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The 10 Best Traditional Festivals to Experience in Spain

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Spain's colorful, lively and passionate culture draws millions of visitors every year, all of whom are eager to experience this fun and vibrant country for themselves. Without a doubt, there's no better time to experience local culture at its best than during one of the myriad traditional festivals in Spain throughout the year. Each festival has a completely unique vibe, with unforgettable traditions and customs that make it unlike any other celebration in the world. Be sure to try and experience one of these unforgettable traditional festivals in Spain on your next trip. 

Semana Santa

You may have heard of Semana Santa —Holy Week—but you've probably never seen it celebrated on the Spanish level before. Throughout many parts of Spain, elaborate processions take to the streets every day throughout the week leading up to Easter as members of local parishes and religious brotherhoods parade ornate floats depicting Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary throughout the city. 

These processions have been taking place throughout Spain for centuries, and look much the same as they did hundreds of years ago. The elaborate floats, traditional costumes, and somber music played by live bands make for an Easter celebration unlike any other. 

You can catch Semana Santa processions in many cities throughout Spain, but Seville and Malaga are home to some of the most famous. Don't underestimate the celebrations in Castilla y León, either—the cities of Valladolid and León also host incredible processions. 

San Fermin (Pamplona Bull Run)

A controversial yet popular festival that draws hundreds of foolhardy souls and hundreds more eager spectators, Pamplona's Bull Run might just be the most action-packed traditional festival in Spain. 

The bull runs are actually part of a larger local festival known as San Fermín, taking place in the northern city of Pamplona for a week in early July. Each morning throughout the duration of the festival, participants and bulls take to the streets in a nail-biting race to the bull ring, where a bullfight will take place later in the day. 

The first official documented celebration of San Fermín took place in 1591, and was supposedly a much more low-key affair compared to the raucous celebration we know it as today. Although the rest of the festival is full of unique local traditions, the bull run itself is dangerous and considered by many to be unethical. 

TripSavvy does not recommend running with the bulls and trusts its readers to make their own decisions on the ethics of the bull run event and bullfighting as an attraction.

Tomatina Tomato Fight

Not everyone can say they've taken part in the world's biggest food fight. Except for the thousands of people who take to the streets of the tiny town of Buñol, near Valencia, to do so every year. The food of choice at La Tomatina is, unsurprisingly, tomatoes. Messy? Yes. Unforgettably fun? Also yes.

Sources vary when it comes to the origins of the Tomatina, but the festival's official website claims it all started in 1945, when a disruption during a parade resulted in spectators and participants throwing tomatoes from a nearby fruit stand at each other. The tradition caught on, and now every year on the last Wednesday in August, Buñol transforms from a sleepy village into party central.

Participants must purchase a ticket , which includes travel to Buñol from one of several larger cities, in order to participate. 

If you've celebrated Guy Fawkes Night or attended a Homecoming party, you might think you've seen a big bonfire. The truth is, unless you've been to Las Fallas in Valencia, you haven't seen anything yet.

Throughout several nights in mid-March, the streets of Valencia come alive with giant paper sculptures, painstakingly handcrafted in ornate detail. Then, on the last night, most of the sculptures, or fallas , are burned in epic bonfires throughout the city. A select few are saved from the blazes every year and end up in Valencia's Fallas Museum.

The first documented Las Fallas celebration took place in 1784, and each year it's grown bigger and better than ever. It takes place every year in March, featuring more than 700 incredible fallas . 

Feria de Sevilla

Seville 's most iconic celebration, the annual April Fair, is a colorful extravaganza of flamenco, horses, and sherry. Think of it as everything Andalusia is famous for packed into one epic week.

Though it began as a humble livestock fair, the Feria is now a place to see and be seen, with lavishly costumed men and women riding in horse-drawn carriages among the casetas , or tents. Many casetas are private, but several public tents are available, so anyone can enjoy the party. 

During the day, Feria is a wholesome family affair, with children enjoying the fair rides and families sitting down for long, leisurely meals inside their casetas as traditional music fills the air. At night, however, the event turns practically hedonistic, with free-flowing alcohol and parties raging long after the sun has gone down. 

Before the somber solemnity of Lent and Holy Week, most cities throughout Spain erupt into vibrant, happening celebrations not unlike Mardi Gras in New Orleans . No matter where you find yourself in the country, you'll be able to find a Carnival celebration nearby. While each city's celebration retains its own distinct vibe, in general, expect extravagant costumes, exciting parades, and plenty of music and alcohol.

Keep in mind, however, that not all Carnival celebrations are created equal. Sure, you'll have a good time no matter where you end up, but a few select destinations really go above and beyond. Island paradise Tenerife is home to Spain's most famous Carnival, with easygoing Cádiz and gay-friendly Sitges not far behind. 

Due to the changing date of Easter, Carnival's date varies by year.

Christmas & New Year

They say that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and nowhere does that refrain hold true more than in Spain.

What makes Christmas in Spain so special? First, you've got the undeniable European wintertime magic. Think charming Christmas markets and holiday lights twinkling throughout the streets. However, Spain's pleasant Mediterranean climate and plentiful sunshine make it a much milder alternative to chillier destinations around the same time of year.

Spanish families typically get together for a long, hearty dinner on Christmas Eve, with plenty of after-dinner drinks and conversation prolonging the affair for hours. Christmas Day itself is more low-key, with Santa Claus taking a backseat to the Three Kings who appear a few weeks later, but is still a meaningful day shared among loved ones. 

Cristianos y Moros

Skim any Spanish history textbook and you'll learn pretty quickly that Spain was dominated by two clashing cultures throughout much of the last century: the Moors and the Christians. Today, the battles between the two cultures come to life once more at the Moors & Christians Festivals that take place in multiple cities throughout Spain over the course of the year.

The celebrations condense 700 years of history into one evening full of mock battles taking place at a giant papier-mâché castle. And, of course, there's plenty of partying going on throughout the rest of the night as well.

Without a doubt, the most popular Moors & Christians celebrations take place in Alicante . However, other cities like Granada also host noteworthy "battles" to mark the occasion.

Semana Grande, Bilbao

Semana Grande, Great Week, Aste Nagusia (that's Basque, by the way)—whatever you call it, it's one of the most important traditional festivals in northern Spain. A legendary celebration unique to the Basque Country , this massive festival takes place every August in one of the region's largest cities, Bilbao.

What can you see at Semana Grande? A little bit of everything! Two main attractions are the giant puppets parade and the unrivaled number of concerts, with performances ranging from rock and pop to classical and jazz.

For visitors looking for a bit of friendly competition, there are plenty of contests taking place throughout the week as well, from an international fireworks competition to a strongman showdown and even an "ugly contest."

Tamborrada, San Sebastian

While on the subject of the Basque Country, let's swing over to San Sebastian for a bit. It's no surprise that in a Catholic country like Spain, each city celebrates its patron saint in style. In San Sebastian (whose patron saint is—wait for it—St. Sebastian), that means a massive drum parade known as the Tamborrada .

The fun starts at midnight every year on January 20 with the ceremonial raising of the flag in Plaza de la Constitución. From there, it's 24 hours of music, as dozens of drum lines make their way through the streets of San Sebastian throughout the day. At the end of the celebration, the flag gets taken down, signaling the end of the music until the next year. It's loud, colorful, and the only traditional festival of its kind in Spain.

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9 Famous Festivals in Spain Not to Miss

By: Author Hannah Cooper

Posted on Last updated: August 17, 2023

Attending one of the world-famous festivals in Spain is an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in Spanish culture.

This feria range from religious and traditional festivals to a particularly unique festival akin to a giant food fight (stay with us – we’ll get there). Read on for the best festivals in Spain and how you can get involved.

Traditional Festivals and Celebrations in Spain

Most towns and cities in Spain host an annual feria in honor of its patron saint. These dates vary although they often fall in June. Wherever you’re planning on traveling in Spain, it’s worth having a quick Google to see if your itinerary overlaps with a smaller festival.

While these aren’t the most famous festivals in Spain per se, they do provide an insightful perspective on regional and local customs beyond the major cities.

9 Famous Festivals in Spain

Beyond the patron feasts, these are the biggest traditional festivals in Spain that you can experience as a tourist.

The different monuments that are made for Fallas are always almost too beautiful to burn.

1. Las Fallas – Valencia

Las Fallas is one of the largest annual celebrations in Spain. This is held in Valencia every March in honor of the patron saint, San José (Saint Joseph). The name refers to sculptural monuments – fallas – painstakingly crafted out of wood and papier-mâché. Displayed all over the city, these depict happenings from current affairs and are often satirical.

