7 Jun, 2023 @ 17:15
1 min read

IN PICTURES: First night of Marbella Fair 2023 ravaged by rain but beauty pageants and fireworks still go ahead

Marbella Fair 1

MARBELLA’S annual fair to celebrate its patron saint, San Bernabe, kicked off last night with a condensed program ravaged by the looming threat of rain as Storm Oscar hits Andalucia.

Despite the inclement weather, locals and expats alike gathered to witness the spectacular display of fireworks, traditional music, flamenco dancing and Andalucian cuisine. 

However, the fair’s usual proceedings were cut short, including the customary opening speech and the beauty pageants to crown the queens and ladies.

But the main gala, which began on the terraces of the Puerto Deportivo (Sports Port), was rushed through as a light drizzle started falling. 

Marbella Fair 1
The Marbella Fair 2023 rounded off the night with a spectacular fireworks display just as the threatening rain had passed. Credit: Ayuntamiento de Marbella
Marbella Fair 3
The fair is famous for its lavish beauty pageants, with different categories for children, teenagers and adults. Credit: Ayuntamiento de Marbella
Marbella Fair 2
José Manuel Soto and mayor of Marbella Angeles Muñoz gave speeches as part of the show. Credit: Ayuntamiento de Marbella

Other events were shortened, the dance academy performances were cancelled, and even the coronation ceremony itself was at risk until the rain subsided.

Typically takes place at the start of June, the Feria de San Bernabe marks the beginning of summer and the high tourist season in Marbella. 

One of the highlights of the San Bernabe Fair is the coronation of the queens and ladies. 

Young girls and women participate in beauty pageants to be crowned as the representatives of the fair. 

A bevy of children, teenagers and young women competed to win the title of queen and her ladies.

The first night of the Marbella Fair 2023 concluded with a dazzling fireworks display that illuminated the sky from the pier that separates the Faro and Fontanilla beaches.

The fair typically goes on for several days, creating a carnival atmosphere around the Costa del Sol town as the summer finally begins.

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Walter Finch

Walter Finch, who comes from a background in video and photography, is keen on reporting on and investigating organised crime, corruption and abuse of power. He is fascinated by the nexus between politics, business and law-breaking, as well as other wider trends that affect society.
Born in London but having lived in six countries, he is well-travelled and worldly. He studied Philosophy at the University of Birmingham and earned his diploma in journalism from London's renowned News Associates during the Covid era.
He got his first break in the business working on the Foreign News desk of the Daily Mail's online arm, where he also helped out on the video desk.
He then decided to escape the confines of London and returned to Spain in 2022, having previously lived in Barcelona for many years.
He took up up a reporter role with the Olive Press Newspaper and today he is based in La Linea de la Concepcion at the heart of a global chokepoint and crucial maritime hub, where he edits the Olive Press Gibraltar edition.
He is also the deputy news editor across all editions of the newspaper.

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