Colors of Marbella - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Marbella hosts many interesting festivals and fairs, which always attract a large number of foreign visitors. Every year in June, the locals celebrate a magnificent feast dedicated to Saint Barnabas. For the first time, this holiday was held at the end of the 15th century, it is the true embodiment of national traditions. The festival program is designed for a week and is full of a variety of entertainment. The main part of entertainment programs takes place in the open air, there are arranged colourful fairs and music concerts on city streets and squares.

During the festival, many rides and carousels are installed, and special theatrical performances for children are held here. They are dedicated to important historical events in the region. During the festival, tourists will have the opportunity to try the most popular treats and drinks at the fairs, buy interesting souvenirs from local artisans, and try on beautiful historical costumes. One of the main events is street markets, where ordinary locals sell interesting antiques and their artworks. All those who love unusual souvenirs should definitely visit street markets.

In July, one of the largest music festivals in the region, Starlite Festival Marbella, is held here. It lasts for at least two weeks, the city is also equipped with special outdoor areas for a musical festival. The festival is attended by performers of various genres, from classical orchestras to pop and rock music. There are always fairs near the concert venues, so guests of the festival can combine musical entertainment with a tasting of popular dishes. The colourful festival always attracts a lot of young people and all thanks to the enchanting night programs. After dark, large-scale open-air discos are held in the city squares, which are attended by famous musicians and DJs. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Winter in Marbella is also full of interesting holidays, it is a great idea to come here during the celebration of Christmas and New year. As in many other cities in Spain, January 6 in Marbella is the day of the Three Kings, the main event of the holiday is a solemn procession, which is held on the city streets. Participants of the procession are dressed in beautiful historical costumes, led by a solemn procession of Three kings. They generously throw sweets to the audience, this beautiful winter holiday is one of the favourite among local children.

At the end of February in Marbella starts the traditional carnival dedicated to seeing off the winter, it ends in March. This festival is attended by thousands of local residents, during the days of the carnival you can meet people dressed in the most incredible costumes on the city streets. The festival is attended by music and dance groups, there are interesting performances on the city streets, among which there are special events for children.

Guests of the festival are invited to participate in interesting masterclasses, where you can learn how to cook popular regional dishes, as well as make interesting souvenirs in the national style. Carnival in Marbella is held before the beginning of Lent, so it always includes a rich gastronomic component. Delicious paella is cooked in the huge pans on the squares, you can taste popular sweets and favourite drinks of local residents everywhere.

During the year, locals celebrate many religious holidays. There are arranged wonderful celebrations in honour of the patron saints in each area of Marbella. The most beautiful religious event is the annual Easter parade, which opens with an event called "tronos". This is the name of a solemn procession, during which the locals carry chic old thrones through the city streets. They are striking in their beauty and have a great symbolic value for the locals, the weight of some richly decorated thrones can be more than 5 tons.

Some of the thrones that take part in the procession every year have been in the city's temples since the 17th century and are of great historical value. Only representatives of local religious fraternities, whose membership is a great honour for local residents, have the right to carry them around the city. Beautiful street performances are arranged in Marbella on Easter, there are fairs and street performers throughout the day in the city. Religious holidays are celebrated by local residents very cheerfully on a large scale, in addition to the solemn part, there is always arranged a rich entertainment program.