On the final evening of Las Fallas, these effigies are burned in a sequence of public bonfires. As the festival also celebrates the arrival of spring, the burning has its roots in a tradition where Spanish families would burn old furniture to welcome the close of winter. The sheer uniqueness of this epic festival has seen it declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

In general, Las Fallas events start on the last Sunday in February and a countdown begins on 1 March when mascletàs are fired daily in the City Hall Square. This is a loud explosion of gunpowder that without prior notice might give you a bit of a shock!

The planting of fallas figures generally starts around 15 March and concludes on 19 March when the festival ends with ceremonial cremà (burning). With tons of street partying, firework displays, and out-of-this-world energy, Las Fallas is one of the best festivals in Spain to plan a vacation around.

Be sure to explore all of the different sites in Seville while you’re visiting for the festival, it’s one of my favorite cities in all of Spain!

2. Feria de Abril – Seville

There’s already a ridiculously long supply of cool and cultural things to do in Seville but if you visit during April you can add one more item to the list.

What was once a humble cattle fair, the Fiera de Abril (April Fair of Seville) is a week-long celebration of everything we know and love about Andalucia.

Therefore, the city erupts with flamenco displays, free-flowing sherry, and horse-drawn carriages carting merry Sevillians around the city. This is also a wonderful time to spot people donning traditional costumes.

Much of the activity takes place at the designated Real de la Feria where pop-up casetas (dining tents) are laid out. The Feria de Día is more mellow while the Feria de Noche is a riot where galleons of rebujito sherry cocktails are sunk. However, the Fiera de Abril counts as one of the most family-friendly Spain festivals with kids often present until the early hours.

Now, most of the casetas are privately booked and strictly invite-only. It’s not uncommon for a traveler or expat to gain an invitation but it really depends on luck. However, there are usually a couple of public casetas. Formal dress is an absolute must and you might even want to rent a traje de gitana ensemble.

Even if you don’t wrangle an invite to one of the most exclusive celebrations in Spain, the atmosphere in Seville is a wonder to experience. The dates of the Fiera de Abril change but it usually occurs roughly two weeks after Semana Santa (Easter).

3. Fiesta de San Isidro – Madrid

The Fiesta de San Isidro is one of the big religious festivals in Spain held in honor of a city’s patron saint. In the case of San Isidro Labrador, we’re talking about Madrid: this makes it one of the most important Spain festivals.

San Isidro, a farm laborer, was believed to work miracles during the 12th century, particularly where water is concerned. In fact, his namesake park on the left bank of the River Manzanares contains a fountain and pond in memory of his deeds. In fact, visiting San Isidro Park is one of the best things to do in Madrid with a longer itinerary.

Madrid continues to observe the holy element of the festival while celebrating the city in general. Madrileños don traditional costumes and dance the chotis to folk music while street food stalls flood throughout the city center. Open-air concerts transform Plaza Mayor while residents flock to the park to pay their respects

Held annually, the Feast Day of San Isidro falls on 15 May. As the city is very busy during the week leading up to the grand finale, you’ll need to plan your Madrid itinerary carefully and pre-book accommodation. If your trip doesn’t fall during the festival, you can still learn all about it at the Saint Isidore Museum.

Madrid is full of fun parties and activities throughout the year, but San Isidro is the biggest.

4. La Tomatina – Buñol

Now for one of the craziest celebrations in Spain. La Tomatina is an annual festival that takes place in Buñol, a small town near Valencia you’d be forgiven for not knowing anything about.

The origins of the festival date to late August 1945 although the specifics are unknown. It’s thought that a fight broke out during the Procession of Giants and Big Heads. Supposedly, something went down and the participants and attendees grabbed fruits and vegetables from a market stall to pelt at each other. Tomatoes were the favored choice of arms.

The food fight repeated itself the following year as a planned battle. Thus, La Tomatina was born. Although banned in the 1950s, this didn’t stop the townspeople of Buñol who fought to have the festivities made an annual event. Nowadays, it’s a full-fledged festival where tomatoes are literally trucked in especially.

It’s extremely popular and ticketing measures have been integrated to ensure the attendee numbers are capped at 20,000. In addition, there are a couple of ground rules now in place to keep La Tomatina safe, friendly, and unforgettable.

Situated 24 miles (38 km) west of the City of Arts and Sciences, you can visit Buñol as a day trip from Valencia. It takes place every year on the final Wednesday of August. This is one of the most tourist-friendly famous festivals in Spain. Just make sure you have a change of clothes for the bus ride back east.

Book your tickets online for La Tomatina and make a note of the rules.

If you only go to one carnival in Spain, it should be at Sitges.

5. Sitges Carnival – Sitges

Sitges is a laid-back coastal town on the Catalan coast. Visit this lovely town on a day trip from Barcelona and you’ll enjoy beaches, seafood, and art. Head there during February and you’ll encounter one of the best festivals in Spain for carnival parades, dazzling costumes, and unbridled fun.

Sitges Carnival – along with other similar events nationwide – marks the beginning of Lent in Spain. Kicking off with the fabulously flamboyant “Arrival of the King” parade, the carnival lasts a week. The events share the same theme of letting loose ahead of the Lent period. It concludes with the Burial of the King where a farewell procession is followed by beach bonfires and late-night partying.

Sitges Carnival is one of the most famous festivals in Spain for an LGBTQIA+ atmosphere. It’s an inclusive and energetic affair with appeal to all types of travelers – including children during the day.

Note that due to the popularity of the carnival, accommodation books out in town super fast.

6. Fiesta de la Mercè – Barcelona

While Madrileños celebrate San Isidro, the Barcelonians honor Our Lady of Mercy – the Virgin of Grace. Therefore, the Fiesta de la Mercè is another of the largest religious festivals in Spain.

The Virgin of Grace was deemed responsible for helping rid Barcelona of a locust plague during the 17th century. Ever since the festival has been held every year. While religion is the root, the Fiesta de la Mercè is another of the famous festivals in Spain where traditional and modern culture is celebrated.

In fact, the activity is a wider celebration of the Catalan region. Incredible street parades see puppetry processions alongside gravity-defying Castellers (towers of humans).

The Fiesta de la Mercè is basically one huge display of visual and circus arts, music, and theater. Events occur all over the city although Plaza Cataluña is a nucleus of happenings. It’s impossible to avoid the action if your Barcelona itinerary coincides with the festival.

Best of all, most of the activities don’t cost a dime. Therefore, this is one of the best free things to do in Barcelona .

Barcelona celebrates the Feast Day of Our Lady of Mercy on 24 September. As with other grand-scale celebrations in Spain, the build-up starts around a week in advance.

You can’t miss out on exploring some of the big sites while visiting Barcelona for this famous festival in Spain.

7. Semana Santa – Nationwide

As a predominantly Roman Catholic country, Easter is one of the most important religious festivals in Spain. Celebrated as the Semana Santa (Holy Week), this springtime festival takes over the entire country. However, every region, city, and town marks the event with its own special customs.

Wherever you are in the country, you can expect to find a mixture of street processions and church masses. The parades are made up of nazarenos (penitents) bearing candles, wooden crosses, and floats. As an example of how cities personalize Semana Santa, flamenco costumes and singing are woven into the Seville celebration of Easter.

All in all, Semana Santa is one of the traditional festivals in Spain shared with family. However, travelers can get in on the action via typical Easter Time food. Lots of sweet treats and cakes crop up in bakeries and restaurants around Holy Week.

One of the tastiest traditional breakfast foods in Spain , torrijas (fried sweet bread), makes an appearance during Semana Santa. This dish is made of slightly stale bread fried in a mix of milk, eggs and oil before being sprinkled in cinnamon sugar and slathered in honey.

Semana Santa is held in conjunction with Easter in other Christian countries. Officially, that winds up being the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. Easter Sunday marks the end of the religious festival.

Views over Barcelona on a calm morning after the chaos.

8. La Tamborrada de Donostia – San Sebastián

While it might not be one of the most famous festivals in Spain, La Tamborrada de Donostia (Donostiako Danborrada in the Basque language) is the noisiest.

This 24-hour festival takes place between 19 and 20 January in San Sebastián. At the stroke of midnight, the mayor raises the city flag in the Plaza de la Constitución (Konstituzio Plaza). Participants take to the streets with marching drums until the flag is lowered at midnight the following evening.

What makes this festival particularly interesting is that many of the participants dress as cooks and soldiers.

This festival is thought to have originated following the Napoleonic Wars. During the French occupation, soldiers would march the streets beating their drums as the townswomen went to collect water from the fountains. In order to get one up on them, Donostiarras took to banging various kitchen utensils to wind up the soldiers.

Following the end of the wars, drumming then became a staple of Donastia’s patron saint day celebrations. As a result, the modern festival is a symbol of camaraderie and residence. This fleeting yet thrilling showcase of music is free to attend and all are welcome.

The running of the bulls is not for the faint-hearted.

