July begins and to warm up before celebrating the feast of the patron saint of our town, the Virgen del Carmen on July 16, Estepona is decked out to celebrate its Feria Grande.
The Great Fair of Estepona is celebrated at the beginning of July (this year 2023 from July 4 to 9), at night and also during the day. In the old days, Terraza Street and its tributaries were closed to traffic, bars were set up and there was music everywhere. Many of us still remember going to Tajo Street to dance with the Kalimas to their song and doing the dance ending with a spin and shooting an arrow going crazy. All this wet with a glass of rebujito and some sweat, because July is a very hot month in Estepona. For several years, no bars have been set up in the old town, although the bars in the center are open and with lanterns on the door.
Estepona Day Fair
The “Day Fair” has moved to the fairgrounds. During this festivity, women dust off their polka-dotted long dresses and dress up in flamenco dresses with faralaes. The men put on their sashes and hats. And in the streets of the fair there are horses that give art and joy to the andalusian festivity.
The typical drink consumed in this party is fine wine and/or manzanilla mixed with Sprite, the so-called rebujito. You have to be careful because at that time the temperatures are very high, the rebujito is very fresh and goes in very fast. So ask for a portion to soak.
The Fair booths
During the daytime fair there are booths where there is mainly current music and where young and not so young people go to dance. There are also more family activities at the municipal stand such as a children’s party with the “Electroñecos Peque Show”, the paella day or a horseback ride. Each day aims to make this fair something very familiar and that keeps the essence of the past. Take a look at the program below.
It is convenient to take into account that in Estepona there are private booths that can only be accessed by members who have purchased a season ticket in advance. But there are also free access booths, where finding a table for lunch or dinner can be complicated (although not impossible).
When does the Feria Grande of Estepona start?
This year 2023 the starting signal will be on Tuesday July 4 beginning with the parade of Giants and Big-heads through the center of town. The proclamation comes from the hand of the journalist Carlos Moreno known as “El Pulpo”. After the proclamation there will be different performances and a fireworks display. After this magnificent start, the lights will be lit at the fairgrounds and will remain on until Sunday, July 9.
If you have children, remember that Children’s Day will be on Wednesday, July 5 and the attractions have a 50% discount on the price.
July 4
Tuesday
- At 20:00 hours, will begin the parade of GIANTS AND GOATS in the center of town, marking the beginning of the Fair and Festivities of Estepona. The tour will begin at the Victor de Serna School.
- At 21:00 hours, will take place the reading of the PREGÓN of the FAIR in the Avenida de España, by CARLOS MORENO “EL PULPO”, recognized Communicator and DJ of Cadena 100 and COPE. During the event, the LOURDES BAZÁN Flamenco Show will be presented and a FIREWORKS display will be enjoyed.
- At 23:00 hours, the authorities will inaugurate and turn on the lighting of the Real de la Feria, accompanied by the Municipal Band of Estepona.
- At midnight, the METRÓPOLIS Orchestra will take the stage of the Caseta Municipal to delight the audience with their performance.
July 5, Children’s Day
Wednesday
- At 3:00 p.m., the FRIED EGG Day is celebrated, where you can enjoy one for free with your drink.
- At the same time, the group CALLEJÓN DEL JALEO will perform at the Caseta Municipal to liven up the afternoon.
- From 18:00 to 20:00 hours, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the HAPPY HOUR at the Caseta Municipal, where you can benefit from the 2×1 promotion.
- At 19:00 hours, there will be a CHILDREN’S PARTY with ELECTROÑECOS PEQUE SHOW in the Municipal Stand, especially aimed at the little ones.
- At 21:00 hours, you can enjoy the performances of the Ballroom, Cabaret and Oriental Dance Group directed by MARIVÍ RODRÍGUEZ, as well as the Modern, Contemporary and Flamenco Dance Group with Claudia Ramírez “LA MARIVILLA”, at the Caseta Municipal.
- At 11:00 p.m., the DYNAMIC Orchestra will perform at the Caseta Municipal to delight the public with their performance.
- At midnight, NYNO VARGAS will take the stage of the Caseta Municipal to offer his show.
- At 1:30 a.m., the DYNAMIC Orchestra will return to the Caseta Municipal to continue to liven up the night. NOTE: This day is dedicated to children, and the attractions will have a 50% discount.
July 6
Thursday
- At 15:00 hours, you can enjoy the performance of JOSÉ FERNÁNDEZ “EL PIRATA” in the Municipal Stand.
- From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., a “Free horse-drawn carriage ride” will be offered with a stop in front of the Caseta Municipal.
- During the same hours, you can also take advantage of the HORA FELIZ at the Caseta Municipal, with the 2×1 promotion.
- At 7:00 pm, there will be a PARTY FOR THE ELDERLY enlivened by the dance group of the Center for Active Participation of the Elderly, directed by Monica Peña. In addition, a traditional snack will be offered in collaboration with the Obrador-Pastelería LOS REMEDIOS.
- At 7:30 pm, you can enjoy the performance of LAURA GALLEGO in the Municipal Stand.
- At 9:00 p.m., the Spanish Dance and Flamenco Group directed by LOURDES BARRIENTOS, as well as the Classical Dance and Flamenco Group of LOURDES BAZÁN, will perform at the Caseta Municipal.
