Feria de Alhaurin el Grande starts 23rd May

The Feria is a traditional annual event that originated from the festivities accompanying bull fighting or street bull running and until quite recently Alhaurin would hold the bull running event very early on the Sunday morning. Nowadays such events are much less common and the main attractions of the Feria are the costumes, the dancing performances, the horses, the fun fair and eating, drinking and dancing in the many outside bars covered by colourful awnings to provide some shade.

On Wednesday the Feria starts with a parade of decorated floats at 19.30 pm, followed by the turning on of the lights, the opening of the fun fair (cheaper night for the kids) and the crowning of the Carnival Queen.

Thursday is the Mayors day. There are a few events and the fun fair provides entertainment for children of any age.

Friday is a local holiday - all the shops will be closed and the party starts early. The roads are closed to cars, many locals are dressed up in traditional costume or riding around on their beautiful Andalucian horses and the streets are filled with people chatting and dancing.

On Saturday and Sunday there are tents with a number of performances; music from local groups both classical and traditional or dancers such as Lourdes La Flamenca.

The final night ends with a great display of fireworks at 00.30 on the Sunday (should I say Monday am!)

If you haven't been to a Feria it is a definite must and my favourite day is the Friday afternoon in the streets.