The International Villages Fair in is one of the most interesting events on the Costa del Sol leisure calendar. An unbeatable opportunity to learn about the culture and customs of the multiple nationalities residing in the municipality of Málaga.
The first Villages Fair in Fuengirola took place in 1994. Ever since, it has been held each year between April and May at the municipality’s Fair Centre, becoming one of the most traditional events in Fuengirola. A space located in the town centre, very near the commuter train station and the interurban bus terminal. It also has parking for those who prefer to arrive by car.
So, come on down and enjoy FIP Fuengirola.
An extensive and varied programme of activities
Entry to the International Villages Fair is free and allows you to enjoy an extensive and varied programme of activities.
Firstly, there is an official programme put together by the Town hall. It includes different activities for sharing gastronomy, folklore, customs and music from the different countries and Spanish regions participating in the event.
Secondly, each participating nation and region puts together the programme of activities that will be taking place at their booths.
You will also be able to enjoy the exhibition and sale of traditional products from each participating country and region.
At the fair centre entrance, right in front of the booths, there are usually attractions for little ones, as well as a space for the International Sample Fair.
Visit over 33 countries without leaving Fuengirola
The FIP is an annual invitation to visit over 33 countries without leaving Fuengirola, and to learn about the culture and customs of several Spanish regions.
There are always more countries than Spanish regions represented at FIP.
Among the many countries that have taken part in FIP Fuengirola since 1994 are United States, Australia, Peru, Cuba, Germany, Mexico, India, Hawaii, Finland, Norway, Italy, Japan, and many more.
The Spanish regions that have been present at this multicultural event include Navarra, Canarias, Castilla-León, Asturias and, of course, Andalusia.
Things to do and see at FIP Fuengirola
The international journey through FIP Fuengirola includes numerous fun activities and multicultural coexistence among families, friends and visitors. The many things you can do and see during this festival include:
- Taste the multiple flavours of the traditional cuisine of each participating country and Spanish region. From dishes of the most exotic and furthest away countries to the Spanish regions that take part in the fair. An exquisite tasting of international and national gastronomy.
- Watch the multicultural parade, in which all the delegations at each edition of FIP take part. You will enjoy seeing the eye-catching and colourful traditional dress of each region.
- Attend the different performances of traditional dance that take place throughout the five days of the Fair.
- Enjoy the numerous musical concerts of native groups that come to Fuengirola for this event. Live music in a multicultural and festive atmosphere.
- Buy traditional products from each place. Without leaving Fuengirola, you can acquire numerous items made in far-off countries and regions.
- Learn first-hand about the culture, customs and way of life of each village taking part at the fair.
- Experience the festival in the company of people from other countries and Spanish regions. You will need hours to tour all the booths at the centre and to enjoy the daily performances of each one.
- Enjoy a festive, cosmopolitan and multicultural environment.
Fuengirola Town Hall puts together the official FIP programme and the Fair Centre layout with the location of the booths of the countries and regions that take part at each edition.
OFFICIAL 2024 FIP FUENGIROLA PROGRAMME
The International Fair of Countries in Fuengirola, formerly known as the Fair of the Peoples, returns on Wednesday, May 1st with an inaugural parade through the streets of Fuengirola. This edition will conclude on Sunday, May 5th, 2024.
The fair will be open continuously from 1:00 PM until 4:00 AM. However, this year, on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, the music in the booths will stop at 2:00 AM to allow the residents to rest.
FIP PROGRAM 2024
Wednesday 1st May
11:30 – Grand parade of participating folk groups
12:00 – Opening of the International Fair “FIM”
13:00 – Opening of Stands
02:00 – Music off, lights on
04:00 – Stands closure
Thursday 2nd May
12:00 – Opening of the International Fair “FIM”
13:00 – Opening of Stands
02:00 – Music off, lights on
04:00 – Stands closure
Friday 3rd May
12:00 – Opening of the International Fair “FIM”
13:00 – Opening of Stands
04:00 – Stands closure
Saturday 4th May
12:00 – Opening of the International Fair “FIM”
13:00 – Opening of Stands
04:00 – Stands closure
Sunday 5th May
12:00 – Opening of the International Fair “FIM”
13:00 – Opening of Stands
02:00 – Music off, lights on
04:00 – Stands closure
Every day gastronomy, crafts, and live folk performances from different groups in their respective stands and in the fairground area. Free Entry
Countries Represented
- Germany
- Argentina
- Australia
- Belgium
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Colombia
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Finland
- Great Britain
- Greece
- Hawaii
- India
- Ireland
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Lebanon
- Morocco
- Mexico
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
- Romania
- Senegal
- Spain
- Sweden
- Turkey
- Uruguay
- United State
- Venezuela
Visit Fuengirola. guide of things to see and do in this location of the Costa del Sol
WHERE TO STAY
El Fuerte Marbella
Fuerte Hoteles is always the best option to stay in Andalusia, get to know its cities and rest. The hotel chain offers establishments where you can enjoy, besides its services, the best each of the region’s destinations has to offer. Its more than 50 years of experience are the best guarantee and an exceptional starting point of any experience you wish to have.