Feria in Fuengirola
The annual Feria del Rosario is one of the best and most visited Ferias on the Costa del Sol and has been celebrated for more than 120 years.
The Feria del Rosario was named in honour of the patron saint of the city, Nuestra Señora del Rosario.
This year, the Feria took place between Friday 6th and Thursday 12th of October.
On Saturday the 7th, there was a parade dedicated to “la Virgen del Rosario” where they passed through the city centre as that’s when it’s celebrated in the Roman calendar.
During the past week, many shows, such as a flamenco festival and concerts, took place and were enjoyed by the public.
The ambience of the Feria was very lively during the whole week as you could find different stands where you could try the typical doughnuts and sandwiches whilst people were dressed up in traditional Spanish attire.
During the Feria, it was also possible to enjoy a various selection of beverages such as the typical Andalusian Feria drink “rebujito”, made from a refreshing mix of manzanilla (or fino), wine, lemonade and lots of ice.
The attire
The locals and even some foreigners dressed up in traditional attire, with the women dressed in the flamenco dress and the men dressed in short jackets, high-waisted trousers, boots and hats.
The Andalusian horse and its importance to the Feria
Horses are the stars of the Feria. There were hundreds of them all throughout the week.
Andalucia has its own breed of horses, the Andalusian horse, also known as Pura Raza Española, which is known for its elegant, strong build and long, thick mane and tail.
The breed has a long history and, through time, has become known for its agility, courage and intelligence (depicted in portraits throughout history as battle chargers for famous warriors).
For this reason, the horses have outstanding importance. They partook in various activities, such as a horse parade at the fairgrounds and an exhibition of dressage horses in the Plaza de Toros (bullring) and walking around with carriages.
On Thursday of the fair, prizes were given to the best horses.
The art of flamenco
Flamenco is a Spanish art form from Andalucía that is made up of three parts; singing (cante), dancing (baile) and music (toque).
It is not just a dance, but so much more. It is a state of mind, an art form that conveys deep emotions, which are usually melancholy and sadness.
It was originally the traditional dance and music of the Andalusian gypsies (gitanos).
Flamenco dates back to the 18th century and is said to have emerged from the occidental area of Andalucía (Seville, Córdoba, Huelva).
On Wednesday of the Feria, it was possible to see the art of flamenco for yourself.
