Spain, a country renowned for its vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse landscapes, hosts a wide array of events throughout the year that celebrate its traditions, arts, music, and culinary delights.
From the vibrant streets of Madrid to the picturesque villages of Andalusia, Spain’s events offer visitors a captivating blend of culture, history, and joie de vivre that makes it a truly unforgettable destination throughout the year.
La Tomatina is an iconic tomato-throwing festival held in Buñol, near Valencia. Participants engage in a massive tomato fight, covering the streets in a sea of red pulp and creating a fun and messy spectacle.
Time: Last Wednesday of August.
The Feria de Abril is a vibrant annual fair held in Seville, characterised by flamenco music, colourful traditional dresses, bullfights, and numerous casetas (tents) offering food, drinks, and entertainment.
Time: Two weeks after Easter Sunday, usually in April.
The Running of the Bulls is part of the San Fermín Festival in Pamplona. Participants run ahead of a group of bulls through the narrow streets of the city, following a tradition that dates back centuries.
Time: July 6th to 14th.
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the largest and most extravagant carnival celebrations in the world. It features colourful parades, music, dance, and elaborate costumes, attracting visitors from all over.
Time: February.
Semana Santa is a solemn and religious observance marking the final week of Lent leading up to Easter Sunday. It includes processions, religious ceremonies, and elaborate floats in cities and towns across Spain.
Time: Holy Week, usually in March or April.
The Fiesta de San Isidro is the patron saint festival of Madrid, honouring San Isidro, the patron saint of farmers. It features traditional dances, music, bullfights, and various cultural events throughout the city.
Time: May 15th.
Las Fallas de Valencia is a lively and colourful festival celebrated in Valencia, featuring massive papier-mâché sculptures, fireworks, parades, and the burning of the sculptures (fallas) on the final night.
Time: March 15th to 19th.
Dia de los Reyes Magos is a traditional celebration marking the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem. In Spain, it is celebrated with parades, pageantry, and the giving of gifts to children.
Time: January 6th.
La Mercè is the largest street festival in Barcelona, celebrating the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of Mercy. It features a variety of cultural events, including music concerts, traditional dances, and fireworks displays.
Time: September 24th.
Throughout Spain, various flamenco festivals celebrate the country’s rich flamenco heritage. These festivals showcase flamenco music, dance, and song performances by renowned artists, attracting locals and tourists.
Time: Various dates throughout the year, depending on the location and festival.
Haro Wine Festival
The picturesque La Rioja region of Spain hosts the annual Haro Wine Festival, which includes the famous Batalla de Vino wine battle. Considered one of the “world’s craziest food fights”, water guns, cups, buckets or just about anything filled with wine are used and thrown at the opposing team. It’s a Spanish bucket list experience that you should definitely complete. Mandatory things: The traditional outfit for the wine battle is white (tea/trousers/dress) with a red scarf
Start: 29 June 2024