9. Sanfermines – Pamplona

Perhaps you know this famous festival by a different name, the Running of the Bulls.

Sanfermines is one of the most famous festivals in Spain. Held in Pamplona, the Festival of San Fermín is held in honor of the patron, Saint Fermin. It starts at noon on 6 July with a special firework exhibition called chupinazo . After this, a sequence of street events take place lasting a total of nine days ending at midnight on 14 July.

These activities include Riau-Riau dancing, street parades, musical performances, rejoneo and other bullfights , and the most famous part of the festival, the “Running of the Bulls” races.

Sanfermines draws to a close with the Pobre de Mi (Poor Me) ceremony. Crowds bearing candles gather in Plaza Consistorial to chant “Pobre de Mi” in recognition of the end of another San Fermin Festival.

DJ Zemenick

Thursday 17th of August 2023

I love Spain and so happy I found The Spain Travel Guru. Looks like I have to go back again and take in some of these great events.

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Spanish Festivals

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Spanish people are festive by nature, perfectly capable of turning a family reunion into a weekend bacchanal. Nevertheless, the large amount of ceremonies and festivals that take place throughout the year in the country have less of a familial origin, and are more indebted, instead, to the rich diversity of economic and religious activities that gave rise to many different traditions. Therefore, whether you embark on them during winter, spring, summer or fall, your travels in Spain are sure to coincide with at least one of the many festivals in the country's jam-packed cultural calendar.

From the Sacred to the Pagan

Indeed, it is the religious celebrations which take precedence over any other form of celebration during most Spanish festivals. In particular, the marked cult for the Marian figure is often the perfect excuse to build an intricate set of festivities around a procession or series of processions where icons of the Virgin Mary (and on occasion other Catholic icons, such as patron saints, the Baby Jesus, etc.) are paraded through the streets of towns and villages with the purpose of both boasting the rich decoration, attire and craftsmanship of the icon itself, and embarking on a shared and popular expression of devotion for the figure.

Nevertheless, if it is true that religious processions and widespread fervor for Catholic festivities is the rule up and down the country, this does not preclude the possibility of more mundane, or even pagan, rites being celebrated in equal intensity, even if in fewer number. Indeed, many are the cases in which pagan and Catholic traditions have merged, through the cleverly opportunistic strategy of the Church, which often appropriated popular festivities enjoyed en masse by the thick of the population, giving them a pious connotation that simultaneously promoted the continuation of the established tradition and condemned the original context of the ceremony.

Don Carnal and Doña Cuaresma

Furthermore, there are specific (and forceful) occasions when pious or religious traditions are challenged by less transcendental aspirations in life. The most notorious instance of a proper head-to-head encounter between profane rites and sacred traditions is, of course, carnival . Officially condoned by the Church as a day of indulgence prior to the extreme privations of Lent, celebrations revolving around carnival soon reached far beyond permissible levels, both in terms of its extension and its nature. Within the Spanish festival calendar, this features as one of the most important events around.

Tracing back a millenary heritage, carnival has been traditionally celebrated in Spain since the Early Middle Ages, when the set-up provided the perfect excuse to make a proper racket within the context of the liturgy and even in the premises of the church. Thus, one of the earliest forms of dramatic performances in the history of Spanish drama (and literature) consists in the portrayal of the struggle between Don Carnal , whose character represents all the earthly longings for the pleasures of the flesh (and, therefore, of "this world") and Doña Cuaresma , usually portrayed as a frigid old woman who holds dearly the pious life that will grant her entrance to the "other world."

While modern forms of carnival celebrations might have little in common with the traditions of the Middle Ages, this remains a tremendously popular event with deep roots in a number of communities, where the picturesque occasion takes center stage as the focus of the holiday season. Such is the case, for instance, in Tenerife, where the world-famous carnival is perhaps only second to Brazil's. Similarly, the fanfare staged in Cádiz around this particular festivity is positively impressive, proving beyond any doubt the relevance of this long-standing festivity in modern Spanish culture.

Other Spanish Festivals

• San Miguel in Granada
• Moors and Christians Festival in Alicante
• What you didn't know about San Fermín
• Patron Saints of Malaga
• Crosses of May in Alicante
• Madrid and Semana Santa, the great unknown
• Barcelona Beer Festival
• Pamplona Film Festival

Diametrically opposite carnival in the spectrum of Spanish festivals stands Easter, or Semana Santa . Holy to the core, this is the most important religious holiday in the entire calendar, well above Christmas. Commemorating the death and resurrection of Christ, Easter usually lasts as long as a week and is conceived as a period of meditation. Pondering is not, however, the dominant activity in any of the major celebrations that take place in Spain during the Holy Week, such as the Festival de Abril, in Sevilla, one of the most highly recommendable festivals in the world.

Needless to say, Spaniards don't really need as pious or as irreverent an excuse to organize a big bash as the resurrection of God or the rejection of all things holy, respectively. As a matter of fact, a large number of the most famous festivals in the country revolve around hugely symbolic, but largely mundane tasks. One of them involves the harvesting of wine grapes and the creation of vintage wines – an eminently commercial activity that, nevertheless, has and has had tremendous significance for a vast number of regions in Spain. Similarly, yearly events celebrate the figure of the bull in different forms throughout the country, often in violent or dangerous ways, reaffirming the emblematic status of the animal in Spanish culture.

From Sevilla's joyous Feria de Abril to the chaotic Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spanish festivals range from regional to national, from one day to entire weeks, from festive partying to solemn processions, and everything in between. These festivals provide visitors with a wonderful display of traditions and culture. What's more, our Enforex Spanish schools, located in Spain's most culture-packed cities , are open all year round; that way you can learn Spanish while experiencing incredible Spanish festivals!

• Semana Santa
• Feria de Abril
• Las Hogueras
• Running of the Bulls
• Reyes Magos
• Music Festivals

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Spanish Festivals: A Complete Guide with Video’s

Spanish festivals and celebrations are a great way to explore Spanish culture. Spanish people love to party and celebrate their popular festivals. From religious observances to harvest fairs, there’s a festival for every occasion – and each one is packed with traditional food, music, and dance. Spanish festivals often coincide with Spanish holidays , but they’re also used to commemorate historical events, civic milestones, and pagan traditions. Here’s a list of Spanish festivals that are worth attending:

Dia De Los Reyes Magos – Three Kings Day

Dia De Los Reyes Magos is Spanish for Three Kings Day, which is typically celebrated on January 5th. This holiday commemorates the day that three kings travelled to Bethlehem to bring gifts to baby Jesus.

Today Dia De Los Reyes Magos is more often used as an excuse for children to receive presents from their parents or grandparents than it is as an observance of Christianity. Children will wake up on the morning of January 5th and find presents from the Three Kings, or Magos. This used to be the replacement for Christmas, but now Spain celebrates Christmas as well.

• Location: Spain
• Website: –

Tamborrada – San Sebastian Festival

The Spanish city of San Sebastian is known for its annual Tamborrada festival. It includes a parade with marching bands, dancers, and political figures. Tamborrada lasts for approximately 24 hours. Groups of Spanish people march with drums and answer each other’s drums as they go. This creates a huge wall of sound and continues for 24 hours.

The day it is celebrated started in 1597, but the drumming began around the 1830s. It is not exactly clear what the start was, but it is believed that its origin finds itself in Carnaval festivities.

• Location: San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa
• Website: https://www.sansebastianturismoa.eus/en/

Jarramplas – Piornal

The Jarramplas is a frightening figure wearing long coloured ribbons and a large mask with horns. Within the culture, the Jarramplas is regarded as a cattle thief, and the entire Spanish festival is focused on food, harvest, and agriculture. The festivity includes throwing turnips at the Jarramplas, to kill the evil spirit.

Because of a large number of turnips thrown, the taunting by the Jarramplas and the excitement of the crowd, the Jarramplas wears strong protective clothing. After the spirit is killed, the person wearing the costume is embraced by the crowd.

• Location: Piornal, Cáceres
• Website: http://www.piornal.es/fiestas

CutreCon Film Festival

The CutreCon Film Festival in Madrid is a must-visit if enjoy a good nostalgic laugh. CutreCon is short for “Cine Trash,” Spanish for trash cinema. It is Spanish cult films, horror movies, and B-movies. CutreCon is an annual film festival in Europe that focuses on movies so terrible that they’re good, many of which have been resurrected by the web and gained a cult following.

The CutreCon Film Festival is great for people that love Nostalgia for the era of low-quality, VHS films, dissatisfaction with conventional film, and a desire to laugh and release steam has helped to increase the genre’s popularity.

