The Dos and Don’ts of San Pedro Feria – Your Survival Guide

The Feria de San Pedro Alcántara is one of the liveliest weeks of the year on the Costa del Sol — a perfect mix of tradition, music, food, rides, and late-night partying. Whether you’re a feria newbie or a seasoned local, here’s your lighthearted guide to making the most of it (and avoiding rookie mistakes).




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DO: Dress the Part
This is not the time for your “just popped to the shop” outfit. Think colorful flamenco dresses, crisp shirts, bright flowers in your hair, and shoes that can handle both dancing and dust. You don’t have to go full flamenco, but make an effort — you’ll blend in and feel the spirit of the feria.


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DON’T: Wear New Shoes
Yes, those shiny new heels or spotless loafers look great… until you’re hobbling by 10 PM. Feria nights are long, the ground is uneven, and you’ll be dancing, walking, and probably sprinting to catch churros at 3 AM. Wear shoes you can trust — or at least pack some plasters.




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DO: Eat Like a Local
Order tapas in the casetas, try the fried fish, share a plate of jamón, and don’t forget to wash it down with rebujito (sherry + lemonade = feria fuel).


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DON’T: Overdo the Rebujito
It tastes light and refreshing — until it doesn’t. Pace yourself, especially if you plan to survive until the fireworks. You want to dance sevillanas, not nap under the table.





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DO: Learn a Few Sevillanas Steps
Even if you have two left feet, give it a go. Locals love it when visitors join in, and the feria is all about participation. Bonus points if you can clap on beat.


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DON’T: Block the Dance Floor
If you’re not dancing, don’t stand in the middle of the caseta chatting. Move to the side, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.




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DO: Stay Late
The feria truly comes alive at night. The lights, the music, the rides — it’s magical.


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DON’T: Arrive Too Early
Yes, the fairground technically opens around 7 PM and keeps going until 4 or 5 AM, but turning up at 5 PM and wondering why it’s empty is a rookie mistake. The real party vibe kicks in after dark — pace yourself for the long night ahead.





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DO: Bring Cash
While some places take cards, cash is king at the feria. Save yourself the panic of hunting down an ATM with a queue longer than the bumper cars.


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DON’T: Forget to Arrange a Ride Home
Parking is chaotic, taxis get scarce after midnight, and walking home in feria shoes is a painful experience. Plan ahead — book a taxi, rideshare, or designate a driver so your night ends as happily as it started.




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Final Tip: Relax and Enjoy
The feria is loud, colorful, a little chaotic — and that’s exactly how it should be. Go with the flow, make new friends, and say yes to that last dance. The feria only happens once a year, so live it fully!