Columbus Fiestas
Huelva, August
The oldest feria in Andalucia, and unusually it’s not based on religion.
The Fiestas Colombinas are held to celebrate the first voyage of Christopher Columbus who set sail from Huelva’s shores for the New World on August 3, 1492. There are events all over the city with the main action centred on the fair ground where casetas decked out in nautical blue and white are open to all, with food, drinks and flamenco dancing.
A stage beside the river hosts concerts, amusements and sporting competitions. The week ends with a musical firework display over the estuary, best viewed from the beautiful old Muelle del Tinto railway track which runs into the sea. Do visit Palos de la Frontera on the opposite side of the river to explore replicas of the three Columbus expedition galleons. Climb aboard and see how small they were!