• Location: Madrid
• Website: https://cutrecon.com/

Fiestas y hogueras de San Juan

Thousands of people queue up in the streets ready to jump over some 20 bonfires. The Arizkun Carnival Festival is an ancient pagan ceremony that is thought to promote fertility and keep evil spirits at bay. People jump over bonfires to purify themselves, but also to keep themselves warm in February’s chilly Spanish weather.

People dress up in sheepskin coats, adorned with black pots, wearing maypole style hats and carrying brushes. As the Spanish crowds get ready to jump over their bonfires people begin to form Spanish circle dances around them. The Spanish dances are extremely lively and often end in an explosion of noise with people banging their Spanish drums and ringing Spanish bells.

• Location: Arizkun, Navarra
• Website: https://www.valledebaztan.com/fiestas-hogueras-san-juan-arizkun/

Sitges Carnival

The Sitges Carnival is a famous carnival that takes place in the Spanish Mediterranean. This carnival is known for being very wild and crazy. The Sitges Carnival is popular with the gay community. This is because Sitges is known as the gay capital of Spain.

Sitges Carnival is one of the world’s top 10 carnivals and attracts more than 250,000 people to Sitges over 7 days with amazing parades, shows and parties. The carnival takes place in Sitges which is a small, seaside Spanish village located in the Barcelona province in the autonomous region of Catalonia, Spain.

• Location: Sitges, Barcelona
• Website: https://www.visitsitges.com/

Las Fallas Festival

Valencia will be turned upside down during the celebration of the Fallas, a Spanish festival that combines tradition, satire and art and is a must-see. There are many similarities between the Spanish tradition and Mardi Gras. But there is also another tradition called Catarina Sénia that is popular in Valencia, Spain.

The Fallas come from a tradition of carpenters. They used to celebrate the arrival of spring by burning the wood they used to make lanterns for winter lighting. They then started making statues out of these woods, which the people of Valencia found funny. Today, the fallas have turned into art pieces that sometimes cost millions of euros to make.

• Location: Valencia, Valencia
• Website: https://www.visitvalencia.com/en/events-valencia/festivities/the-fallas

Holy Week Semana Santa

The Spanish traditional Semana Santa (or Holy Week) is one of the most impressive Spanish traditions. Spanish people celebrate this festival by taking processions through the streets, during which they carry giant floats of lifelike wooden sculptures depicting scenes from the Bible.

In Andalusia, the traditions are especially famous. In the Spanish province of Andalusia, a large portion of the population is catholic and therefore these traditions are especially important to them. One example is the celebration of the Semana Santa in Seville.

Sant Jordi (Saint George) Festival

On April 23rd, Barcelona is filled with roses and love. People in Catalonia celebrate the day of their patron saint, Sant Jordi, with a strange tradition. It is a very popular festival that combines culture and romanticism, celebrating both World Book Day and Valentine’s Day.

There are many celebrations on the streets in Barcelona that you can visit. The famous buildings of Gaudi are full of flower stalls, and outside you can find books and literary activities such as workshops and recitals. Some of the most popular streets are La Rambla, Paseo de Gracia, Paseo de Sant Joan, and Rambla de Cataluña.

• Location: Barcelona, Catalonia
• Website: https://www.barcelona.cat/culturapopular/en/festivals-and-traditions/sant-jordi

Girona Flower Festival

In May, the colourful village of Girona in Catalonia is the host of the flower festival. The town literally blossoms during the Girona flower festival. At this festival, you can find all kinds of Spanish flowers in stals, buildings, parks, artworks, clothing, stores and pretty much everywhere you look. The streets are lined with brightly coloured gardens, reflecting the Spanish tradition for flower displays.

The Spanish region of Catalonia is well-known for its wonderful Spanish flowers, which are called “flors” in Catalan language. Since 1954, entrepreneurs have been using this flower festival to compete and promote their local products in Girona.

• Location: Girona, Catalunia
• Website: https://www.gironatempsdeflors.cat/cat/inici.php

Feria de la Manzanilla

The town of Sanlucar de Barrameda, in southern Spain, holds Manzanilla sherry-themed events including dances, concerts, explosions, and drinking on the high street.

Manzanilla is a Spanish for Spanish sherry, which is a very popular Spanish drink in Southern Spain. The Spanish town of Sanlucar de Barrameda holds many Feria de la Manzanilla festivals celebrating this Spanish drink with music concerts that are free to the public.

• Location: Sanlucar de Barrameda, Cádiz

San Isidro Festivities

San Isidore, the Farm Labourer was a Spanish farmworker who was known for his generosity to the poor and animals. San Isidro Labrador was born in Madrid around 1070 and is commonly recognized as the patron saint of Madrid.

These festivities, dedicated to the 12th-century farmer, have evolved into a patron saint’s celebration during which all visitors and citizens are totally immersed in the atmosphere of Madrid from decades ago.

Locals from Madrid, as well as visitors, make the trip to visit the Hermitage of San Isidro for a day of music, dancing, and eating regional food.

El Colacho (Baby Jumping) Festival

In the Spanish town of Castrillo de Murcia, close to Madrid, a religious event takes place every year. The Spanish event is called “El Colacho”.

The devil is represented by El Colacho, and he tours the town. While the crowd walks through the town the devil is behind them. They taunt him because he represents evil. The devil holds ponytails and sometimes runs after the people in front of him and hits them with them. The crowd plays music and holds parades as well.

A highlight of the event is where babies born in the previous twelve months are jumped over by Colacho (the devil) as a way to protect them.

Night of San Juan

La Noche de San Juan, or San Juan Night, is a festival celebrated throughout Spain, but especially in Alicante. The tradition has a number of themes, including fire, firework, water, and light. On the beaches in Marbella and the Costa del Sol, massive bonfires are lit that represent the purification of the spirit across the beaches. People spend time together eating food, drinking alcohol and partying all night.

The San Juan Festival is held on the night of June 22 and goes until after midnight on June 23. It was originally a pagan ceremony that marked the start of summer.

Haro Wine Festival

The Haro Wine Festival is a summer event in the La Rioja province of Spain’s north. The event is mainly focused on a Batalla de Vino (Wine Battle). Throwing wine on one another, the participants drench each other until they are all soaking wet. Music is played on drums and everybody hangs out with their friends and family members for a sunny afternoon. Thousands attend the festival where over tens of thousands of litres of wine are spilt. Bottles, buckets, shoes, water pistols and farming spraying devices are used.

It is not completely clear what started the event back in the 13th century. Some people believe that it came from baptisms for wine performed in a chapel dedicated to the city’s patron, Saint Felices. However, the main story is that there was a land dispute erupted between Haro and the neighbouring town of Miranda de Ebro in northern Spain. It is said that Haro’s town officials began hanging purple banners on St Peter’s Day to reaffirm their authority; the custom grew into wine tossing.

Festival de Granada

Every year, several events and stages are held at various locations throughout Granada, drawing more than 30,000 visitors. The annual celebration began in the symphony concerts held in Charles V’s Palace from 1883.

The most important event is the Spanish dance where Spanish dancers showcase their skills through dances. Several stages in monuments, churches and arena’s play different types of music such as symphony orchestras, dance and ballet, recitals, and traditional Spanish music. A lot of people come together and they enjoy drinks and food while watching the performances which continue throughout the night.

Boloencierro

Running of the bulls, but then cost and animal friendly. Mataelpino, a Spanish town north of Madrid uses balls as a replacement for the bulls in this spectacle that attracts a lot of Spanish and foreign visitors.

The lighthearted spin on a Spanish classic is endorsed by animal rights organisations and has increased tourism and attracted Mataelpino attention from Japan.

Balls are rolled down a narrow corridor towards the participants, who run in front of them. While balls are being used, the damage the balls do is still significant. Injuries of the runners consist of bruising, broken bones. In 2017, someone even ended up in a coma. Since there were so many injuries, the heavy balls were replaced by inflatable balls and helmets are now required.

Sónar Barcelona

This festival in Spain features a wide range of musical genres, however, ‘electronics’ is the most prevalent. People who enjoy electronic music can do so. The event not only pays attention to music, but you can also find film and futuristic media.

There is a camping ground for the Spanish festival, and it is one of the biggest electronic dance music festivals in Spain.

Barcelona Beer Festival

If you like beer and Barcelona then this festival is perfect. The event began in 2012 and has been growing in popularity since then, with beer lovers from all over the world gathering to sample the many varieties of brews. There are over 500 different beers, beer tastings, workshops, meet and greets, lots of snacks, conferences and other events to keep you happy. Learn everything you need to know about beer and the brewing culture in Spain.

The Spanish definitely know their beer and this is a great opportunity to taste as much as you can. At the end of the festival, a panel of judges will present awards to the best beers.

Running of the Bulls in Pamplona – Saint Fermin and Running of the Bulls

One of the most controversial and famous Spanish traditions that have been taking place for over 200 years. Dangerous for both participants and bulls, the Running of the Bulls consists of bulls racing through narrow streets so people can run away from them. Bulls (non-castrated male cattle) are typically utilized in these events.

