Culture in Estepona
Spain is extremely rich in culture and the Costa del Sol is certainly no exception. Aside from the typical Catholic churches and quaint fishing villages, the Moorish invasion saw an explosion of architecture and art.
Estepona itself offers many interesting sites to visit some of which are listed below.
Museums:
The Municipal Museum is an archaeological museum situated in the Plaza de Torros, (Bullring) and is open from Monday-Friday 09:00-15:00 and on Saturday 10:00-14:00.
The museum has a number of exhibits, including archaeological, palaeontological, “Taurino”, (in memory of the greatest bullfighter from Estepona) and ethnological.
Ferias and Saint´s Days
Unlike in England, Spain recognises Saint´s Days and each town and municipality has it´s own day to celebrate. The two main “ferias” or holidays that Estepona recognise are San Isidro Labrador and the Virgen del Carmen. San Isidro is the patron saint of farmers and of the countryside. This festival is celebrated on the 15th of May every year and is a must see for tourists and locals alike. The town becomes a buzz of atmosphere and camraderie, the streets are paved with palms and processions of horses, oxen, donkeys, bulls and floats parade throughout the town to the tune of a marching band. Later you will be able to enjoy the numerous temporary bars erected throughout the town. This festival you must not miss.
Estepona´s main feria takes place at the beginning of July and this is considered to be one huge party in which the whole town comes together to celebrate. At about 15:00 on Calle Real, the main pedestrian street, bars open outside of existing bars, music blares and everyone has a great time. In the two main squares, Plaza de Huevo and Plaza de las Flores, large stalls open selling traditional Andalucían food and most people there are in traditional dress. Come the evening, the Recinto Ferial (where the Wednesday market is held) is packed with people enjoying the temporary fair ground that is built for the occasion. This feria is definitely not one to miss and usually begins on the first Wednesday of July until Sunday. On the Saturday there is another parade similar to that of San Isidro.
The Virgen del Carmen is the patron saint of fishermen and this fiesta enjoys a very similar atmosphere to the fiesta of San Isidro. Every year a large statue of the Virgen (Virgin) is carried down the paso marítimo and set upon a boat which then goes around to each fishing boat and blesses it. All boats are welcome and religious conotations aside, it is a wonderful party! This holiday takes place on the 16th of July every year. This is not a festival exclusive to Estepona but is great fun and an interesting parade to watch.
It must be noted that all shops, pharmacies and banks close on the day of the fiesta so don´t get caught out!
Markets:
Estepona has several markets that offer a variation of goods from fruits and vegetables, handbags and clothes and varying souvenirs such as ceramic ash trays, butter dishes and olive bowls. The market on Wednesday takes place in the Recinto Ferial at the top of Estepona. This market is where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, a large variety of nuts, olives and dried fruits and basic things such as cheap socks and shoes. This market is where many Spaniards go to buy their food. The Sunday market takes place down at the port, this market is generally designed for tourists and sells souveneirs and counterfeit bags and sunglasses as well as jewellery, clothes and shoes. There are buses that go to the markets that generally are set up by 09:00 and shut down at around 14:00.
The fish market is situated in the port of Estepona at 6 a.m. and if you are an early riser, or just interested, this a must see event. Hundreds of different types of fish that have literally been plucked out of the sea that day are displayed on stalls, although you can´t buy any of the fish it is a chance to see what Estepona was historically famous for.
In the centre of town is the covered market or “Mercado de Abastos” which is situated next to the “Torre de Reloj” or clock tower (pictured below). This market is good for fresh fish, fruit and vegetable and is open everyday, although finding fresh fruit is not difficult in this town as there are many family owned shops throughout the town that sell freshly picked fruit and vegetables.
Things to See
The “Casa de Cultura” is situated in the “Plaza de la Flores” in the centre of town and contains varying art exhibitions for more information about what´s on visit Andalucia´s main website.The lighthouse of Punta Doncella is situated at the end of the “paseo maritimo” was constructed in 1861 and stands at 21 metres tall and has visibility from the sea from 18 sea miles.
“Selwo Wildlife Park” is situated in Selwo, Estepona and is considered the largest nature park in Spain. Generally the park is open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and children under the age of 2 go free. The animals live in a natural habitat and you will find yourself traveling via 4×4 vehicles through breathtaking scenery whilst seeing lions, bears, reptiles and many more. For more information visit their website.
Image provided by Luzzyacentillo in Wikipedia.
Posted on April 29th, 2009 filed under Estepona.
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