The Almeria Fair is the city’s biggest celebration and takes place every year in honour of its patron saint, the Virgen del Mar. During the second half of August, Almeria comes alive with festival tents, music, food and traditions that draw thousands of visitors. By day the historic centre hosts the feria de dia, while at night the fairground beside the River Andarax takes centre stage (feria de noche). If you want to experience a genuine Andalusian fair – complete with processions, flamenco dresses and infectious joie de vivre – this is the place to be.
The Feria de la Virgen del Mar is Almeria’s most important fair and lasts several days. By day the centre buzzes with tapas, wine and dancing; at night the festival tents and fairground rides take over on the fairground. Its roots go back to the 16th century – a perfect blend of religious tradition and Andalusian spirit.
The story begins in the 16th century when fishermen found a statue of the Virgin on the beach – an event regarded as a miracle that sparked devotion to the Virgen del Mar. What started as a purely religious celebration gradually grew into a major fair with processions, festival tents and dancing.
In the 19th century it became a true public festival; in the 20th century the night-time events moved to the present-day fairground while the centre retained the daytime festivities. Today the Almeria Fair is the ultimate symbol of local identity – faith, folklore and regional cuisine rolled into one.
The fair has something for everyone – from religious moments to culinary delights. These are the classics:
By day Paseo de Almeria and Plaza Vieja belong to the feria de dia. Bars and restaurants set up long counters on the street and pop-up stalls serving inexpensive tapas, portions and drinks. Everything is eaten and drunk standing up – often leaning on tall barrels or simply on the pavement. Live music plays everywhere, many women wear flamenco dresses and Sevillanas break out spontaneously.
On the fairground the feria de noche begins: countless festival tents (almost all free entry) turn into bars and dance floors playing flamenco, pop and Sevillanas. There is also a large funfair with carousels, dodgems and stalls selling burgers and churros.
The fair officially opens with the speech in the centre followed by the pilgrimage of the Virgen del Mar: thousands accompany the statue from the sanctuary to Las Almadrabillas beach – a deeply moving moment.
Food is an essential part – be sure to try:
Other highlights include the grand fireworks (usually on the two Saturdays), the ceramics market on Wednesday, the Mediterranean folklore festival, Children’s Day with discounts on all rides, sports events and bullfights in the bullring.
The fair takes place in two locations: daytime in the historic centre, nighttime on the fairground. From Malaga Airport the quickest and most flexible option is to drive east along the A-7 (about 2 hours 15 minutes).
Pick up your car directly at Malaga Airport and reach Almeria in around 2 hours 15 minutes. Stop at beaches along the way, move easily between the centre and fairground, and explore Cabo de Gata or the Tabernas Desert during your stay.
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Book a taxi or private transfer from Malaga Airport straight to your hotel or near the fairground. No waiting, no parking hassle – ideal for families, groups or anyone wanting to arrive relaxed and start enjoying the fair immediately.
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City buses (extra services during the fair) run between the centre and the fairground. Taxis are widely available and there are guarded car parks around the site.
Tourist Office: Plaza de la Constitucion (Puerta Purchena), 04003 Almeria
Telephone: +34 950 210 538
Official website: turismodealmeria.org
No, almost all festival tents on the fairground are free. Only a few youth or nightclub-style tents sometimes charge admission.
No, it’s not compulsory, but many women do wear flamenco dresses during the day. Smart casual clothing is perfectly acceptable.
In the historic centre, mainly on Paseo de Almeria and surrounding squares. Bars set up counters on the street – usually from midday until around 7–8 pm.
Yes, several guarded car parks around the site and at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos – but they fill up quickly.
Absolutely. The daytime events are very family-friendly, there is a children’s tent and on Children’s Day rides are heavily discounted.
Traditionally at midnight on the opening Saturday and closing Saturday – visible from most of the city.
Credit cards accepted
