This week Estepona will once again come alive with the vibrant celebrations of San Isidro Labrador, one of the town’s patron saints and a symbol of its deep-rooted agricultural heritage. The festivities, taking place from 13th to 18th May, offer a colourful and lively expression of community pride and tradition.
San Isidro Labrador, who incidentally is also Madrid’s patron, lived in Madrid during the 12th century when it was but a village, where he worked as a lowly farm labourer. He was always engrossed in prayer but according to legend his workload was taken on by angels so as to leave him time for his devotions, must remember that one!
During the week, Estepona hosts a wide variety of cultural and recreational events. These include livestock contests, wine tastings, bird exhibitions, and traditional competitions involving axe and chainsaw handling, as well as equestrian displays, many of which are at the fairground. These activities highlight the town’s agricultural roots and craftsmanship, keeping local customs alive.
The highlight of the festivities falls on 15th May, the feast day of San Isidro. On this day, a grand procession is held in honor of the saint, starting with his image being drawn through the streets by oxen before being carried by a group of bearers. The town is decorated with flowers and natural ornaments, and the atmosphere is filled with music, applause, and fireworks. Thursday 15th May is a local public holiday in Estepona.
Programme
Tuesday, 13th May – Children’s Day
Enjoy a 50% discount on all fairground attractions.
7.00 pm – Grand Parade of Joy featuring giant puppets and “big-head” figures, accompanied by the Marbella Musical Group.
10.00 pm – Official opening of the amusement park, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local dignitaries, queens, and ladies.
11.30 pm – DJ party at the Official San Isidro Labrador Pavillion.
Wednesday, 14th May
10.30 am to 1.00 pm – Floral tribute to the patron saint at the Brotherhood House.
11.00 am – Workshop on building a traditional hut.
12.00 pm – Exhibition of songbirds presented by Pajarería Quirós.
5.30 pm – Children’s party with the Mimosin Show.
7.00 pm – Charity cart collecting food donations.
9.00 pm – Dance performance by Lourdes Bazán and Lourdes Barrientos.
10.30 pm – Live music and dancing with the orchestra “Latidos.”
Thursday, 15th May – Main Festival Day – Public Holiday in Estepona
12 midnight – Fireworks to mark the beginning of San Isidro Day.
8.00 am – Public and institutional offering in front of San José Parish.
11.00 am – Mass at San José Parish.
12 noon – Visit to the Patron Saint’s altar on Calle Casares.
12.30 pm – Official presentation of the offering with a performance by the Antonio Trujillo Spanish Dance School.
1.00 pm – Tour of decorated altars and traditional lemon giveaway.
6.00 pm – San Isidro Labrador procession through the festive streets of Estepona, with floats, riders, traditional music groups, and dancers.
10.00 pm – DJ set at the Official Tent.
Friday, 16th May
11.00 am – Goat milking and cheese-making workshop with native breeds.
1.00 pm to 6.00 pm – Traditional esparto weaving workshop.
2.00 pm – Tasting of “sopa campera” (country-style soup) and Estepona’s signature lemon cream puff.
6.00 pm – Fig bread-making workshop with traditional ingredients.
9.00 pm – Performance by La Milana Dance Studio.
10.45 pm – Evening dance with the orchestra “Latidos.”
Saturday, 17th May
10.30 am – Estepona and region wine contest (dry, semi-dry, and sweet categories).
12 noon – Olive oil tasting led by expert Mayca Galán Sánchez.
1.30 pm – Axe skills contest at the livestock area.
3.00 pm – Prize ceremony for contest winners.
5.30 pm – Demonstration of traditional threshing techniques.
9.00 pm – Dance performance by the group “Con Acento.”
10.30 pm – Dance night with the orchestra “Latidos.”
Sunday, 18th May – Livestock Fairground Events
11.30 am – Horse gymkhana.
12.30 pm – Ribbon race on horseback and garrocha (lance) riding contest.
