Decoding the Marbella Nomenclature: Marbellero, Marbellí, or Marbellense?
In the picturesque town of Marbella, the names used to identify its inhabitants have been a subject of debate. Two terms, ‘Marbellero’ and ‘Marbellí’, are commonly used to distinguish between those born in the town and those who have moved there. The former is used for locals with family roots in Marbella, while the latter is for those who have relocated to the town.
The Origin of Marbella’s Dual Identity
The distinction between ‘Marbellero’ and ‘Marbellí’ dates back to the 1970s, a period linked to the tourist boom on the Costa del Sol. The two terms were introduced to differentiate between locals and foreigners. However, the Spanish language dictionary recognizes only ‘Marbellí’ as the term for people born in Marbella.
The Historically Proven Name: Marbellense
Despite the common usage of ‘Marbellero’ and ‘Marbellí’, historian Francisco Moreno argues that the authentic term is ‘Marbellense’. According to Moreno, this term is historically proven and has been used in official documents since the 19th century. The term ‘Marbellense’ originates from the Latin ‘Marbellensis’ and its earliest recorded use dates back to a text from 1658.
The Revival of ‘Marbellí’
The term ‘Marbellí’, on the other hand, traces its roots back to the Nasrid period. It disappeared over the years in Christian Spain, only to make a comeback in the 20th century. Despite Marbella being a multicultural town with over 153 different nationalities, the distinction between ‘Marbellero’ and ‘Marbellí’ continues to stir controversy in local debates.
The Future of Marbella’s Identity
As Marbella’s population continues to grow, now reaching 168,000 inhabitants, maintaining this differentiation is becoming increasingly challenging. Regardless of the controversy, the town’s rich history and diverse population continue to make it a unique and vibrant place to live.
