One of the great cultural events on the Costa del Sol is the International Festival of Nations in Fuengirola, which takes place every year for 5 days at the end of April and beginning of May.
We tell you everything you need to know to enjoy this great colourful multicultural festival!
- No refuelling fee
- Free cancellation
- Hire without intermediaries
- Pay when you pick up your car
A tribute to multiculturality
In case you didn’t know, all the major towns on the Costa del Sol have a surprising number of foreign residents. By this we don’t just mean the ‘classic expats’ from more northern countries who have a residence in Malaga.
Marbella for example has inhabitants of more than 150 nationalities. Followed by Fuengirola with more than 140 nationalities. In other words, more than a third of those registered in these popular holiday destinations are foreigners.
The idea of creating an event to celebrate this multiculturalism dates back to 1994. At that time there were only 8 participating countries. But the fair was a success from the beginning and continues with the same ‘recipe’:
Why the International Festival of Nations is so popular
There is currently no other place where it is possible to experience such a diverse and rich range of cultures in one place. Currently, more than 30 nations participate in the event each year.
Each of them presents not only its colourful folklore. You can taste the typical gastronomy, buy some traditional handicrafts, have fun with live performances and concerts. There are even the typical fairground rides. In other words, you can travel around the world without leaving the fairgrounds.
International Festival of Nations Fuengirola 2026
The International Festival of Nations of Fuengirola, which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary, will be held at the Fairgrounds from April 29 to May 3. This event is very popular and receives more than one million visitors every year.
Participating countries 2026
Visitors have the chance to travel around the world in just five days, visiting more than thirty countries.
This year there will be stops in these destinations:
Argentina 
Australia
Belgium
Bolivia
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cuba
Ecuador
Spain
Finland
Great Britain
Greece
Hawái
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Japan
Mexico
Palestine
Paraguay
Peru
Puerto Rico
Dominican Republic
Romania
Senegal
Sweden
Thailand
Turkey
Uruguay
Venezuela
Things are looking promising, aren’t they?
Parade of all nationalities
The Parade of all Nationalities is highly recommended! This year more than a thousand representatives of the participating countries will take part in this truly beautiful and colourful spectacle.
It traditionally takes place on May 1st at about 11:30 am, traveling through the centre from Plaza de España to the fairgrounds with representatives from all countries.
Each representative group is dressed in the typical costumes of their country. Accompanied by traditional music they parade from the Plaza de España to the fairgrounds.
- The parade takes place on 1 May around 11:30 am.
- Route
Gastronomy
One of the highlights of the international fair is precisely its immense gastronomic offer.
Maybe you already have a favourite country or you want to try a foreign dish that you don’t know yet. Everyone obviously has their own preferences, of course. But in general we can advise you to apply the Andalusian ‘tapeo’ system. That is to say, you walk around and eat small portions at different stands.
Performances
Every day there are live performances by the different groups on the stages of their respective stands.
Throughout the afternoon you can find a varied programme of folkloric performances from each representative country. And not only that, some stands also offer full concerts.
For example, the Irish stand is always full to capacity and has a great atmosphere with its Celtic concerts. But you won’t be left without dancing in the Latin booths either.
Admission to all these performances is free and fun is guaranteed!
Opening Hours & How to get there
The stalls will be open every day from 12 pm until 2 am.
- When: From April 29 to May 3
- Where: Fuengirola Fairgrounds
- How to get there
By car or public transport?
Due to the large number of visitors, finding parking in the area around the fairgrounds can be extremely difficult and stressful.
By car
- If you choose to come by car, here you have the link to all the public car parks in Fuengirola.
- Next to the fairgrounds there is an area with parking for people with reduced mobility.
By public transport
In general, we recommend using public transport. It may be more uncomfortable, but the big advantage is that you will be able to drink more than one beer if you feel like it. And, most probably, you will feel like it!
The fairgrounds are located about 10 to 15 minutes walk from the Cercanías C-1 station and the bus station.
The suburban train runs between Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Torremolinos, Airport and Malaga city centre with a frequency of every 20 minutes in both directions.
- Here you have the timetables for the C-1 commuter train.
- How to get there
The most comfortable option: A private taxi
In case you didn’t know: With us you can not only hire a car at Malaga airport. We also offer a private transfer service to almost anywhere in the province.
If you want to move comfortably and also drink a beer or two, this could be the perfect option for you.
Below a promotional video of the International Fair of Nations.
Are you going? Have you been there? Tell us about it! And don’t forget to book your car hire at Malaga airport with us.
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