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Estepona shares many similarities with the other towns and municipalities in the Andalucian region, as far as popular traditions are concerned. Most of the local fiestas and holidays are definitely occasions of merriment and fun, and some are solemn and quiet.
The year starts with a big New Year’s celebration, just as it is celebrated elsewhere in the world. On the 6th of January, Estepona celebrates Tres Reyes (“Three Kings”). This holiday commemorates the journey of the three kings from the orient in the bible, as they went from their kingdoms to pay homage to the newly born Jesus Christ. Three men, dressed up as the kings, go around town, making merry with the people, and giving sweets to children.
The month of February is very colorful for the popular Carnival comes to the town of Estepona. This is often 3 to 5 days of non stop partying, good food, great entertainment and music.
March to April is the Lenten season. In April, Estepona observes the Semana Santa (“Holy Week”). This remembers the events leading up to the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. This is a very solemn week for the whole of Spain. Special masses, novenas, and processions are held during this time.
On the 15th of May, Estepona celebrates the feast day of San Isidro Labrador (“St. Isidro of Labrador”). There is a festive pilgrimage to the chapel dedicated to the saint in Los Pedregales Park. Owing to the fact that St. Isidro was a farmer, this event features agricultural shows, livestock contests, and a produce market.
In the 1st or 2nd week of July (the actual time varies yearly), the town of Estepona celebrates its main fair. Each town in Spain has its own special feast day, and this day is a special one for Estepona. There is live music, dances, and entertainment for everybody.
On the 16th of July, Estepona honors the Virgen del Carmen (“The Virgin of Carmen”), the patron saint of all fishermen. The town celebrates her feast day starting with a solemn mass, and her statue is brought around town in a procession. The procession heads out to the beach, where the statue is loaded onto a boat decorated with colorful flowers. The procession continues over the water and out to sea, while fireworks displays are set off on the beach.
Come December, Estepona joins the rest of Spain in the celebration of Christmas Day.
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