The Fuengirola “Feria” – Your Chance to Experience True Spanish Culture

Feria de Fuengirola

Poster for the Fuengirola Fair

This Wednesday sees the start of the Fuengirola Fair. Lasting a total of 7  days (from the 6th until the 12th October) the fair will be the perfect excuse to take in some traditional Spanish culture – and have some great fun whilst you’re at it –

The fair takes place in the “Recinto Ferial”(Fair Ground) which is situated in the centre of the town and has easy access either by bus or by train.

The Fuengirola fair has a something for everyone: a wide selection of rides for children and adults as well as the traditional “casetas” where you can enjoy a nice glass of wine and a tapa of “jamón Serrano” whilst you listen to typical flamenco music. If you are feeling in the spirit, you may even want to have a go at the “Sevillanas”, the typical dance for these occasions.

These are some of the highlights of the fair that might be interesting:

Saturday de 9th October

  • The Virgen del Rosario Equestrian Show in the main fair ground.
  • Top grade Bullfight with some of the best names; El Cordobés, Francisco Rivera and El Fandi
  • Evening Concert – Lolita (daughter of the famous Lola Flores)

Sunday 10th October

  • Bullfight on Horseback. (If you’ve never seen this before, this is really worth watching)

Monday 11th October

  • Children’s Party with Clowns, face painting and balloons.
  • Special Children’s evening with all fair rides at 50% of normal price (If you have kids, this will save you a fortune!)

If you’d like some more information or would like to buy tickets for the bullfights, just ask at our Leisure Desk and they be able to fill you in on all the details.

20.000 Candles Light Up the Luna Mora Festival

Thousands of Candles Light up the Street

For two weekends in September, the white village of Guaro becomes the centre of andalusi music and culture. Every year, this traditional village hosts one the most popular and entertaining festivals of the summer: The Festival of the Luna Mora.

The streets of the “Old Town” come to life with musicians, dancers and artists, allowing visitors to travel back in time (almost 5 centuries) and experience traditional Andalusi culture. (more…)

Family Fun Whilst on Holiday in Benalmadena: Top 3 Places to Visit with Kids!

Selwo Marina, Benalmadena

Selwo Marina

If you are planning on visiting Benalmadena for a family holiday, there are plenty of activities to keep you and the younger ones entertained. Most hotels have fantastic entertainment programs; however, if you are looking to get out a little and see some of the sights, the following 3 recommendations shouldn’t disappoint you especially if you have kids with you. (more…)

“It’s a Celebration” – Kool & the Gang Live in Concert in Marbella

Kool and the Gang Concert in Marbella

Kool & the Gang

Where? At the Puente Romano Tennis Club in Marbella

When? This Friday the 6th August; doors open at 8pm

The legendary 70’s Band known for their mix of R&B, Disco, Soul and Funky music will get the crowd moving with classic tracks like Celebration, Get Down on It, Ladies Night and Jungle Boogie.

You get the real deal at this concert as the band is made up of all the original members; they’ve been delighting their fans for over 40 years!

So what are you waiting for? Get down to one of the El Corte Inglés centres or online at www.ticketmaster.es and get your tickets before they sell out! Prices start at €30.

Get ready to Boogie the night away!

Oktoberfest, Costa del Sol Style!

Beer festival in fuengirola

Poster for the Festival

From the 22nd July to the 1st August, you can enjoy a slightly different experience during your holidays by visiting the Beer Festival in Fuengirola’s Sohail Castle.

The festival is in its 3rd year now and is basically the Costa del Sol’s version of the Oktoberfest! You’ll have the chance to sample a great selection of wheat beers and tuck in to some typical German dishes; sausages, roast pork, german burgers and sauerkraut, will all be on the menu. Children’s entertainment and live performances throughout the week also help to make this event a fun day out for the whole family.

Just a few stats to give you an idea of the popularity of the event: last year over 100,000 people made their way to the Sohail Castle for the event and managed to drink approximately 30,000 litres of beer!!!

If you would like to visit the festival, just head on down to Fuengirola as from Thursday the 22nd July. Doors – or should I say drawbridge, remember it is in a castle – open at 19:00hrs from Monday to Friday and at 12:00hrs on weekends. Access is free but I am afraid the beer isn’t!!!!

The “Virgen del Carmen” Procession in Los Boliches: Amazing!

Virgen del Carmen

The Virgen del Carmen being carried by the Fishermen in Los Boliches

On Friday evening, I decided to follow the advice I gave on my blog post about the Virgen del Carmen Celebrations and took my family to see the processions in Los Boliches, Fuengirola.

Unlike some of the other towns, the procession in Los Boliches is well known for starting late in the evening; it actually goes on until well after midnight. As we arrived early – well early by Spanish standards – we decided to stop off in one of the “chiringuitos” on the beach and enjoy a little “pescaito frito”; calamares, boquerones, prawns and a couple of cold beers!

We were now ready to go and see the “Stella Maris”. I have been to other “Virgen del Carmen” processions in other towns, but this was my first time in Los Boliches; I couldn’t believe the amount of people that turned up to the promenade to watch…. We are talking thousands! The procession started in the church and made its way down to the paseo maritimo (promenade) where thousands of families watched and cheered as the local fishermen carried the “Virgen” into the sea and onto one of the fishing boats that awaited. (more…)