In the middle of March we are always in for a treat with the La Herradura Feria and Fiestas de San José! This is the place to be in order to celebrate San José, Father’s Day, the coming of Spring, and all people named José. Be prepared for a few days and nights with activities, events, food, drink and parties.
Photos are from years before covid.
Table of Contents
Who is San José?
San José (Saint Joseph) is the patron saint of La Herradura and regarded as the patron saint of workers. San José was married to Mary, Jesus’ mother, and was Jesus’s legal father. Each year on March 19th there is a feast day for San José, which is also when Father’s day is celebrated each year in Spain. March 19 always falls during Lent, and traditionally it is a day of abstinence. This would explain why meatless meals are usually the custom at a Saint Joseph feast.
Iglesia San José
Just over two blocks in from the beach, between Calle Arroyo and Calle Barranquillo, you will find a small church (Iglesia San José). This became the parochial church of La Herradura in 1907 and is dedicated to San José (Saint Joseph), the patron saint of the village.
Día de San José (19 March)
The La Herradura Feria usually begin a few days before the 19th and continues into the wee hours every night, typically ending the final night with fireworks. This usually includes activities, food, drinks, carnival rides, music, dancing and plenty of fun. Each night is full of people gathering at the beach and neighborhood streets, to enjoy performances, parades, rides and events.
La Herradura Feria de Día
The day fair is usually on Calle Eucalipto, to the west of Plaza de la Independencia. It’s time to eat, drink and be merry, all day long! This area has been transformed into an outdoor party. You will be joined by all of the locals enjoying the tapas, rations, and drinks offered by the food booths and bars. Of course it wouldn’t be a party without music, so be prepared for a fun day at the La Herradura feria de dia!
La Herradura Feria
Each year a large tent is set up at Plaza de la Independencia, but in 2022 the day fair will be alongside the La Herradura Castle. This is where the main stage and many of the events will take place during the week. San José is the patron saint of La Herradura (Las Fiestas Patronales de La Herradura).
For several days the few blocks along Paseo Andrés Segovia (from Calle Eucalipto to Calle Barranquillo), are blocked off to car traffic. Along the street you will find many carnival rides, snack stalls, and plenty of people. There are often outdoor events scheduled during the day near the La Herradura Castle, at the west end of the village and sometimes in other locations as well. Each night you can also expect loads of entertainment and concerts.
March 19th is the big day of the feria week, so celebrations are to be expected!
La Herradura Feria – Fiestas de San José
March 16-19, 2023
The La Herradura Feria – Fiestas de San José returns!
This year the day fair will be held on the La Herradura castle grounds. The fiestas will be focused on the children, with a many activities. In addition, for the adults with events and well-known artists such as Camela or La Húngara, Including a night time drone light show for everyone, with 140 drones synchronized making luminous figures in the sky.
Download the full program in PDF here.
Thursday, March 16
Day 1 of Las Fiestas Patronales de San José
10:30 XIV Children’s Writing Contest ‘Virana’, at the Civic Center
11:30 Inauguration of the V Exhibition of photographs ‘My Land’, in the Market
13:00 Day fair at the fairgrounds
16:30 Camela concert in the castle of La Herradura, with free admission until full capacity is reached
20:00 Concert by Judith Urbano, at the Civic Center of La Herradura
20:30 Great inaugural parade ‘launch-illusions’ from the Las Maravillas sports center
21:30 Inauguration of the fairgrounds and lighting on at
23:00 The municipal booth will feature the Tentación orchestra and the Alalba group.
Friday, March 17
Day 2 of Las Fiestas Patronales de San José
13:00 Day fair at the fairgrounds
16:30 Children’s party of games and cucañas
18:30 Mingle with our elders in the exhibition hall of the Civic Center
20:00 Musical performance by Álvaro Díaz at the Civic Center
22:00 Great drone light show!
23:00 The Party tent will feature the Tentación orchestra and the Alalba group
Saturday, March 18
Day 3 of Las Fiestas Patronales de San José
08:00 Fishing contest
11:00 Facial X-ray and make-up workshop at the Civic Center
12:00 Family bike ride. Departure next to the Bambú beach bar
12:30 Great Show-Children’s Musical Show at the Civic Center
13:30 Day fair at the fairgrounds
16:00 Traditional ribbon run
18:00 Floral Offering to San José, leaving from the Civic Center
19:00 Bahía Flamenca performance, in the Civic Center
20:00 Concert María Gómez La Canastera, in the Civic Center
22:00 Great pyro musical fireworks show
23:00 The Official party tent will feature the Tentación orchestra and the Alalba group
Sunday March 19
Day 4 of Las Fiestas Patronales de San José This is also Father’s Day.
09:00 Ringing of bells
10:00 Walk against cancer starting in the market square
11:30 Aircraft exhibition
12:00 Holy Mass in honor of San José
12:15 Martial arts exhibition at the Civic Center
12:30 Concert by the Municipal Music Band in the square of the Church of San José
13:00 Day fair at the fairgrounds
16:00 Ribbon race on horseback
18:00 Children’s music The Golden Compass in the Civic Center
20:00 Solemn Procession of the patron San Joséh from the Church
23:00 Concert by La Húngara at the fairgrounds
00:30 The Official party tent will feature the Tentación orchestra and the Alalba group