People are encouraged to dodge the bulls by standing in doorways or jumping onto balconies. A lot of serious injuries and deaths have occurred during these events. The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona takes place over an 875-meter course in front of six fighting bulls led by six tamed bell-oxen that leads the bulls.

The event’s history stems from the practice of moving bulls from farms outside the city to the bullring, where they would be killed during bullfighting. Bullfighting has its origin from the gladiator fights in Rome.

Feast of St. James

On July 25, many people in Spain celebrate the life and deeds of James, son of Zebedee. Saint James was one of Jesus’ first disciples and some Christians believe that his remains are buried in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain.

The event includes church services and fireworks. The Spanish festival pays tribute to their religious beliefs, journey, and tradition.

Near Death Festival – Celebration de Santa Marta de Ribarteme

The celebration of Santa Marta de Ribarteme is a chance for people who have had near-death experiences to give thanks for their existence. During the festival, the participants from all over the country, that have experienced near-death experiences, or want to thank someone else who hasn’t died, get into a coffin. Then they pretend to be dead and are marched through the city.

This Spanish festival is a unique chance for those who have been given a second chance at life to express their appreciation, and silence out of respect from the crowd is expected. At the end of the parade, people cry or cheer their joy and appreciation.

The origin of this Spanish festival is a mystery, but it is thought that comes from a pagan ritual. However, the Catholic Church made them do it in a Christian ceremony. Santa Marta’s ability to survive a deadly situation likely led to her being linked with this particular ritual.

Fiber FIB Benicassim

The Benicassim International Film and Music Festival is a Spanish dance music event that takes place in Benicàssim, north of Valencia. Due to its performances by both Spanish and international artists, it’s a very popular event among locals.

This Spanish event draws in thousands of fans each year. The music played during the Spanish festival is Spanish indie, rock, hip-hop and electronic dance music. With this, you will definitely find something you will enjoy.

Festa Major de Gràcia – Barcelona

In August, the streets of Gràcia in Barcelona, come to life for a week-long celebration that transforms the neighbourhood. The Gràcia festival is a celebration held in the Gràcia district of Barcelona each year to commemorate the neighbourhood’s history and promote its new boutiques. The goal of the festival is for the streets in the area to compete against one another to be named “the best-decorated street.” There are shows, concerts, food stalls, dance, children activities, and spectacular street ornaments.

There are Casteller events organized by the Castellers de Barcelona, an organization dedicated to promoting human towers through culture and sports. The first report of the event was in 1817, when Gràcia was considered a rural area outside of Barcelona.

Aste Nagusia – Bilbao

The Aste Nagusia is an 9-day Spanish street festival in Bilbao. The Spanish event takes place each year during the last week of August, and it’s known as one of the biggest summer fiestas in Spain. It attracts around 1 million visitors each year, making it one of the largest festivals held in Basque Country.

During the Spanish event, there are many activities, including concerts, cookie contests, games for children, bullfights, dancing, parades, and sports events. There are also stalls selling Spanish food and drinks, along with Spanish music being played throughout the entire Spanish festival. The Bilbao Aste Nagusia is considered to be one of Spain’s best summer festivals for its combination of fireworks shows, Spanish food, and music.

The Aste Nagusia Festival began in the middle of the 19th century as a celebration to entertain the people who would spend their summers in San Sebastián.

Fiestas de la Mare de Deu de la Salut in Algemesí (Valencia)

This festival in the province of Valencia in Spain has theatre, music, traditional dances, human towers, and traditional Spanish costumes. People go through the streets to celebrate the variety and history of Spanish culture and traditions. There are many parades and traditional dances at this two-day festival, and you can also find religious musicals.

The festival is dedicated to the patron saint of Algemesí, La Mare de Déu de la Salut, and dates back to 1247. It is part of the UNESCO Intangible Heritage of Humanity list.

Fiesta De La Mercè, Barcelona

These city festivities in Barcelona are held to honour the Spanish patron saint, Mercè (the Virgin of Grace). Spanish and Catalan traditions and customs are celebrated through music, theatre, and art during the five-day festival at the end of September. There’s also a parade where people dress up in Spanish costumes and carry paper mâché figures designed by professionals, human towers, and fireworks.

The event dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries when the Spanish government asked the saint Mercè for assistance with a plague. When the plague was gone, they started celebrating the saint. There is a basilica in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter dedicated to the Virgin Mary, where a wooden picture of her is revered.

Fiesta Nacional de España / Día de la Hispanidad

“Día de la Hispanidad” is the official name for the Spanish national holiday. It is held every year on October 12th. It is celebrated all over the country of Spain, you can find all types of activities, from military parades to fireworks, and music events. Spanish culture, art, and identity are centre stage during the Spanish holiday.

Hundreds of thousands of people go out to show their national pride. They share food, music, and dance while enjoying the Spanish nationality. People dressed in traditional regional or historic costumes, as well as folk, classical and modern music concerts and street shows, are unavoidable features of the celebrations.

All Saints’ Day

On November 1, All Saints’ Day is a holy day of the Christian church, observed to commemorate all the saints of the Church, both known and unknown, who have been granted heaven.

People in many parts of the country celebrate a national public holiday by returning to their home town or village to lay flowers on the graves of deceased relatives. There are also parades of religious figures through cities, processions of people carrying flower-covered catafalques, church services, and exhibitions. Cemeteries are very busy, and flowers can found to commemorate loved ones everywhere.

San Andres Festival – Tenerife

On 29 November, people in Puerto de la Cruz come to enjoy a tradition called Los Cacharros where they slide down a street on wooden boards.

Día de los Santos Inocentes

The Spanish equivalent of April Fools’ Day is the Día de Los Santos Inocentes, it is celebrated all over Spain. The day is one of the most popular and fun traditions of Spanish Christmas where people are allowed to joke around, and pull pranks. One of the main pranks is putting a paper cutout on the back of someone. Next to this people buy fun items at Christmas markets like the one in Madrid’s Plaza Mayor.

Many people spend time with their families and friends as well. There are also street parades, concerts, dances, and other activities depending on the location. Next to this, there are religious ceremonies commemorating Christian saints.

Els Enfarinats

Els Enfarinats is a Spanish festival in Ibi, Spain, that is also held on December 28 each year. It also commemorates Día de los Santos Inocentes. Participants of the town wear military clothing and stage a huge flour fight during which they hurl eggs and set off firecrackers.

Local experts say that the origins of the festival can be found in the Saturnalia festival from Ancient Rome. During that festival, slaves were served by their masters for a day.

A word from SpainDesk

The Spanish culture is rich, and the Spanish festivals are a vital part of the Spanish lifestyle. There’s no better time to learn about a nation’s traditions through its festivals. We hope you enjoyed learning about the world-renowned Spanish festivals and traditions.

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• 18 Must-Attend Spanish Festivals In 2024 That Reflect Europe’s Rich Culture

23 Mar 2023

Mi casa es su casa (my house is your house) beautifully defines Spain’s vibrant culture and heartwarming hospitality. From living in the big moments to celebrating the small ones, the country and its people surely know how to treat life like a party. If you’re someone who believes the same or would love to experience this feeling, then all you have to do is add these Spanish festivals to your bucket list and attend them all as soon as you can. After all, it’s always better to do the best things tomorrow than never, right? Go ahead and check out the festivals celebrated in Spain that have taken the world by storm.

Spanish Festivals Calendar 2024

Spain is a beautiful country with an even more beautiful culture. So, there are innumerable festivals and events that take place throughout the year in the country. Among Spanish festivals in 2024, Tomatina is the most popular one. This is one of the facts about Spanish festivals. If anything needs to be on your bucket list, it is these 18 most famous fiestas. Just scroll down this list of Spanish festivals and get ready to go crazy:

1. La Tamborrada (Drum Festival)

Image Source:MerZab for Wikimedia Commons

January gives you a chance to not just witness winter in Spain but also participate in a very interesting festival. La Tamborrada is counted among the popular Spanish festivals and is certainly the noisiest one in the country and may even come across as bizarre to some. But, if you’re a drum lover or have always wanted to try your hands on one, then this fiesta is where you need to be when a new year starts. Huge parades of men, women, and kids come out on the streets and bash drums throughout the night and day for 24 hours. While one side of this festival has organized processions, the other side has free-for-all drum bashing which you can easily join and become part of the fun.  

Where: San Sebastián, Spain When: January, every year Highlights:  This might be one of the noisiest parades but it is equally fun to be a part of this. This is a 24-hour-long festival that takes place annually. 

