Fuengirola Feria del Rosario
Well the Feria de Fuengirola has been running this week. It started on the 6th and runs until tomorrow the 12th. And as tradition would have it, after a scorching summer it has rained again during the week long festivities (although it has stopped people from enjoying themselves!).
Now why am I even mentioning this Feria, you might be wondering.
Well to put it simply, it’s by far the most popular Feria in the province of Malaga, and rightly so with carnival rides, smart horsemen with women in flamenco dresses behind, lots of food/drink stands and a great ambiance for the whole family.
During the day you can hear music blaring out of many bars, especially around Plaza del Constitucion where bars, restaurants and cafes trying to outdo each other with colourful displays and lots of live music.
What I love about this Feria especially is that it seems to be a town-wide party and where ever you go you will find people celebrating. With whole families in costumes, and even the children in custom, this is just adorable.
As even approaches it worth migrating towards the aptly named Feria grounds right by Los Boliches. Here you senses will be assault by the loud music, the aroma of food and the lights of the fair ground. In the good old days I would go there with my friends at around 11 and stagger home around 5 or 6 in the morning. Few fairs compare to the one of Fuengirola, only the largest travelling fairs in Europe can compete with the range of rides and activities that are available here. It’s probably worth waiting till after the rides before trying out the some of the wonderful food on offer. Some of the rides seem specifically designed to teach you this lesson and I’ve seem many a women go home with a shoe missing.
Along the main boulevard of the Feria del Rosario there are lots of food and confectionary stalls, selling fruit rock, candy floss, nougat, traditional sweets and a more types of coated nuts and chocolates than you would think possible. Further along, cafés, bars and restaurants fight for you attention and offer everything from hot dogs, to burgers, to jacket potatoes and even roast squid (calamares, delicious!). And of course vast amounts of wine and beer in plastic cups to take with you on your paseo.
For my younger readers I’d recommend travelling all the way to the end of the Feria grounds where you’ll find the casetas that offer everything from Flamenco and pop music to anarchist themed heavy metal or Ska and of course techno. This can be enjoyed while drinking whatever you want from half-litre cups.
Warning, if you intend to come to visit the fair by car, go into the first parking you find and walk the rest of the way. There are plenty of underground parking areas at only a short walking distance (max 1km).
I don’t think I’ll have the chance to make it this year, so if anyone goes leave a comment and tell us about it!
Regards
Andrew Bellés
