The Fiestas de San Marcos 2025 are underway in various municipalities across Spain, showcasing a vibrant blend of cultural traditions, accessibility initiatives, and community spirit. From El Ejido to Almendralejo and Talayuela, these celebrations are designed not only to honor the patron saint but also to ensure inclusivity for all attendees.
In El Ejido, the City Council has made significant strides toward making the festivities more accessible. The Fiestas in honor of San Marcos, which run until Sunday, April 27, 2025, are marked by efforts to eliminate barriers for individuals with disabilities. María del Mar Martínez, the councilor for Disability, emphasized that the municipality is committed to creating an inclusive environment. "We focus our efforts on ensuring that the festivities are accessible and inclusive, removing architectural barriers that obstruct individuals with physical disabilities and implementing more measures to integrate those with intellectual disabilities," she stated.
One notable initiative includes the suppression of lights and sounds at the Recinto Ferial from 18:00 to 20:00 hours on April 23 and 24, allowing individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or sensory alterations to enjoy the fair. Additionally, orange bracelets are being distributed by the Social Services and Culture departments, along with Protección Civil, to provide preferential access to attractions for people with disabilities, thereby reducing wait times and enhancing their experience.
The Recinto Ferial officially opened on April 23, 2025, featuring 15 attractions for adults, 32 for children, 39 food stalls, 14 beverage stalls, and various game points. The fair also includes four youth booths, which will operate from 18:00 to 06:00 hours. This year, the celebrations will culminate in a traditional procession on April 27, which is expected to draw large crowds.
Meanwhile, in Almendralejo, the romería de San Marcos is set to bring together thousands of locals on April 25, 2025. The day will kick off with a traditional breakfast provided by the Almendralejo City Council at 08:00 hours, followed by the procession starting at 09:00 hours. Participants, including walkers, riders, and those on floats, will traverse through various streets, ending at the hermitage. This year, 41 floats are registered for the event.
As the procession unfolds, attendees will have access to restrooms and refreshments, including water and Iberian ham. Once at the hermitage, the cultural and folkloric association Tierra de Barros will perform traditional dances, and a Santa Misa will be held. The municipal booth will feature live music throughout the day, closing at 05:00 hours on April 26, 2025. A free urban bus service will be available all day, except between 14:00 and 16:00 hours, to facilitate transportation for attendees.
In Talayuela, the ferias y fiestas de San Marcos are also in full swing, with a program filled with bulls, horses, and music. The opening ceremony, or pregón, took place on April 24, 2025, delivered by the association of Talayuela Contra el Cáncer. This year, the festivities will include a mass on April 25, followed by a series of musical performances at the municipal booth featuring La Flama at 15:00 hours, Combo Perfecto at 20:00 hours, and the popular band Los Mojinos Escozíos taking the stage at 22:30 hours.
Saturday, April 26, will be dedicated to equestrian and bull-related events, including gymkhanas and a mixed novillada with performers Léa Vicens, Marco Pérez, and Olga Casado. The celebrations will continue on Sunday with a horse parade and a flamenco dress contest, featuring Merche at 15:00 hours. The festivities will conclude with a traditional clay pigeon shooting event and a vaquilla release on Monday, April 28, followed by a fireworks display.
In Adra, the Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción hosted the Santa Misa in honor of San Marcos on April 23, 2025, where José Antonio Piqueras delivered a heartfelt pregón. He expressed his deep connection to the celebrations, stating, "For Antonio Machado, his childhood memories were of a courtyard in Seville. Mine are the preparations for San Marcos, my day, my festival, which I have lived since birth." The day of the procession will commence at 07:00 hours with a diana and a performance by the Banda de Cornetas y Tambores ‘Sagrado Corazón’ de Adra, followed by the distribution of traditional sweets and the much-anticipated procession.
As the Fiestas de San Marcos continue, they not only celebrate a rich cultural heritage but also foster community bonds and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone can partake in the joy and festivities of this beloved tradition.