Must Read: Festivals In January In India 

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2. Las Fallas De Valencia (Festival Of Fire)

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No list of Spanish festival’s names can ever be complete without mentioning the Fallas in it! Literally, a party that takes place for five days in one of the most beautiful cities in Spain , Valencia, this festival brings gigantic colorful characters out on the streets. Most of these statues or figures are mostly a result of satire or pop-culture events that have happened throughout the year. Apart from witnessing the Fallas on your way, the major highlights of one of the most popular Spanish festivals in 2024 are the spectacular shows and fireworks that take place during the day and the light show on the last night.

Where: Valencia, Spain When: 1st March – 19 March,2024 Highlights: This carnival is all about adding that colour of pop to the streets of Valencia. 

3. Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Image Credits: Willtron for Wikimedia

One of the most famous traditional Spanish festivals, the Semana Santa or the Holy Week takes place during Easter. It is one of the most popular religious festivals in Spain. A dozen men and women come out to march through the streets, whilst carrying the statue of their church’s patron saint surrounded by hundreds of candles. Even if you’re not so religious at heart, make sure you attend this festival at least once in your life because seeing all the families come together with their chairs and snacks is surely a golden sight. This is one of the few religious festivals in Spain that will strike a chord with you. You might want to brush up on some of the Spanish travel words and phrases to make your stay a bit more easy!

Where: Seville, Malaga, and Castilla-Leon cities of Valladolid and Leon, Spain When: 24th March – 31st March,2024 Highlights:  This festival showcases the religious and spiritual side of Spain in the finest manner possible. 

Suggested Read: New Zealand In Winter

4. Feria Del Caballo (Horse Fair)

Image Credits: Vicente Maza Gómez for Wikimedia

You don’t need any more reasons to visit Spain when joyous celebrations, flamenco performances, Andalusian cuisines, and a lot of horses are exactly what the Horse Fair in Jerez brings under the spotlight. One of the major festivals in Spain in May, this fair helps everyone come together to enjoy the horse parades and indulge in tapas being sold at over 250 stalls. One of the facts about Spanish festivals is that no matter which festival it is, there is dancing involved. While dressing up like the locals is one of the important things to do, another is to enjoy this cultural tradition to the fullest! Make sure you’re present in Spain for the inauguration day- it is supposed to be legendary.

Where: Feria del Caballo in Jerez When: 04th May – 11 May,2024 Highlights:  A festival that is thoroughly dedicated to various breeds of Horses. Do not forget to indulge in some delicious tapas when attending the fair!

5. Feria De Abril (April Fair Of Seville)

Image Credits:Agustín Macías for Wikimedia

Amongst all the fascinating Spain festivals in 2024, the April Fair of Seville is one event that would make you fall in love with the country’s culture. This week-long fair begins with the traditional lighting of the entrance to the fairgrounds at midnight and ends with entertainment, colours, and the best of Andalusian art like flamenco. All you have to do to make the most of one of the hottest festivals in Spain 2024 is dress up like the locals, head out to the fair, and enjoy every moment like never before. After attending this festival, you can also explore several places to visit in Seville .

Where: Seville, Spain When: 14th April – 20th April,2024 Highlights:  One of the perfect celebrations of Spanish traditions and festivals during the April Fair of Seville. Make sure you have your traditional attires ready. 

Suggested Read: Spanish Travel Words And Phrases 

6. Cordoba Patios Festival

You must spend at least one or two weeks in Spain to experience the beautiful culture of the country via the Spain Festivals 2024. The Cordoba Patios festival takes place in the first week of May every year and is a long-standing tradition of the city of Cordoba. During this festival, the owners of the most beautiful patios open them up for public viewing. The tourists participate in this colourful fair in large numbers. Nature lovers will have a ball in Cordoba around this time. Since the first patio festival in 1918, the locals have been taking great care of their patios. These patios make it one of the most charming and famous festivals in Spain.

Where: Cordoba, Spain When: 2nd May – 12th May, 2024 Highlights:  Celebrate and witness some of the most beautiful and well-maintained patios in Cordoba. 

7. Boloencierro

Image Source:Pexels

Boloencierro is one of the most unmissable Spain festivals in 2024. This is the modern version of the popular tradition ‘Running With The Bulls’ festival. The celebration replaced bulls with a giant ball weighing 150 Kg and 3 meters in diameter. Instead of being chased by the bulls, you will be running in front of this rolling ball. Children can also enjoy this game with colourful and small balls. After Tomatina, this is one of the famous festivals in Spain.

Where: Mataelpino, Madrid, Spain When: 6th July- 14th July,2024 Highlights:  A festival similar to the last one of ZNMD. The only difference is that bulls have been replaced by some heavy balls.  

Suggested Read: Skydiving In Spain 

8. Saint John’s Eve

Saint John’s Eve is celebrated on the night of 23rd June marking the beginning of summer. You would see beach bonfires and fireworks as a part of the celebrations. As a part of the custom, people leap over the fire and jump to receive ‘good luck’. The festival celebrations vary in different parts of Spain, like Spanish cuisine is the focus in Galicia and fireworks are the highlight of Barcelona and Valencia. This is one of the most important traditional Spanish festivals in June. This is a great time to explore Spanish cuisine .

Where: Galicia, Spain (and many other parts of Spain) When: 23rd June Highlights:  This festival involves playing around with fire in the form of bonfires or fireworks! 

9. Haro Wine Festival

Image Credits: BigSus for Wikimedia

Not just a festival, but attending this extravaganza is one of the best things to do in Spain . Located in the La Rioja province, Haro is a small town in Northern Spain that hosts one of the best festivals in Spain. This place has several vineyards and is highly popular for its fine red wine production. Moreover, every summer in Spain begins with an interesting celebration called the Haro Wine Festival which is counted among the famous Spanish festivals. You can witness a huge beer fight if you attend this one of the most exciting Spanish festivals 2024.

Where: Haro, Spain When: 29 June,2024 Highlights:  This festival celebrates the production of one of the finest beverages – red wine. 

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Seville 

10. Benicassim Festival

Image Source: Pexels

Of all the Spanish music festivals, Benicassim is the four-day event that you ought to be a part of at least once in your life. Held in Benicassim on the east coast of Spain between Valencia and Barcelona , this Spanish music festival brings all the popular bands and artists on stage. If music is what gets you high and Spain is where you always dreamt of being, then make sure you take a trip to Spain in July and enjoy the Spanish music festival. The locals celebrate this festival by indulging in booze. Make sure that you drink responsibly. There are many other Spanish festivals in 2024 that are dedicated to music.

Where: Benicàssim near Valencia, Spain When: 18 July— 20 July,2024 Highlights:  This music festival leaves no stone unturned to make one shake their legs and witness the popular bands and artists performing live. 

11. San Fermin (Pamplona Bull Run)

Image Credit: ג’ים הולנדר, wikimedia commons

Held for a week every year at the start of the month of July, the San Fermin Spanish festiva l or the Pamplona Bull Run is amongst the best Spanish festivals in July. This popular bullfighting festival in Spain or the running of the bulls begins at 8 in the morning every day and welcomes the most brave-hearted and adventurous people to run ahead of a group of angry bulls. Even if you aren’t so daring at heart, make sure you at least visit the city to witness this mind-boggling scene that will leave you amazed! Add bullfighting festival in Spain to your list and do not miss out on the most thrilling festivals of Spain.

Where: Pamplona, Spain When: 6 July – 14 July,2024 Highlights:  This is more of an adventurous festival in Spain. Volunteers run on the streets and are followed by a number of angry bulls, just like in the ending scene of the Bollywood blockbuster – Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

Suggested Read: Winter In Spain

12. The Semana Grande

The Semana Grande is one of the most vibrant festivals celebrated in Spain. This festival is also known as Aste Nagusis and is celebrated for 9 days in August. Attending Semana Grande gives you a chance to be a part of several fairs, concerts, and theatre performances. This entertaining festival also sees fireworks competitions. A giant statue of La Marijaia, the mascot of the Semana Grande is made to float down the river and is set on fire.

Where: Bilbao, Spain When: 10th August- 14th August,2024 Highlights:  This is all about entertainment. From theatres to concerts, one can witness numerous forms of art.

13. Festa Major De Gracia (Gracia Festival)

Image Credit: Amaianos for Wikimedia Commons

If you think Barcelona is one gorgeous place to visit in Spain , you’ll be amazed to see it in prettier colours during this summer festival. The whole of Gracia’s neighbourhood comes together and splashes artsy colours all around to compete for and win the most extravagant decoration. Apart from this, there are also parades, acrobats, and fireworks on the streets. Witnessing this mind-boggling creativity in every corner all at once, you’d surely be transported to a different world. So, don’t miss out on this or the other Spanish festivals at any cost!