- At 22:00 hours, the Orchestra METRÓPOLIS will be in charge of animating the night in the Caseta Municipal.
- At 11:00 p.m., the DYNAMIC Orchestra will take the stage of the Caseta Municipal to continue the party.
- At midnight, MARÍA PELÁE will offer her performance at the Caseta Municipal.
- At 01:30 hours, the DYNAMIC Orchestra will return to the Municipal Stand to continue delighting the public.
Attention: The attractions area will be music-free from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., to provide a more comfortable environment for people with extreme sensitivity to loud sounds.
July 7
Friday
- From 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the “Paseo de Caballos” will be held at the Fairgrounds (Access and exit for horse riders, North zone). To highlight the fair and Fiestas Mayores, it is recommended to dress in Andalusian style and dress up the horses.
- At 3:00 p.m., the Flamenco Group composed by the sisters ALICIA and BELÉN BENÍTEZ will offer a musical performance at the Caseta Municipal.
- From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., a “Free horse-drawn carriage ride” will be offered with a stop in front of the Caseta Municipal.
- During the same hours, you can enjoy the performance of the Orchestra METRÓPOLIS and take advantage of the HOUR HAPPY (2×1) in the Municipal Caseta.
- At 9:00 p.m., the Classical-Spanish and Flamenco Dance Group directed by EVA ALARCÓN will perform at the Caseta Municipal. There will also be a performance by the Modern and Acrobatic Dance Group of LAURA and SARA PEREA.
- At 11:00 p.m., the DYNAMIC Orchestra will take the stage of the Caseta Municipal to liven up the night.
- At midnight, CEPEDA will offer its performance at the Caseta Municipal.
- At 1:30 am, the DYNAMIC Orchestra will return to the Municipal House to continue the party.
July 8
Saturday
- From 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the “Paseo de Caballos” will be held at the Fairgrounds.
- At 3:00 p.m., the SonDaire Group will offer a performance at the Caseta Municipal.
- From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., a “Free horse-drawn carriage ride” will be offered with a stop in front of the Caseta Municipal.
- During the same hours, you can enjoy the performance of the Orchestra METRÓPOLIS and take advantage of the HOUR HAPPY (2×1) in the Municipal Caseta.
- At 23:00 hours, BERTÍN OSBORNE will take the stage of the Caseta Municipal to offer his performance.
- At 00:30 hours, the DYNAMIC and METRÓPOLIS Orchestras will join forces at the Caseta Municipal for a joint performance.
July 9
Sunday
- From 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the “Paseo de Caballos” will be held at the Fairgrounds.
- At 13:00 hours, will be held the VI COMPETITION OF ENJAEZADO A LA ANDALUZA in the “Paseo de Caballos”, with prizes of 150 € and trophy, 100 € and trophy, and 50 € and trophy for the three best dressed horses and riders in each category. Categories include Young Rider, Veteran Rider, Couple, Amazon and Rider. The awards ceremony will take place at 17:00 hours. The Friends of the Horse Association of Estepona collaborates in the event.
- At 15:00 hours, the PAELLA Day is celebrated, where you can enjoy a free paella with your drink.
- At the same time, the Flamenco Fusion Group of JOSÉ RODRÍGUEZ & CÍA will offer a performance at the Caseta Municipal.
- At 16:00 hours, the D’Repente Flamenco Group will take the stage of the Caseta Municipal. – From 17:00 to 19:00 hours, you can enjoy the performance of the Orchestra METRÓPOLIS and take advantage of the HORA FELIZ (2×1) in the Caseta Municipal.
- At 7:00 p.m., the MT Dance School directed by MARTINA TESSARO will present its performance at the Caseta Municipal.
- At 20:00 hours, will take place the Bullfight FERIA Y FIESTAS MAYORES 2023, with the fight of 6 bulls of the prestigious cattle ranch of NÚÑEZ del CUVILLO and the participation of the maximum figures of bullfighting: MORANTE, TALAVANTE and ROCA REY. Tickets are available by calling: 608 232 187 and at www.ocio-entradas.com.
- Also at 8:00 pm, the Dance Studio of Gemma Sanchez “LA MILANA” will offer a performance of Flamenco, Spanish Classical, Modern Dance and Classical Ballet in the Municipal Hut.
- At 21:00 hours, the School of La Peña Flamenca de Estepona directed by ANTONIO TRUJILLO, with JOSÉ FERNÁNDEZ on guitar and CRISTINA ALBA on vocals, will perform at the Caseta Municipal.
- At 22:00 hours, the Workshop Group “=ES” of Danzaterapia Estepona of the Delegation of Social Affairs, directed by INMACULADA CHACÓN, will offer its performance in the Municipal Caseta.
- At 11:00 p.m., “El Taller del Arte”, directed by JOSE FRANCO and INMACULADA CARMONA, will present their Flamenco and Modern Dance show at the Caseta Municipal.
In short, as you can see, the Feria Grande de Estepona is no small thing. We invite you to celebrate it in style and to let yourself be involved in the Estepona march. Happy Fair and Festivities of Estepona!
