Feria del Sol

Feria del Sol, or the Fair of the Sun, is a major cultural festival held every February in Mérida, Venezuela. Coinciding with Carnival, it features bullfights, concerts, parades, cultural expositions, and the crowning of La Reina Del Sol.

• Held every February in Mérida, Venezuela
• Features international bullfighting competitions
• Includes concerts, parades, and cultural expositions
• Selection of La Reina Del Sol, the festival queen
• Coincides with the Carnival season

What it is

Feria del Sol is an annual festival that transforms the city of Mérida into a lively hub of tradition, spectacle, and community pride. Locals and visitors gather to celebrate with a mix of bullfighting events, music, parades, and cultural exhibitions. The festival is deeply rooted in the city's identity, offering a space for artistry, competition, and social gathering. For many, it is a highlight of the year, blending the excitement of Carnival with the unique customs of the Andean region.

Where it comes from

The festival began when Mérida sought to establish a fair to rival those of other Venezuelan cities, leading to the construction of a bullring and the creation of a taurine calendar. The first events were held in December to coincide with the Immaculate Conception, but after some early challenges, including weather disruptions, the fair was moved to February to align with Carnival. Since 1969, Feria del Sol has grown into one of Venezuela's most important fairs, especially renowned in the world of bullfighting.

How it is celebrated

During Feria del Sol, the city hosts a packed schedule of bullfights featuring both local and international matadors. Alongside the bullring, there are concerts, parades, and cultural expositions showcasing regional music, dance, and crafts. Commercial and livestock exhibitions add to the festive atmosphere, drawing crowds from across the region. One of the highlights is the selection of La Reina Del Sol, where contestants compete for the title of Queen of the Sun. The streets fill with color, music, and the energy of Carnival, making it a time when Mérida’s traditions are on full display.

Joining in

Visitors to Mérida during Feria del Sol can expect a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere with events spread throughout the city. The main celebrations center on the bullring and nearby plazas, but music and parades spill into the streets. Attendees can enjoy local food, watch the crowning of the festival queen, and take part in the lively Carnival spirit. It’s a unique chance to experience the culture and hospitality of Mérida at its most festive.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Feria del Sol (Mérida), whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Feria del Sol (Mérida) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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