Where: Gràcia, Barcelona, Spain When: 15th -21stAugust 2024 Highlights:  This is one of the biggest carnivals and summer festivals in Spain. One can be a part of the parade and witness acrobats, fireworks, and much more. 

Suggested Read: Trekking In Spain

14. Feria De Málaga (August Fair In Malaga)

Image Credit: Itelchan for Wikimedia Commons

The best Spanish festival in August, the August Fair of Malaga is a week full of ultimate fun activities and events in the heart of the Costa del Sol. You can attend this fiesta both day and night and have a summer holiday in Europe like never before. Needless to say, if you visit this fair, you will surely have the time of your life. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of Spain. We promise you’ll have the time of your life while celebrating famous Spanish festivals.

Where: Downtown streets during the day and Cortijo de Torres at night in Malaga, Spain When: 17th – 24th August,2024 Highlights:  Celebrate the rich culture and heritage of Spain during this festival. 

15. La Tomatina (Tomato Fight Festival)

Thanks to Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, we all know what craziness La Tomatina is! Out of all the Spanish festivals, La Tomatina Spanish festival is the most known and famous among people from all over the world. During this tomato festival, Spain heartily welcomes thousands of locals and tourists to the streets of Bunol who then smash and throw tomatoes at each other. Started some 70 years ago, this fiesta has now become such a popular event in the country that the 20,000 tickets get sold out in a jiffy. So, if you too wish to paint the town red or just want to be a part of this fun tradition, make sure among all festivals in Spain 2024, Tomatina is on the top of your bucket list. 

Where: Buñol, Spain When: 28tht August, 2024 Highlights:  A festival similar to Holi, just replace colours with tomatoes! 

Suggested Read: Beer Spa Granada In Spain 

16. Sónar Barcelona  

Image Credit: Pcavaller for Wikimedia Commons

One of the much-awaited music festivals of Spain, Sonar Barcelona acts as a magnet for various travellers from different corners of the world. This Music Festival allows locals and travellers to witness their favourite DJs and artists up close. This first-hand experience is not only offered in Spain but also various other countries such as Mexico, Athens, and more. The tickets for this biggest festival are already out on sale. This year’s DJ lineup will witness Aj Tracey, Corral, Kink, Mura Masa, Venus X, and Skee Mask among many other talented performers.

Where: Barcelona, Spain When: 13th June – 15th June,2024 Highlights: Guests get a chance to witness their favourite DJs perform live and up close.

17. Barcelona Beer Festival

If you live and breathe any sort of alcoholic beverage, this year’s Barcelona Beer Festival will be one of your favourite Spanish celebrations. This festival might be named the Beer Festival, but it exhibits an extensive variety of spirits including wines, champagne, beers, and more. Moreover, there are also some exotic oils and vinegar on display during this festival. Along with this, one can also be a part of some amazing music shows by local artists. The various activities that take place during the celebrations are slow cooking, pairings of food and drinks, sensory experiments, and so much more! It is one of the unique Spanish festivals. 

Where: Barcelona, Spain When: 22nd March – 24th March,2024 Highlights: The Beer Festival is an annual event that converts this city of Spain into the beer capital of the world for three days!

Suggested Read: Canyoning In Malaga

18. Amorevore Food & Arts Festival

One of the famous Spanish festivals in 2024 for art admirers, the Amorevore Food & Art Festival is a must-attend if you are in town. This festival does not leave out any form of art in the backend. Right from gastronomy and music to films and paintings, this festival celebrates all forms of talents and skills. The main objective of this festival is to provide an innovative take on global food and ecology issues. This Festival brings together world-renowned chefs from various corners of the world. This festival is all about celebrating what comes from deep within the heart – the love for creating a community, food, and sharing of knowledge.

Where: Ibiza, Spain When: Yet to be announced Highlights: Attend this festival if you wish to experience fireworks on your tongue by indulging in some of the finest dishes by world-renowned chefs.

Further Read: Explore Spain In May

Enticed already? Well, we don’t blame you. Spanish traditions, festivals, culture, and people stand out on the map and make travellers feel truly at home. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t think much, simply plan your trip to Europe and get ready to be a part of Spanish Festivals 2024. We promise you won’t be disappointed and will have the time of your life here. Ve a Vivir Su Vida!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Spanish Festivals

What are the main festivals in Spain?

The Holy Week or Semana Santa, the Fallas of Valencia, the August Fair in Malaga, and San Fermin are some of the holy festivals of Spain. Out of all Spanish festivals, Tomatina is the most fun one. So make your vacation plans by post-checking the dates of the festivals you wish to attend.

What are the most important traditions in Spain?

Spain is famous for many traditions but out of all, Flamenco and bullfights are two of the most important folklore traditions in Spain. Bullfights are performed in all parts of the country. taking a siesta and having a tapas meal are others.

Are quinceaneras celebrated in Spain?

Yes, it is celebrated in all Spanish-speaking countries including Spain. It is the 15th birthday of a girl that means she has attained womanhood.

What is Spain’s favorite food?

Some of Spain's top food include iconic Jamon Iberico, gazpacho, paella, and Spanish omelette. If you are a foodie or not do try these authentic dishes of Spain whenever touring the place with your family or friends.

What is Spain best known for?

A lot of people travel to Spain to try its food, explore the traditions, cultures and tour the places. But out of all these things, Spain is best known for wine. Do take a wine tour when in Spain.

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17 Best Traditional Festivals in Spain

Spain is a renowned travel destination for its stunningly well-preserved architecture, tasty food, diverse landscape, and passionate culture. But what many visitors don’t know is that Spain is also brimming with traditional festivals that are worth planning a trip around.

Each city, town, and region in Spain celebrates its own cultural traditions, customs, and foods, and each one comes with its own charm and unique spirit. Some festivals celebrated in Spain carry deep religious or historical meaning, while others are intended just for parties and fun.

Best traditional festivals in Spain

Here are 17 of the most amazing festivals in Spain that you need to experience. Add one to your itinerary to enjoy the country’s exceptional culture firsthand!

January 20 – La Tamborrada, San Sebastian

If you’re looking for a truly unique Spanish experience, look no further than La Tamborrada in San Sebastian. This festival celebrates the town’s patron saint, Sebastian, with a large papier-mâché figure of Sebastian, the city’s patron saint, created by local artists.

La Tamborrada is a week of parades, music, and fireworks, but the highlight of the festival is the drumming parade that takes place around midnight on January 20th. Thousands march through the streets all night banging drums and cymbals and playing lively folk music.

Be sure to bring a pair of earplugs if you plan to sleep. The party lasts for 24 hours!

February – March – Carnival, nationwide

The Carnival celebration starts on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday and lasts until midnight of Shrove Tuesday, which is the day before Lent. Large cities and small towns all over Spain celebrate this holiday with parades, costumes, dancing, music, street parties, pranks…the list goes on!

The most famous of all Carnival celebrations is in the southern Spanish city of Cadiz, and the largest celebration takes place in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Every region has its own specific style, but the celebrations always begin with “las calendas” or the proclamation of the Carnival. They are followed by the famous “Lunes Lardero” or Fat Monday, which is the beginning of a long string of feasts and celebrations.

Carnival is so beloved that it’s become an international festival. The most famous is in Rio de Janeiro, but you’ll find celebrations in most Latin American countries and in places as far-flung as the Philippines!

Mid-March – Las Fallas de Valencia

An event that has to be witnessed at least once in your lifetime, Las Fallas de Valencia (Festival of Fire), is a centuries-old tradition turned into a huge party for all to enjoy. It began in the Middle Ages, when the city’s carpenters were allowed to burn their creations in the streets as a way to clean up the town. In time, this evolved into a week-long celebration and competition between the different guilds. This one is an absolute must!

During this festival, people often party until dawn and street entertainment of all kinds is available. Crowds of people gather in the streets to show their love for las Fallas, which are huge papier-mâché figures paraded on the back of carts.

The night of March 19th is celebrated as La Nit del Foc (Night of Fire), when most of the fallas are burned in public squares all over Valencia. At exactly 11 pm, each group lights its own falla and starts a processional race to find a suitable spot to burn it. While the fallas are being paraded through the streets, there’s also time for some music and dance.

It is a spectacular display of fireworks to music. The whole city is alive with partying until dawn and firework displays light up the sky all night long.Las Fallas de Valencia festival has been declared as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

March – April – Semana Santa, nationwide

Semana Santa (or Holy Week) is one of the main festivals in Spain, celebrated with lavish processions and some very impressive ceremonies. The festival lasts for the entire week leading up to Easter Sunday and pays homage to the final week before Jesus Christ was crucified.

Thousands of people line the streets during this time to witness Holy Week processions, when participants carry religious statues on massive floats to a local church, accompanied by marching bands playing religious music. The floats usually feature the Virgin Mary, or an effigy of Christ either carrying a crucifix or already on it.

