MARBELLA is set to burst into colour and celebration next week as the annual San Bernabé Fair gets under way from Monday 9 to Sunday 15 June, promising a packed programme of music, tradition, and entertainment.
The festivities officially begin on Monday evening at 10pm with the traditional pregón – a ceremonial opening speech, part lecture and part blessing, delivered this year by beloved local figure Carmen Pastore Domínguez, affectionately known as “Pichu”. A long-serving member of Marbella’s Festivities Department, she is a familiar and cherished presence in the town.
Following the opening address, the Feria’s Beauty Kings and Queens will be crowned, before a fireworks display lights up the sky over Playa del Faro.
On Tuesday 10 June, festivities continue with a midday civic celebration, featuring the hoisting of the Marbella Banner on the City Hall balcony and a parade of the town’s iconic “Giants and Bigheads” through the Old Town. Earlier in the morning, a review of the feria’s security forces will take place in Church Square.
In the afternoon, flamenco fans can look forward to a lively “dance-off” outside Calzados Millán on Avenida Dr. Maiz Viñals, with several local academies competing for top honours. At 5pm, María Lozano will perform traditional coplas live on Radiotelevisión Marbella, accompanied by pianist José Riveros.
Wednesday sees a 10am religious procession, culminating in the awarding of civic medals. Marbella’s Cavalry Squadron will also stage a ceremonial parade. Bars along Paseo de la Alameda and Avenida del Mar will be open from 1pm to 9pm, offering a mix of live music, flamenco workshops and festive activities. Radiotelevisión Marbella will be broadcasting live from Plaza de los Naranjos throughout the day.
Thursday 12 June is Children’s Day, with reduced prices on fairground rides. Festivities continue across the city, and music lovers can enjoy an evening themed around the ‘80s and ‘90s, with performances by Los Calvin and Alejados at the dam park stage, near the Antonio Gil “El Nejo” Temple.
Friday 13 June features a special Rumba-Bolero performance at 5pm by Conchi y José Antonio.
Later that evening, the Youthspace stage will host an energetic line-up of DJs, including ENZOBV, CHAVER, DEMO, and headliner DJ José de las Heras.
On Saturday 14 June, history comes to life at 11am with the 6th reenactment of King Ferdinand the Catholic’s entry into Marbella in 1485. The parade begins at the intersection of calles Salinas and Trinidad and proceeds through Church Square and Plaza de los Naranjos.
At 7:30pm, the Marbella bullring hosts a classic feria bullfight, featuring top matadors José María Manzanares, Alejandro Talavante, and Saúl Jiménez Fortes.
The feria concludes on Sunday 15 June with a Children’s Water Festival at the Arroyo Primero sports grounds, offering inflatable attractions and entertainment for younger visitors.
The celebrations draw to a close with a concert by pop star El Arrebato at 8pm on Avenida Ramón y Cajal, adjacent to Paseo de la Alameda – a fitting finale in honour of Marbella’s Patron Saint.
New study reveals surprising results about bedroom habits across the region – but which lesser-known province takes the crown?
WHILE everyone might be rushing to live in Malaga or Cadiz, if you want to be active in the sack then perhaps you should look to one of Andalucia’s lesser-heralded provinces.
Jaen has just been crowned the most sexually active in Andalucia, according to a new national study.
The research, carried out by sexual health experts Diversual in April 2025, has revealed some rather eye-opening statistics about Spain’s bedroom habits.
And the results show that Jaen residents are getting frisky an impressive 8.06 days per month on average – making it not only Andalucia’s randiest province, but the second most active in the entire country.
Only Teruel managed to pip Jaen to the post, with residents there managing 8.10 days of passion per month.
The comprehensive study, based on responses from 4,794 people aged between 18 and over 60, was designed by attractively job-titled sexologists Lucía Jiménez and Bárbara Montes from the Diversual team to analyse multiple aspects of Spanish sexual behaviour.
But it’s not just Jaen flying the flag for Andalucia.
The region as a whole is clearly keeping busy between the sheets, with six out of eight provinces scoring well above the national average of 6.3 days per month.
After Jaen’s impressive showing, Malaga comes in second place within Andalucia with 7.11 days monthly, followed closely by Granada at 7.07 days.
