Tres Reyes: Kings Day is celebrated in the first week of January. Credit: Malaga Turismo
February: Semana Blanca & Dia del Andalucía
Semana Blanca or ‘White week’ marks a week long school holiday for children in Malaga provinces. As it falls in winter, it is the perfect opportunity for Spanish families and school trips to head up to the Sierra Nevada mountain range for a ski holiday. Sierra Nevada is located near Granada, a rough 2.5 hour drive from Marbella. During this period, several tour or hotels operate warm coach transfers to and from Marbella.
This week almost always coincides with Dia del Andalucía (Andalusia Day) February 28th. This holiday is celebrated to commemorate the referendum which made Andalucía an autonomous community within Spain in 1980. Look out for the green and white Andalusian flag, and take note that most businesses will be closed on this day, allowing families to celebrate privately.
Skiers hit the slopes of Sierra Nevada during Semana Blanca.
March & April: Semana Santa
If you want to witness Spain’s fervent religious traditions, there is no time better than Semana Santa, which translates as Holy Week. Like Easter, it marks the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Across Sevilla, Malaga and Marbella, you can expect lavish religious fanfare from Palm Sunday to Easter Saturday. Exceptionally detailed “tronos”, which are thrones or floats often depicting a crying Virgin Mary or crucified Jesus are carried masterfully on the shoulders of ‘costaleros’ (local religious men) from churches throughout the streets and back. The processions take several hours and are solemn affairs, with live marching bands and hundreds of members of the religious community.
While this festival is not for everyone, it is a wonderful time to experience the religious side of Spanish culture, if not for once in one’s life.
A procession leaves the church at Plaza Santo Cristo during Semana Santa.
June: La Feria de San Bernabe
The Marbella Fair or ‘Feria de San Bernabe’ takes place for a week in June to honor the patron Saint of the city, San Barnabe. Though does include a procession and mass, the main draw of this week is the festivities and parties. A large scale fairground is built for the week, normally at the foot of La Canada shopping mall, with all the classic funfair rides, game stalls and food stands. The Town Hall decorates the streets with flags and garlands, and hosts special events for local children, and performances showcasing the many local dance academies. The final day sees a large free concert by a popular local artist in the town centre.
During this week, look out for all the women in traditional Andalucían dress, including colourful accessories and classic dancing shoes.
Women in traditional Andalucían dress dance in the streets at the Feria.
23rd July: La Noche de San Juan
Shortly following the festivities of the Feria comes La Noche de San Juan, marking the summer solstice and the longest day of the year. It’s a magical evening, stemming from a mix of pagan and Christian tradition. Bonfires are lit along Marbella’s beaches and large rag dolls or ‘Juas’ are erected on top. They are burned to represent a purification of bad spirits. Other traditions include fire jumping and running into the ocean at midnight.
In Marbella, the biggest local party is held on the Playa del Cable, but chiringuitos and restaurants throughout Marbella hold special events to mark the occasion. Expect fireworks, bonfires and fire-dancers. Check out our picks of the top places to celebrate San Juan in Marbella.
A bonfire burning at Levante Beach in Puerto Banus to celebrate San Juan. Credit: X Magazine.
July and August: Starlite Festival
The Starlite Festival is a music and cultural festival lasting a month in Marbella. In its short-history, it has quickly become one of the highlights of Marbella’s entertainment and social calendar. It takes place inside the outdoor quarry of Nagüeles, and offers attendees the opportunity to see world renowned artists in a more intimate setting. This year sees the likes of Christina Aguilera, Jason Derulo and Diana Ross hit the Starlite stage.
The impressive location of Marbella’s Starlite festival. Credit: Starlite
El dia Navidad & Año Nuevo
Though you won’t expect snow for Christmas in Marbella, the city is more charming than ever at this time of year. The town is decorated throughout with delicate Christmas lights and nativity scenes. If you’re staying a while, it is worth heading to Malaga to watch the annual switch-on of their famous Christmas lights, some of the best in Spain. In Marbella, Papa Noel (Santa Claus) arrives by boat at the Puerto Deportivo on the evening of the 25th.
Marbella’s Casco Antiguo is lit up with Christmas lights.
New Years Eve in Marbella is celebrated with fireworks, parties and music, much like in other parts of the world. If you want to indulge in a Spanish tradition, make sure you eat 12 grapes when the clock strikes midnight.
————
Have you experienced any of the yearly festivities that Marbella has to offer? Whatever time of year you’re visiting, come visit the team at Jet Marbella in Puerto Banus for all your private jet needs.
Contact the team at Jet Marbella on +34 951 12 71 31 or drop us a DM on Instagram @jetmarbella_