San Pedro de Alcantara Annual Feria

If you’re familiar with the life on the Costa del Sol you’ll know that the locals like nothing better than a party. Just when you thought the fun was over for the summer, along comes yet another one, this time it is the annual feria of San Pedro De Alcantara.

So what’s it all about? Spain is a deeply religious country and every town and city has its own patron saint which is faithfully celebrated on a specific date each year.  San Pedro de Alcantara is a charming beachside town (10 minutes to the west of Marbella) and is named after nobleman Pedro Garavito who entered the Franciscan order at Alcántara in 1515 and became a priest in 1524. He went on to found several convents that were noted for their isolation and lack of comfort.

The feria which is a celebration of his life and good works will kick off on Wednesday the 14^th of October and will continue right the way through until Monday, 19^th of October. Festivities will include the usual colourful mix of music, dancing, plenty of noise, food, drinks, outdoor performances and fireworks. Of course no feria would be complete without the traditional parade through the streets accompanied by a brass band and exquisite traditional costumes.

Location of the festival

San Pedro de Alcantara is famous for throwing a good party that will bring the whole town alive in a sea of colour, light and sounds.  During the daytime most of the activities will be held in the town centre but at night, the entertainment will be located on the purpose build feria ground ‘recinto ferial’ just outside the town. There will be the traditional tents ‘casetas’ offering dancing, entertainment, parties, drinks and food.  The celebrations will start at the Plaza de la Iglesia on Wednesday at 19.00 and the official opening firework display will take place at 22.00.

Who should attend the feria?

San Pedro de Alcantara Feria is a huge event which will appeal to everyone. There’s something for every age group, including games and activities for the kids, children and adults dancing, music or simply just a chance to experience the event whilst passing through.  Here’s the line-up for this year’s San Pedro de Alcantara Feria:

14^th October 2015 – Wednesday

• 19:00: The festival will begin with the Parade of Giants (Pasacalles de Gigantes y Cabezudos) starting at the Plaza de la Iglesia and then Avda. Marqués del Duero, C/ Jerez, C/ Lagasca, C/ Revilla, Avda. Oriental, C/ Pepe Osorio, C/ Córdoba, Avda. Marqués del Duero, finishing at the Plaza de la Iglesia.
• 22:00: A firework display at Playa de la Salida will mark the official opening of the celebrations.

15^th October 2015 – Thursday

• 12:00: The event kicks off.
• 13:00: Opens at the Gateway Arch.
• 17:00: Gran Fiesta at the Municipal Caseta for children (workshops, balloon twisting, bouncy castles and much more)
• 22:30: Music and dance from local artists. No admission fee – open to everyone.

16^th October 2015 – Friday

• 12:00: The event kicks off.
• 13:00: ‘Casetas’ open up for the kids and adults.
• 17:00: Grand Parade. Route:  C / San Javier, C / Eduardo Evangelista, Avda. The Constitution, C / Jerez, C / Lagasca, C / Revilla, C / October 19, C / Hernán Cortés, Avda. Marqués del Duero, Avda. Mediterráneo and front entrance to the fairgrounds.
• 22:00: Dance to the orchestra in the Municipal Caseta.
• 22:30: Concert by “Celtic Short” in the Municipal Caseta.

17^th October 2015 – Saturday 

• 12:00: The activities kick off.
• 13:00: “My Home” Caseta will be set up for older adults for dancing and various other entertainment activities.
• 22:30: Concert in the Municipal caseta by Rosario. 

18^th October 2015 – Sunday

• 12:00: The event kicks off.
• 13:00 – 22.30: The same activities available as on Monday 16^th October.
• 22:30: Concert by “the Canjio de Jerez” – the famous vocalist, guitarist, and music composer from the flamenco rock band “The Offenders”.

19^th October 2015 – Monday

• 9:00 – 11.00: Mass in the parish Church of San Pedro de Alcantara to honour the patron saint.
• 12:30: The procession of Our Patron Saint following this route: oute:  Church Square, C / Revilla, C / Lagasca, C / Pozo, C / Hernán Cortés, C / October 19, Avda. Oriental, C / Pizarro, C / Nueva, C / Marqués del Duero Plaza Church.
• 13:00: Casetas open up for adults and children.
• 22.00: The festival ends with a dance in the Municipal Caseta.

The full programme of events can be viewed by visiting this website https://www.marbellafamilyfun.com/San-Pedro-Feria.html and for more information about St. Peter of Alcantara (English) https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Peter-of-Alcantara

If you would like any information about lifestyle or property for sale in Marbella and the Costa del Sol contact info@bromleyestatesmarbella.com.