Feria Internacional de los Pueblos

Last year more than one million people visited the Feria Internacional de los Pueblos in Fuengirola and this year's event was just as popular. The multicultural festival is one of the Costa del Sol's most popular annual fairs, filling the resort's Palacio de la Paz with dancers musicians and artists from Brazil, Belgium, Portugal, Nigerian and Sweden. Visitors could enjoy wine, fashion and national foods from around the globe. 

Celebrating Cultural Identity

It is easy to forget when driving along the Costa del Sol and seeing the white hotels and chic apartment blocks that Spanish regions are as different from each other as some European countries. 

Events like the Feria Internacional celebrate these differences as well as highlight the similarities. From the Basque Country to Madrid, from Britain to African countries, from Belgium to Scandinavia, every conceivable nation has some unique to contribute to world culture and heritage.

This year's theme was "Around the World in Five Days". The 5-day event included a dramatic stage show, live music and representatives from 33 different regions and countries. Visitors staying in their Marbella or Fuengirola holiday homes could have their pictures taken with a camel, could enjoy exotic foods and drink, dancing, music and other entertainments. The dance groups and individuals taking part were certainly making the most of it, showing up in some of the most colourful and innovative costumes the festival has seen to-date.

Most of the activities took place on Fuengirola's fairground, where a large number of bars offered food, drink and cultural activities from 33 different countries and regions. Valencia region was represented for the first time. 

Some 80 musicians, singers and dancers from Nigeria took part in parades and stage shows, who were invited to take part by the International Black and White Association, which is based in Fuengirola and aims to promote harmony and tolerance among all peoples.

Also taking part were the Fuengirola Scouts and 65 stalls selling national, local and international specialities like ham and cheese and drinks like sherry and wine. If that doesn't inspire you to go on a culinary tour of Andalusia, nothing will!

Embracing Life at the Costa del Sol

Festivals like this one allow expats to get involved, show others something of their own culture and hopefully gain a greater understanding of their new Spanish neighbours. Events such as this one allow newcomers, who have just bought their new Costa del Sol home to fully embrace life in Andalusia. 

Getting involved in dance or choir groups or costume making is a great way to make new friends. The festival in Fuengirola also highlights the vast number of fantastic foods and drinks produced locally and in the Andalucía region. Getting to grips with one's new life in Spain also means being adventurous by trying out new food and drink as well as different types of leisure activities. 

Perhaps you've never thought of visiting an art gallery or museum at home - the Malaga region is home to some of the finest art collections and museums in Spain. Maybe you've never tried windsurfing, sailing or scuba diving, but now is your chance!

Discover local wines and vineyards or find out where that delicious cheese came from you tasted at the festival and head out into the Ronda mountains, about an hour's drive from Marbella and Fuengirola. 

If this year's visitor numbers are anything to go by, the 22nd Feria Internacional de los Pueblos will be even bigger!