San Pedro Alcantara, the lively district of Marbella, comes alive every October with its week-long fair. The main day is always 19 October – the feast day of Saint Peter of Alcantara – but the celebrations stretch across seven days of festival tents (casetas), horse-drawn carriages, funfair rides and pure Andalusian spirit.
Things kick off around midday with the parade of Gigantes y Cabezudos along the boulevard and through the town centre. This is followed by the floral offering to the saint and the official opening of the fairground.
You’ll see elegant carriages and riders in traditional short jackets (traje corto). The festival tents fill with the smell of fried fish (pescaíto frito), prawn fritters and Iberian ham. Grab a table on a terrace, order an ice-cold tinto de verano or a beer, and soak up that wonderfully relaxed daytime fair atmosphere.
As soon as the sun sets, the huge entrance arch is switched on (the famous “alumbrado”) and the La Caridad fairground becomes a fairytale of twinkling lights. This is when the rides really get going: dodgems, big wheel, shooting galleries and candyfloss stalls everywhere.
The evening of 19 October is the most emotional: the crowning of the Fair Queen and the senior citizens, followed by the solemn procession of Saint Peter of Alcantara through the flower-strewn streets.
The tradition began as a religious celebration in honour of Saint Peter of Alcantara, a 16th-century Franciscan monk. Over the years it has grown into one of the most popular and friendly fairs on the western Costa del Sol.
There’s a dedicated children’s area, reduced prices on certain days and usually a “quiet afternoon” with no loud music. San Pedro Alcantara fair is one of the most family-oriented on the Costa del Sol.
October’s fair is the big one, but there’s almost always something going on:
The narrow streets of the old town provide the perfect backdrop for historical re-enactments, traditional music and dance.
Families head to the countryside to roast chestnuts and chorizo over open fires – a classic Andalusian autumn tradition.
Holy Week (Semana Santa) processions are particularly moving, setting off from the parish church.
From June to September: open-air concerts, night markets, beach-volleyball tournaments and sunrise yoga.
The patroness of fishermen is carried across the sea on decorated boats – unforgettable.
Marbella celebrates its patron saint and San Pedro joins in with its own events.
Every festival shows just how warm and welcoming the locals are – visitors are always made to feel part of the family.
San Pedro Alcantara is only 10 minutes west of Marbella and about 40–45 minutes from Malaga Airport along the A-7. Most people drop their luggage at the hotel first and then head to the fair.
During the fair week free shuttle buses run every few minutes from the boulevard and from Marbella to the La Caridad fairground.
Pick up your car at the airport, drop the bags at your hotel and then come and go as you please: fair, beach, Puerto Banus or day trips to Ronda or Estepona.
Car Hire Malaga Airport
Your driver meets you at arrivals with a name sign and takes you straight to your accommodation. For the fair just book another trip or a return – perfect if you fancy a drink in the evening.
Book Private Transfer*No credit-card details required in advance and no pre-payment. We recommend booking early for the best prices and availability.
There is free parking next to the fairground but it fills up fast. Most people leave the car on the boulevard or in Nueva Alcantara and use the free shuttle buses.
Yes – usually Wednesday or Thursday has reduced ride prices and there is nearly always a “no loud music” afternoon for anyone sensitive to noise.
Weeknights around 4:30–5:00 am, Friday & Saturday until 6:30–7:00 am, Sunday earlier at about 3:00 am.
Yes – ramps, wide paths, accessible toilets and reserved areas near the main stage.
Mid-week is quieter and you get the real local daytime atmosphere in the tents. Weekends are livelier at night with more young people on the rides.
Credit cards accepted
