Benalmadena Pueblo Fair 2024 – tradition, sports, chocolate and a lot of food!

Benalmadena Pueblo Fair, known locally as Feria de Benalmádena Pueblo and as Feria de La Virgen de la Cruz, is a fair celebrated yearly in the charming Andalusian village in the heart of Benalmadena. The village comes alive with vibrant colors, music, and joy during this fair. The festival, that will happen in 2024 from August 14 to 18, is celebrated with fervor and passion and offers a fusion of traditional customs and modern entertainment. It is a must see!

Celebrating fairs is a Spanish tradition that mixes devotion to the local patron saint and demonstration of pride about the locality. This fair, in Benalmadena Pueblo, is the perfect opportunity to see (and join!) a traditional fair in a traditional Spanish setting. If that was not enough, the Benalmadena Pueblo Fair has its own tradition of adding sports competitions to the mix; and this year… it is also adding chocolate!!!! 😋

I’ve translated the program and added images of the original program, made by Benalmadena City Council. I have also added maps and images of the places where the events will be taking place (in the end of the post) to make it easier to find everything and included the sports programs on the day they will be happening. You can click on the days on the Table of Contents above to jump straight to the day you want. 😉 Don’t forget to bookmark this post to come back during the fair days!

July 27 to August 02: Pre-Feria

July 27
Torrequebrada Golf
11th Virgen de la Cruz Charity Golf Tournament
09:00 am – Start of the Tournament
Registration at golftorrequebrada.com

August 2
Jardines del Muro (Gardens of the Wall)
08:30 pm – Grand Gala Election of Children’s and Youth Queen and Knight of the Virgen de la Cruz 2024 Fair
There will be 3 categories:
Special Baby modality from 2 to 6 years.
Children’s Modality from 7 to 13 years old.
Youth Modality from 14 years old.
All contestants must be registered up to half an hour before the start of the contest in place or by email (festejos@benalmadena.es). Typical fair costume attire is mandatory to be able to compete.
For more information, call 952579889 (Celebrations Office phone number).

9:30 pm – Performance by the Municipal Dance School of Benalmádena Pueblo (teacher Isabel Palomo) 10:30 pm – Awards Ceremony
11:00 pm – Performance by Sotano Sur
Stalls with popular prices in charge of the Brotherhood of the Captive.

August 4 – Procession of Our Lady of the Cross

We are having a scorching summer in Spain this year, and this procession will happen from 11 am to 3 pm, under the August sun. I am sure it is going to be a beautiful and unique event, but I would advise caution; if you are planning to go, make sure you take plenty of water with you, use sunscreen and wear a hat.

Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church
09:30 hours. Pilgrims’ Mass

Plaza de España
10:30 am. Reception of pilgrims, carts and dressed horsemen.

Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church-Thrones Room
10:45 am. Blessing of the Cart of Our Lady of the Cross

Plaza de España
11:00 am. Departure of the procession on the way to the Finca-Casablanca Rustic Park Campus
Itinerary: Jardines del Muro, Calle Santo Domingo, Plaza de España, Calle Real, Avenida Juan Luis Peralta, Avenida Del Chorrillo, Stop for the Angelus, Calle Santos Mareca, Camino de la Estación, North Entrance of the Finca Casablanca Rustic Park, Camino del Cortijuelo, Hermitage.

Calle Santos Mareca
12:30 p.m. 1st Procession Stop and Sangría

Pino del Villordo
1:00 p.m. 2nd Procession Stop

Finca Casablanca Rustic Park-Esplanada Ermita.
1:20 p.m. Arrival of the procession at the Finca Casablanca Rustic Park.
Cante de la Salve Grupo Nuevo Día.
1:30 p.m. Entrance of the Cart of the Virgin to the Hermitage of Casablanca.
Cante de la Salve by the Peña de la Cruz Choir.
Performance by the Nuevo Día and Kalima Orchestras.
2:00 p.m. Beginning of the jury’s visit to the paellas.
3:00 p.m. A Great Free Popular Paella will be offered to all attendees at the Procession
offered by Benalmádena City Council in collaboration with the Captive Brotherhood.

Behind the Hermitage
2:30 p.m. Traditional Ribbon Race on Horseback.
Organized by: Peña Caballista Association of Benalmádena.

