Events in Estepona
Reyes Magos (3 Kings)
Reyes Magos is celebrated on the 6th of January and is the celebration of the arrival of the 3 kings (Melchor, Gaspar y Baltasar) on the evening of the 5th January. In most towns in Spain there will be an event with the official arrival of the Kings, in Estepona the 3 Kings arrive by helicopter and land in the Feria on the North Side of the town.
In the evening of the 5th the 3 Kings then take part in a procession that runs around the centre of Estepona, while throwing candy and toys into the spectators, finishing in Plaza Antonio Guerrero. Here children can line up to meet one of the Kings and receive a small gift.
It is truly a wonderful experience, not just for the kids but also for the adults.
Semana Santa
Semana Santa is celebrated during the week before Easter Sunday. The style of the processions through each of the towns changes per town – however the main parts of the processions remain equal across the country. Each day has a procession that is organised by one of the religious brotherhoods that consists of floats that are carried from each of their respective churches through the town and back to the church. In Andalusia, especially, the floats are very heavy and are carried by teams of men, also known as Costaleros. The floats are also accompanied by bands that play music while they move through the streets as well as the Capirotes, these are the people wearing the coned hoods. Saetas can also be heard during semana santa and are sung from one of the balconies on the route of the procession – the procession will stop during the song and will only continue moving on once the person has finished singing.
Semana Santa is not just about processions and singing – it is also the season for Torrijas, or the French toast of Spain. Many of the pastry shops, bars and cafes will be offering this tasty treat all through the day and most locals will enjoy some after lunch with a coffee.
Semana Santa
Semana Santa is celebrated during the week before Easter Sunday. The style of the processions through each of the towns changes per town – however the main parts of the processions remain equal across the country. Each day has a procession that is organised by one of the religious brotherhoods that consists of floats that are carried from each of their respective churches through the town and back to the church. In Andalusia, especially, the floats are very heavy and are carried by teams of men, also known as Costaleros. The floats are also accompanied by bands that play music while they move through the streets as well as the Capirotes, these are the people wearing the coned hoods. Saetas can also be heard during semana santa and are sung from one of the balconies on the route of the procession – the procession will stop during the song and will only continue moving on once the person has finished singing.
Semana Santa is not just about processions and singing – it is also the season for Torrijas, or the French toast of Spain. Many of the pastry shops, bars and cafes will be offering this tasty treat all through the day and most locals will enjoy some after lunch with a coffee.
San Isidro
San Isidro Labrador is the Patron Saint of Farmers and is celebrated in towns associated with farming, as well as Madrid.
Estepona is not only a fishing town but is also a farming town and therefore celebrates San Isidro in style. There are processions through the town by the local farmers on their tractors/bulls pulling decorated floats, as well as some animals (for example geese and horses) and everyone dresses up in the traditional farmers attire. Following the procession there are normally street parties, arranged for by specific associations, offering food and drink as well as music that can be found in different parts of the town.
Tickets must be purchased in order to buy the food or drink.
San Juan
San Juan is celebrated on the 24th June however on the evening of the 23rd June there are the celebrations. Bonfires and fireworks are a major part of the celebration and are said to help ward off evil spirits and help to purify and protect the people. Bonfires can be found on most beaches around Spain and there are many superstitions regarding them, one of which is that you should jump over the bonfire in order to bring good luck for the summer period. Other people write notes and throw them into the fire as a kind of wish.
San Juan
San Juan is celebrated on the 24th June however on the evening of the 23rd June there are the celebrations. Bonfires and fireworks are a major part of the celebration and are said to help ward off evil spirits and help to purify and protect the people. Bonfires can be found on most beaches around Spain and there are many superstitions regarding them, one of which is that you should jump over the bonfire in order to bring good luck for the summer period. Other people write notes and throw them into the fire as a kind of wish.
Feria
Feria is celebrated every year in Estepona usually during the first week of July. There is a large fair ground constructed in the area near the football ground with rides for all ages, bars and food stalls. A number of Spanish people will dress up in traditional clothing and the parties at the fairground can go on until 6 in the morning. Wednesday is usually “Dia del Niños” (day of the children) and the rides are discounted for the day.
Virgen del Carmen
The Virgen del Carmen is the Patron Saint of the Sea and is celebrated on the 16th July in all the fishing villages of Andalucia, especially in Estepona. The Virgin is taken from the church and there is a procession through the streets down to the Paseo Maritimo where she is then taken along the Paseo to the centre of town. Once in the centre of town the Virgin is then taken to the sea and placed on a boat and then paraded through the water surrounded by a large number of fishing and leisure vessels. As the Virgin enters the water many people also enter the water for good luck.
Virgen del Carmen
The Virgen del Carmen is the Patron Saint of the Sea and is celebrated on the 16th July in all the fishing villages of Andalucia, especially in Estepona. The Virgin is taken from the church and there is a procession through the streets down to the Paseo Maritimo where she is then taken along the Paseo to the centre of town. Once in the centre of town the Virgin is then taken to the sea and placed on a boat and then paraded through the water surrounded by a large number of fishing and leisure vessels. As the Virgin enters the water many people also enter the water for good luck.