Almería and Cadiz are tied at 7.06 days each, whilst Huelva records a respectable 6.84 days per month.
Sevilla, perhaps surprisingly given its size and nightlife reputation, sits at 6.56 days monthly.
Meanwhile, Cordoba brings up the rear as Andalucia’s least amorous province, with just 5.30 days per month – the only Andalucian province to fall below the national average.
At a national level, the top five most sexually active provinces are Teruel, Jaen, Caceres (8.01 days), Ciudad Real (7.88 days), and Avila (7.79 days).
Poor old Girona languishes at the bottom of the table with just five days of activity per month.
So whether you’re a long-term Andalucian resident or considering a move to Spain’s steamiest region, it seems the south is definitely where the action is. Just remember – it’s not a competition… or is it?
A NEW luxury residential project, El Prado, is set to transform a previously condemned building site in the heart of Sevilla, promising to generate over €50 million in business for developer ABU Group. The development will feature 53 new homes.
Located between the streets of Diego de Riano and Virgen de la Sierra, the project occupies the site of a 1955 building that was demolished at the end of 2023 due to severe structural problems.
The block had been declared uninhabitable, leading to the eviction of its residents.
ABU Group engaged in two years of negotiations with the former owners of the site. An agreement was reached whereby the 25 families who previously resided in the condemned building ceded the land rights in exchange for new, custom-built homes provided by the developer.
The optimised design of ‘El Prado’ will now accommodate an additional 28 homes beyond those allocated to the former residents. These units will range from one to five bedrooms, each featuring large terraces, living rooms, kitchens, and master bedrooms.
ANDALUCIA comes alive in June for the celebrations of Corpus Christi and a host of other exciting festivals.
While the cities of Sevilla and Granada offer particularly spectacular and deeply rooted Corpus Christi experiences, towns throughout Andalucia have their own festivities. In fact, the region offers a diverse calendar of events throughout the month, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in its unique cultural tapestry.
Sevilla: A City Transformed by Faith and Fragrance
In Sevilla, Corpus Christi is more than just a feast; it’s one of the most significant days of the year, deeply embedded in the city’s identity. This major annual event, held 10 days after Pentecost Sunday, traces its origins back to the Middle Ages.
Instituted by Pope Urban IV in 1264 and later confirmed by Pope Clement V in 1311, the ‘Feast of the Body of God’ was established to counter Eucharistic heresies, with Pope Clement V further mandating a solemn procession to carry the Blessed Sacrament.
Corpus de Sevilla Plaza de San Francisco Foto Pepe Lucas
On this special day, Sevilla’s city centre undergoes a breathtaking transformation. Locals meticulously adorn their streets, balconies, and shop windows with elaborate decorations, creating a festive atmosphere.
Along the routes where the magnificent Monstrance will pass, altars are beautifully set up, and the air becomes fragrant with the scent of fresh rosemary branches scattered generously across the streets.
The Sevillian Corpus Christi kicks off with a solemn mass held in the city’s grand Cathedral on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
Following the service, the grand procession begins its journey through the San Miguel door. A truly unique and enchanting part of this spectacle is the presence of the ‘Seises’.
This group of young boys, whose dancing tradition dates back to the 15th century, accompany the Monstrance, performing their ritualistic dances dressed in traditional red and wearing hats. Throughout the entire procession, the bells of the iconic Giralda tower chime with distinct peals, adding to the majestic ambiance.
The procession itself is a grand spectacle, comprised of various floats, monstrances, and a diverse array of religious institutions, brotherhoods, as well as civil and military representatives, all moving in solemn unity.
The celebration doesn’t end with the main procession. On the Sunday following the main Corpus Christi, Sevilla continues the festivities by hosting two smaller yet significant processions: the Corpus Chico de Triana and the Corpus de la Magdalena, offering further opportunities to experience this cherished tradition.
Granada: A Centuries-Old Fair and Whimsical Parade
Corpus Christi in Granada stands as one of Spain’s most ancient festivals, directly established by the Catholic Monarchs after their historic conquest of the city.
Here, the religious observance blossoms into a full-fledged Feria (fair) that captures the entire city’s imagination.