7:30 p.m. Transfer of Our Lady Virgin of the Cross from the Hermitage of Casablanca to the Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church.

8:00 p.m. Completion of the Procession
Throughout the itinerary of the Procession, the popular jury will score: Carts, Horses, Horseman, Horsewoman and Charriot.

August 05 to 13: Pre-Feria

From August 5 to 18
C.P.A Silvestre González
Domino Tournament and Auction

August 10
Old Quarry of Benalmádena “Cerro Carramolo”
XVI “Agustín Gómez” Memorial Clay Pigeon Shooting Tournament Virgen de la Cruz Fair
From 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Place and registration: August 10 from 9:00 am to noon at the Shooting Range of the Quarry or in the Association itself from August 1 to 9.
Categories: Senior, Junior and Women.
Tel. Information: 678777903 Antonio
Organized by: Club Deportivo de Caza Benalrroyo

August 12
Ramón Rico Sports Center
6:00 pm Senior indoor football tournament (First Phase)
7:30 pm Match in Tribute to Ramón Rico.

August 13
Ramón Rico Sports Center
6:00 pm Senior indoor football tournament (First Phase)
8:00 pm Single vs Married Soccer Match
9:00 pm Single vs Married Soccer Match

Program of the Benalmadena Pueblo Fair 2024

August 14

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
Jardines del Muro (Gardens of the Wall)
8:00 pm – Holy Mass and Floral Offering to our Patroness
Musical accompaniment by the Virgin of the Cross Choir

SPORTS
Ramón Rico Sports Center
6:00 pm – Senior indoor football tournament (First Phase)

FAIRGROUNDS
Los Nadales Fairgrounds
From 8:00 pm – Funfair (children and youth)

Municipal Youth Booth
From 9:30 pm to 5:00 am – Live performances, Salsa and Bachata Master Class, DJ’s and entertainment.

Virgen de la Cruz Auditorium-Municipal Booth
9:30 pm – Inauguration of the Fair and of the artistic lighting by the Mayor of Benalmádena, Don Juan Antonio Lara and other authorities.
Next, toasts with all attendees at the Municipal Booth, who will be presented with a glass of Spanish wine.
Sevillanas show by the Municipal Dance School of Benalmádena Pueblo (teacher Isabel Palomo)

10:00 pm – Dance with the Orchestra New Day
12:00 am – Star Performance by Azúcar Moreno
From 01:30 am to 3:30 am – Performance by the Group Calle La Noria
From 03:30 to 5:00 am – Dance until dawn with DJ Jordi Ruiz

August 15

Streets of Benalmádena Pueblo
08:30 am – Diana Floreada 2024 by the Charanga Los Cachondos
Diana Floreada is a Spanish tradition. It consists of a band, usually a martial band, that passes through the streets waking people up for the event that is about to start.

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church
09:00 am – Ringing of Bells Announcing the Festivity

CHOCOLATADA
Plaza de España
11:00 hours Chocolate for everyone by the San Antonio Bakery.
If you want to get some chocolate, it is advisable to arrive early. If you get there after me, I don’t think there will be much left!

SPORTS ACTIVITIES
Jardines del Muro
11:00 am Carbine Shooting. Adult and children’s male and female categories.
Organized by Torruscos con Carabinas
On the sports program, this activity is listed as starting at 10:00 am.

Ramón Rico Sports Center
09:30 am – I Football Tournament 7 Benjamín Y Alevín Virgen De La Cruz 2024
06:00 pm – Senior futsal tournament (semifinal phase)

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church
Noon – Solemn Mass in Honor of Our lady of the Cross.
Musical accompaniment: Our Lady of Peace Choir
From 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm, the Church will remain open to the public to visit the Patroness, the Virgin of the Cross.

Hall of Thrones of the Church of St. Domingo-Jardines del Muro
7:30 p.m. Procession of Our Patroness Our Lady of the cross.
Itinerary: Church Square, Calle Santo Domingo, Plaza de España, Calle Lomillas, Calle Álamos, Calle Real, Avenida Juan Luis Peralta, Museo Felipe Orlando, Calle Amapola, Calle Biznaga, Avenida Juan Luis Peralta, Benalmádena City Hall, Calle Maestra Ayala, Calle Marbella, Plaza de España, Calle Santo Domingo, Church Square, Church of St. Domingo.
Chant of La Salve in the Plaza de España by the Nuevo Día Musical Group.
Accompaniment: Peace Band of Málaga and Bugle and Drum Band of Las Lagunas de Mijas.

