Marbella is expected to give away around 1.7 tonnes of sardines on Thursday night as one of the most traditional end-of-summer celebrations returns.
The 13th edition of the Moraga Popular will take place across four beaches from 8pm on September 17.
Residents and visitors will be treated to sardines cooked as traditional espetos, alongside 1,000kg of chopped tomato salad, bread and drinks, all free of charge.
The celebrations will be held at La Salida beach in San Pedro Alcantara, Levante beach in Puerto Banus, La Venus beach in Marbella and Real de Zaragoza beach in Las Chapas.
Sardines, espetos and live music
Marbella Town Hall is organising the event alongside the local fishermen’s association, the Cofradia de Pescadores, which will supply the sardines and prepare them using the traditional method.
Espetos are one of the Costa del Sol’s most recognisable culinary traditions, with sardines skewered and cooked beside an open fire, traditionally on the beach.
There will also be live performances by local music groups at the different celebration sites throughout the evening.
Councillor Diego Lopez said the annual event is intended as a tribute to tourism, local residents and Marbella’s maritime traditions.
The Moraga Popular was first launched in 2010, originally under the name Homenaje al Turismo y al Municipio.
After a hiatus that included the Covid pandemic, it returned in 2022 and has since continued as an event open to everyone.
The council has also thanked La Taberna del Alabardero, Paradise Beach, Pepe’s Bar and Siroko for their involvement in this year’s celebrations.
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