Almeria City gears up to celebrate its annual fair

ALMERIAN tradition and customs will be on show from Saturday August 22, as the city of Almeria celebrates its annual fair and promises a cornucopia of attractions in the week that follows.
Mayor Luis Rogelio Rodriquez Comendador declared that the fair would be a celebration that “reflects our warm, open character which takes pride in our roots.”
As a somewhat modern twist to the fair’s tradition, information about its various attractions and events can be accessed through a free mobile app called ‘Feria y Fiesta de Almeria 2015’ which will inform visitors about the schedule, concerts, public transport and parking space availability. Hotels are expected to reach 90 per cent occupancy, based on reservations so far, so out of town visitors need to book quickly.
Among the other attractions taking place are horse parades and float processions. Musicians and stars will take part including internationally-acclaimed Spanish singer Raphael. He will be accompanied by Almeria City Orchestra on August 28 at 10.30pm at the Palacio de los Juegos Mediterraneos, with Melendi taking to the same stage the following day.  Rock groups Saratoga and Tierra Santa, as well as La Skala de Richter, play on August 22.
Fans of ‘The Voice’ can also hear this year’s winner Antonio Jose perform on August 26.