FAIRGROUNDS
Los Nadales Fairgrounds
From 8:00 pm – Children’s Day – Funfair attractions (children and youth) at €2.50

Municipal Youth Booth
From 9:30 pm to 5:00 am – Live performances, Salsa and Bachata Master Class, DJ’s and entertainment.

Virgen de la Cruz Auditorium-Municipal Booth
10:00 pm – Performance by Trenzao Group
00:30 am – Star performance by Chambao
From 02:00 am to 04:00 am – Performance by the Group Spotyfi
From 04:00 am to 05:00 am – Dance until dawn with DJ Jordi Ruiz

August 16

CHOCOLATADA
Bar Churros & You
From 10:30 am to 12:30 pm – Chocolate and churros for everyone at Bar Churros & You by René (Avenida Juan Luis Peralta)

CHILDREN’S FAIR
Calle Amapola
From 11:30 am.to 3:30 pm – Great Children’s Party

DAY FAIR
Plaza of the 3 cultures
From 1:30 pm. to 7:00 pm – Rompeolas Orchestra Performance
3:00 p.m. Free tasting of typical green leaves dishes offered by Benalmadena City Council.
Stalls with popular prices run by the Peña Caballista Association of Benalmádena.
4:30 p.m. Star performance of Long Play
6:00 p.m. Dance with the Breaker Orchestra

SPORTS
Ramón Rico Sports Center
5:00 pm – Benjamín-Alevín indoor football tournament
6:00 pm – Children’s-Cadet indoor football tournament
7:00 pm – Senior futsal tournament (Final)
8:30 pm – Torruscos Veterans vs Algeciras Portuarios football tournament

FAIRGROUNDS
Los Nadales Fairgrounds
From 8:00 pm – Funfair (Children and Youth)

Municipal Youth Booth
From 9:30 pm to 5:00 am – Live performances, Salsa and Bachata Master Class, DJ’S and entertainment.

Virgen de la Cruz Auditorium-Caseta Municipal
10:00 pm – Dance with the Orchestra New Day
12:00 am – Star performance by Funambulista
From 1:30 am to 3:30 am – Performance by the Group Q-Gain
From 3:30 am to 05:00 am – Dance until dawn with DJ Jordi Ruiz

August 17

CHOCOLATADA
Plaza de España
11:00 am – Chocolate for everyone by the San Antonio Bakery.

CULTURAL FAIR
Plaza de Andalucía
From 09:00 am to 3:00 pm – XXVII Casa del Artesano Quick Painting Contest Fair 2024

CHILDREN’S FAIR
Calle Real
11:30 am Ribbon race on bicycles and scooters

Plaza de Andalucía
12:00 pm – Bicycle ride
12:30 am – Cucañas
> Cucaña is a traditional play in which people try to climb a greasy pole to the top.

DAY FAIR
Avenida Juan Luis Peralta
From 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm – Horse Ride

Plaza de las 3 Culturas
From 1:30 pm to 7:00 pm – Trenzao Group Performance
3:00 pm – Free tasting of typical dish Fried eggs with potatoes a lo pobre
(Have you tried? This dish is simple and delicious! I learned about it in a previous fair; now, if I don’t do it at home at least once a week, the guys complain… Huevos fritos con papas a lo pobre (link to recipe) literally means fried eggs with poor-style potatoes. It may have been a poor-people dish in the past, but nowadays, with current olive oil prices, it should be renamed to papas a lo rico!)
Stalls with popular prices run by the Peña Caballista Association of Benalmádena.