Kicking off the Saturday before Corpus Christi Thursday (June 19 this year) and concluding the following Saturday, the entire city seemingly relocates to a dedicated fairground on the outskirts. This vibrant hub boasts an array of ‘casetas (private marquees), each a lively gathering spot, alongside diverse attractions, creating the perfect place to eat, drink, dance, and enjoy a fantastic time amidst cheerful crowds.
The excitement builds on the eve of the main Corpus Christi day with the arrival of the whimsical parade of ‘La Tarasca’.
This unique spectacle, particularly popular with children and young people, features a female mannequin, stylishly dressed in the latest summer fashion, mounted atop a legendary dragon. She’s playfully escorted by an entourage of ‘gigantes y cabezudos, (giants and big-heads), adding a satirical and lighthearted touch to the festivities, serving as the perfect appetiser for the main event.
Thursday is the grand day in Granada, with the focus on its traditional and unique civic-religious procession.
Setting off from the Cathedral of Granada after a solemn morning mass, this grand procession includes a colorful retinue of horses, marching bands, and folkloric groups performing traditional songs and dances.
The entire route is a sensory delight, unfolding beneath temporary awnings that provide shade, and over a soft, fragrant carpet of fresh grass, rosemary, and other aromatic plants, enriching the experience for all participants and spectators.
Beyond the religious processions, don’t miss the chance to visit the ‘Carocas’ in Plaza Bib-Rambla. Here, you’ll find witty satirical drawings accompanied by five-line verses, cleverly poking fun at the year’s main events and offering a humorous reflection on current affairs.
Back at the fairground, the energy never wanes. Mornings feature captivating parades of horses and elaborate floats, while afternoons are dedicated to the thrilling fairground rides.
As night falls, the casetas come alive with a spirited and festive atmosphere, ensuring the celebration continues well into the late hours, blending ancient tradition with modern merriment.
Corpus Christi Across Andalucia: Beyond the Grand Capitals
Corpus Christi Cádiz Foto Javier Reina
While Sevilla and Granada are perhaps the most famous, Corpus Christi is celebrated with fervour throughout Andalucia, often featuring the distinctive flower carpets that are a hallmark of the festival.
Benalmádena Pueblo (Málaga Province): This charming white village on the Costa del Sol is renowned for its spectacular flower carpets that transform the streets around Plaza de España into a vibrant work of art. The intricate designs created from colored petals and greenery are a must-see.
Zahara de la Sierra (Cádiz Province): This picturesque white village, nestled in the Sierra de Grazalema, holds a particularly celebrated Corpus Christi, known for its deep-rooted traditions and impressive floral decorations.
Córdoba: While not as famous for its Corpus Christi as for its Patio Festival in May, Córdoba also holds significant celebrations with solemn processions.
Salteras (Sevilla Province): Uniquely, Salteras holds its Corpus Christi fair and festivities in August, a special ecclesiastical privilege due to its agricultural past. This provides a fascinating alternative for those visiting later in the summer.
Other Unforgettable June Events in Andalucia
Beyond the solemnity and vibrant joy of Corpus Christi, June in Andalusia bursts with a variety of other cultural and traditional events:
Granada International Music and Dance Festival: Kicking off mid-June and often running into July, this world-renowned festival transforms Granada into a stage for world-class performances. Imagine listening to a string quartet in the Generalife gardens or watching flamenco dancers under the stars at the Alhambra – a truly unforgettable cultural experience.
Noche de San Juan (Night of San Juan – June 23rd): As midsummer arrives, beaches across Andalusia come alive on the night of June 23rd for San Juan. Bonfires blaze, fireworks light up the sky, and music fills the air as locals and visitors alike gather to jump over flames, make wishes, and send old worries up in smoke. From Almería to Huelva, it’s a magical night where ancient rituals meet modern revelry.
Feria de San Bernabé (Marbella, Málaga): Usually held in the second week of June, this fair honors Marbella’s patron saint, St. Bernard. It includes traditional festivities, a Feria King and Queen contest, and an inauguration with fireworks.
Cherry Festival (Alfarnate, Málaga): Typically held on the third Saturday of June, this delightful festival celebrates the cherry-picking season in the charming hilltown of Alfarnate in the Axarquía region.
Whether you choose to immerse yourself in the solemn beauty and traditional processions of Corpus Christi, dance the night away at a local feria, or witness the fiery magic of San Juan, June in Andalucia promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Spanish culture and tradition.