20 Countries in one afternoon

Summer is finally upon us here in Spain and to celebrate the traditional Summer Ferias’ have now started across the country.

This past weekend in Fuengirola saw the popular International Feria, one of the first Ferias’ to kick off in the Costa del Sol. Even though I have lived in Spain for 12 years (on and off) I have not been to this Feria before. So on Bank Holiday Monday, myself and my friend/colleague Jess and her partner Shane headed to the Feria.

I am more used to the small town Feria, especially after living in a village in the mountains for so long, so was slightly apprehensive as I am not too good with large crowds. I need not of worried as the Feria ground in Fuengirola is huge and although it was packed to the rafters, it was such a great experience, that I will be going again next year.

There was something for everyone, market stalls, fairground rides and then the favourite past time of most Spaniards, wall to wall food and drink.

This particular Feria is a celebration of all countries, hence the International bit in the name. With small casitas with a variety of food, drink and entertainment from the region of the world it represented. It lasted for 4 days going from midday until midnight and beyond, we chose the last day to go and I think this may have been the best. It was also May Day bank holiday in Spain so everyone was in high spirits and enjoying the beautiful hot sun.

It was a blast, kicking off with France, we started on the beer and watched a bit of traditional ‘cancan’ dancing. Then we headed over to Australia, was tempted by the Argentinians with their massive BBQ. Popped to Hawaii for a cocktail, had a burger and a Budweiser in the USA and cut a rug (had a dance) in good old Blighty. Had cake in Finland and the last beer in Belgium (rude not to as it was on the way out). I did go to each casita to see what they had to offer but unfortunately, as much as one may try, there was no way I could have completed a full world tour of a drink in each country.

French Cancan dancing

For our Aussie Colleagues

Cocktail from Hawaii

The meat feast BBQ from Argentina

Traditional live music band and dancing in Great Britain

It was such a great day with so much going on and lots to enjoy. Their main Feria (this was just a taster) is actually one of the last in the region and will be in September. It will be completely different to the International Feria, but will still be full of live music, drink, food and good fun entertainment.

Feria is a big part of Spanish culture and the Spanish really do now how to enjoy themselves, if you have never experienced a Feria, I highly recommend to do so. They have day and night Feria, the night time will go on until the early hours and most towns pull out the stops and bring in famous Spanish music artists to come and play live. It is normally a big thing to see which town will get the biggest artist.

Feria in my local village in Tolox

My niece Sophia ready to experience her first Feria a few years back

Malaga has it’s main Feria in August which runs for a full week. This year Malaga Feria starts 13th until 20th August. So if you are lucky enough to be on one of the following ships docked in Malaga for a day, why not head to the Feria for a few hours and experience something different to the norm.

P&O Oriana – docks into Malaga 15th August

Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas – docks into Malaga 17th August

Tui Discovery – docks into Malaga 18th August

Dawn

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