3:00 pm Presentation of Procession and Quick Painting Trophies
3:30 pm Peña Nuestra Señora de la Cruz Choir Performance
4:30 pm Star performance of Trueno Azul

Avenida Juan Luis Peralta
5:30 pm Motorcycle ribbon race.
Registration on the same day from 4:00 pm
Avenida Juan Luis Peralta will be closed to traffic from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm

FAIRGROUNDS
Los Nadales Fairgrounds
From 8:00 pm – Funfair attractions. (Children and Youth)

Municipal Youth Booth
From 9:30 pm to 5:00 am – Live performances, Salsa and Bachata Master Class, DJ’S and entertainment

Virgen de la Cruz Auditorium-Caseta Municipal
9:30 pm – Dance with the Orchestra New Day
11:30 pm – Star performance by Decai
​​01:00 am – Star performance by Juanlu Montoya
From 2:30 am to 4:30 am – Group Performance Tirantitos
From 04:30 to 05:00 am – Dance until dawn with DJ Jose Ruiz

August 18

CHOCOLATADA
Plaza de España
11:00 am – Chocolate for everyone by the San Antonio Bakery.

CHILDREN’S FAIR
Calle Amapola
From 11:30 am to 3:30 pm – Great Children’s Party and Foam Party

DAY FAIR
Plaza de las 3 Culturas
From 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm – Dance and fun with Rompeolas
3:00 pm – Free tasting of typical dishes “Paella” offered by Benalmádena City Council.
Stalls with popular prices provided by the Peña Caballista Association of Benalmádena.
3:00 pm – Presentation of Trophies for Sports activities
4:00 pm – Play group performance
6:00 pm – Dance with the Rompeolas Orchestra

FAIRGROUNDS
Los Nadales Fairgrounds
From 8:00 pm – Funfair attractions (Children and Youth)

Municipal Youth Booth
From 9:30 pm to 5:00 am – Live performances, Salsa and Bachata Master Class, DJ’S and entertainment.

Virgen de la Cruz Auditorium-Caseta Municipal
9:30 pm – Dance with the Nuevo Día Orchestra
12:00 am – Star performance by Vicco
From 1:30 am to 3:30 am – DJ Javi Torres performance
From 3:30 am to 5:30 am – Dance until dawn with DJ Jose Ruiz

Main locations of the Benalmadena Pueblo Fair

Different activities will happen at different places at the Benalmadena Pueblo Fair; here are the main ones. You can click on ‘directions’ on the Google Maps images to see the best way to get there from where you are! Talking about it… avoid going by car; choose either the bus (lines 103, 112, 116, 121 or 126), taxi or Uber, as on fair days everybody is out and about, so finding parking would be extra hard.

Avenida Juan Luis Peralta

This is the main street of Benalmadena Pueblo. All the bus stops are on this street. During th fair, this is where the bicycle races will happen.

Plaza de las 3 culturas (3 cultures Square)

This square, right between the Museo Precolombino Felipe Orlando and the Avenida Juan Luiz Peralta, is where many of the Day Fair attractions will happen.

Calle Real (Royal Street)

Calle Real is one of the most beautiful and famous streets in Benalmadena Pueblo. It is a walking-only street that starts from Avenida Juan Luiz Peralta and goes all the way to the Plaza de España. It also gives access to the Plaza de Andalucia.

Plaza de España (Spain Square)

This is the famous Square with the statue of La Niña de Benalmadena. And this is where the chocolate distribution will happen during this fair!

Iglesia de Santo Domingo de Guzmán (St. Domingo de Guzmán Church)

The religious activities of the Benalmadena Pueblo Fair will be centered around this church.

Jardines del Muro (Gardens of the Wall)

This is the panoramic area around and behind the St. Domingo de Guzmán Church.

Recinto Ferial Los Nadales (Los Nadales Fairgrounds)

The fairgrounds of Benalmadena Pueblo, where both the Municipal Youth Booth and the Virgen de la Cruz Auditorium-Caseta Municipal will be.

Ramón Rico Sports Center

Where all the football tournaments of the Feria will take place!

Rustic Park-Finca Casablanca

This is where the Procession of Our lady of the Cross will arrive.

Related Posts:
Is it worth visiting Benalmadena Pueblo?
Solving Parking and parking tickets in the Costa del Sol

Conclusion

The Benalmádena Pueblo Fair, with its rich blend of tradition, culture, and modern entertainment, promises to be a highlight of the summer. From religious processions and sports tournaments to vibrant fairs and delectable chocolate events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It is an unmissable event. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Benalmadena Pueblo Fair offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the lively spirit of Andalusian celebrations. Remember to check back on this post for detailed schedules, and don’t forget to mark your calendar for August 14 to 18! Enjoy the festivities and make the most of this spectacular fair. See you there!