We Joined Murcia City's September Feria for a Day Trip

Right, confession time. We're not actually huge feria people. Ten years living out here near Roda Golf and we'd somehow never made it to Murcia city's September feria, always finding an excuse: too far, too hot, "we'll go next year." This year we finally sacked off the excuses, roped in the neighbours, and made a day of it.

For anyone who's not clocked it yet, Murcia city's Feria de Septiembre runs through the back half of September, built around the Bando de la Huerta and the Entierro de la Sardina, two of the biggest dates on the whole regional calendar. It's about an hour's drive from Los Alcázares up the motorway, and honestly, if you've never done it, this is the year.

Getting There and Parking (The Boring But Important Bit)

We debated driving versus training it, and in the end went by car because there were four of us and it made sense cost-wise. Big mistake, sort of. Murcia city centre during feria week is absolutely rammed, and parking near the fairground and old town gets snapped up early. If you're coming from our neck of the woods, either get there stupidly early (we're talking before eleven) or do what a friend suggested and take the train from San Javier or Balsicas instead. No stress about parking, no arguing about who's the designated driver, and you can have a beer without feeling guilty about it.

We went the car route and ended up in a car park a good twenty minute walk from the action. Not the end of the world, but if you've got kids with you or anyone who struggles on their feet, factor that in.

What Actually Happens (And Why It's Worth the Drive)

The bit that surprised us most was just how much is packed into one day if you time it right. We rolled up mid-morning and the huerta market stalls were already in full swing, all wicker baskets, local cheeses, and enough jamón to feed a small army. If you catch the Bando de la Huerta itself (usually the Tuesday of feria week), the whole city turns out in traditional dress, there's a massive parade, and the atmosphere is properly infectious even if you don't understand half of what's going on.

We didn't manage the parade this time round (next year, we keep saying that a lot), but we did hit the fairground area near the Malecón, all rides and churro stalls and kids running about with candy floss the size of their heads. My other half is not a fan of anything that spins, so we split up for an hour, which honestly worked out well. He found a decent spot for a caña and some tapas while the kids and I did two laps of the waltzers.

Food-wise, don't bother looking for anything fancy. This is paper-plate, plastic-cup territory, and it's brilliant for it. Marineras, zarangollo, a proper Murcian pastel de carne. We ate far too much and regretted nothing.

A Word on the Heat (Yes, Still)

September in Murcia city can still hit the high twenties, sometimes low thirties in the afternoon, and there's a lot less sea breeze than we're used to back near the Mar Menor. Bring water, wear a hat, and don't underestimate how much walking you'll do between the fairground, the market, and the old town. We definitely underestimated it and my feet were having words with me by 6pm.

Would We Go Back?

Without question. It felt like a proper local occasion rather than something dressed up for tourists, and after a summer of beach days and golf rounds near the resort, it was nice to do something with a bit more culture and noise to it. If you fancy a change of scene this month, this is the one to put in the diary before the season quietens down.

Back home, September is also a lovely time to just enjoy the area at a slower pace. If you're weighing up a longer stay to soak up more of these local events, it's worth having a browse of the holiday rentals near Roda Golf while the autumn calendar is this busy. And if golf is more your speed after a day of feria food, the courses are playing beautifully right now, cooler mornings and all, so it's worth checking what's on offer across the golf courses near Roda Golf.

Got questions about planning a trip that mixes golf, beach, and a bit of local culture like this? Drop us a line through the contact page and we're happy to point you in the right direction, feria included.