The Easter Holy Week procession is the most memorable, as “costaleros” (like pallbearers) carry scenes from the Easter story to the church along a planned route. They’re accompanied by “Nazarenos” who carry candles, torches, or wooden crosses. Dressed in traditional robes and conical hoods that cover all but their eyes, it’s a sight not to be missed.

April – Barcelona Beer Festival

This popular event is one of the best Spanish festivals for foodies. It usually takes place in the second week of April. It is an opportunity to sample beers from all over Spain at food stalls set up throughout the city. The event also includes amusement rides, contests for best beer chaser, tasty traditional foods and tapas, and live music.

April – Festival del Paisaje y la Montaña, Vall de Boí

This three-day Spanish festival is held in Vall de Boí, a town surrounded by the breathtakingly beautiful natural scenery of Catalonia. The main theme for this festival is landscape and nature and includes activities such as guided walks (in different languages), cycle rides, concerts and theater performances. Children can enjoy storytelling sessions and hands-on cartography workshops.

A special section called “la Mesa de los Pueblos” involves people from all over Catalonia cooking traditional dishes that reflect the area’s agricultural diversity such as wild mushrooms, beans, and lamb.

May – Feria del Caballo, Jerez

Located in Southern Spain, Jerez is famous for its sherry wine and Flamenco performances. But every May, over 130,000 visitors come to watch some of the best horsemanship in Europe at the annual horse fair, Festival de Caballo de Jerez.

Horses have been bred and trained in this region for centuries, and the Andalusian breed is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The main spectacle is a parade early on Sunday morning by a dozen or more horses covered from head to toe with thousands of fresh flowers.

The festival features everything from classical dressage displays to stunt shows and re-enactments of scenes from famous Spanish movies. You can also stroll through the town and sample some of the region’s delicious food and wine.If you’re into horses, this is definitely a festival not to be missed!

June 23 – La Noche de San Juan, Valencia region

Some rural festivals have pagan origins and a cultural tradition closely linked to agriculture and the sun. So it’s not surprising that there’s a festival at midsummer where fire is involved. La Noche de San Juan, or Saint John’s Eve, is a religious festival that welcomes the beginning of summer. It’s also called Día de los Locos (crazy night) because people light bonfires and jump over the flames, or throw firecrackers into them.

On this day, people light fires in public squares and parks and on beaches all across Spain. The idea is that they venerate the sun and the saints, who are said to come down to earth on this night. People sing, dance, enjoy barbecues, and eat around the bonfires.

Valencia has the largest local partner congregation and the celebration at Alicante lasts several days culminating in burning papier-mâché figures on the ground.

June 28-30 – Haro Wine Festival, Haro Spain

If you enjoy wine, plan to attend the Haro Wine Festival at the end of June. Held in Spain’s La Rioja region, this is one of the most fun Spanish festivals, as thousands of people gather in the small town of Haro to celebrate with wine—lots and lots of beautiful, red Rioja wine.

This is a wine festival with a twist, as things can quickly turn into a free-for-all when the locals start slinging wine at each other in the town square. Wear red if you can, because participants throw more than 1,500 liters of wine from balconies and roofs into a crowd below. Expect red-dyed streets and red-stained participants at the end of the day.

It’s all good fun though, so if you’re up for a wine fight, come prepared to get messy and join in on the action!

July 7-14 – Running of the Bulls, Pamplona

Inspired by the 9th-century ritual of running with bulls, Pamplona’s Feast of San Fermin is one of the most famous Spanish festivals of all. It attracts more than 1 million people from all over the world. The events begin on July 7 and continue until midnight on July 14.

All activities center around the encierro (running of the bulls), which starts at 8 am each morning in Santo Domingo park. Over a thousand people race with six fighting bulls through narrow streets to the bull ring.

Bystanders take great risks standing in the streets to watch as bulls run by, and many are injured every year. It’s worse for the bulls though, because they are killed later that afternoon in a bullfight.

July 25 – The Feast of St. James, Santiago de Compostela

Another of Spain’s famous festivals, the Feast of St. James takes place on July 25 each year, when thousands of pilgrims who have walked the Camino de Santiago congregate in Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. According to tradition, St. James the Greater is said to be buried inside the Cathedral, which dates back to the 9th century.

During the festival, festival goers dress up in medieval costumes, hold processions and re-enactments of past events on horseback, and enjoy wine fests and street parties. Although the exact origins of St. James’ Feast are unclear, people from all over Spain and the world come to visit the city during this time of celebration, as a pilgrimage or on a tour.

August 15-21 – Fiesta Major de Gràcia, Barcelona

If you’re visiting Barcelona in mid-August, you should undoubtedly join the fiesta happening in the city’s Gràcia district. The festival includes a good mix of events, from live music and dancing to parades, street markets and open-air theater.

The Parc del Fòrum hosts most of the events, so it’s easy to find the action even if you’re wandering around town. Highlights include folk dancing on August 15, a correfoc (fire run) on August 16, and a fire show at the fountains of Montjuïc on August 19.

Late August – Semana Grande, Bilbao

Bearing a similar name, but a slightly different ambiance, Semana Grande is a massive festival and one of the biggest festivals in Northern Spain. Also known as Aste Nagusia, this summer festival takes place in Bilbao in northern Spain, starting on the Saturday following the 15th of August.

Semana Grande means The Big Week, and this Spanish celebration actually lasts for nine days! There’s a parade of giant puppets and a music festival with an unbelievable number of performances ranging from rock and pop to classical and jazz. The entire time is filled with parties, music, fireworks, and various competitions.

August 24 – Boloencierro, Mataelpino

One of the most unique celebrations in Spain is a slightly more recent one. Boloencierro is an animal-friendly alternative to the popular tradition of running with the bulls.

Consisting of the words bolo, meaning ball, and encierro, meaning bull run, the festival was first held in 2011, when due to lack of funding the small town of Mataelpino couldn’t afford to organize their usual bull run.

Instead, they came up with the novel idea of using a large polystyrene ball to chase the cheerful participants down the narrow streets of the town.

End of August – La Tomatina, Buñol

Every year on the last Wednesday of August, people come from all over the world to drench the town of Buñol in a sea of red.

What began as a friendly food fight in 1945 between neighbors has morphed into a massive event. Nowhere else can 150,000 kilos of over-ripe tomatoes embody so much unity, laughter, and good-natured fun.

La Tomatina officially begins at around 11 a.m., when someone reaches the ham atop a greased wooden pole. Water cannons are fired, and chaos ensues. Participants have one hour to pelt each other with tomatoes before the fighting stops and cleanup begins. Obviously, it’s a good idea to wear old clothes for this Spanish fiesta!

La Tomatina Festival tickets are in high demand but short supply. Only 20,000 people will be allowed into this extraordinary celebration, so it’s crucial to get your tickets ahead of time. Head to the official La Tomatina Festival website to buy tickets and learn more about the festival.

ⓘ TIP: If you plan to attend, stay in Buñol or in València’s city center. Both offer easy access to the festival grounds and a range of accommodation options. You can use public transportation to get to Buñol from València.

October 12 – Fiesta Nacional de España, nationwide

If there’s one thing Spain does well, it’s throwing a party. Every year on October 12th, the country celebrates its national day with colorful parades, tasty food, and plenty of lively music and dancing. This is Spain’s biggest national holiday. Celebrating their country, Spaniards wave flags and dress in their country’s traditional garb for parades, public events, and parties all across the nation. Some of the festivities include flamenco dancing, parades, marionette shows for children and bullfights.So if you’re planning to be in Spain at that time, be sure to join in the festivities!

December 25 – Christmas, nationwide

While December 25 is not a national public holiday in Spain, the majority of Spaniards celebrate Christmas in some way or another. Depending on their location and family traditions, many Spaniards attend midnight mass, receive gifts from Niño Dios (Baby Jesus) [who is sometimes known as el Belen–the Nativity scene set up inside homes], and enjoy a large family meal together. The atmosphere in Spain during the winter months is always festive, so it’s no surprise that they have such a rich variety of celebrations throughout December!

Thoughts about Spanish festivals

Whether it’s taking the Barcelona to Madrid train , catching a bus to the beautiful Rioja region, or carpooling to Bilbao – there will probably be a festival going on when you arrive there. And with each festival comes a unique experience that will let you explore the country’s culture and traditions in a whole new way. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable travel destination, put Spain at the top of your list – it won’t disappoint! 

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Written by Linda

Linda is multilingual and has been to over 50 countries. Her insatiable love of travel, cuisine, and foreign languages inspired her to create As We Saw It, where she documents her trips, shares practical itineraries, and offers insider tips. She’s passionate about helping fellow travelers save time, money, and hassle, and loves to discover new places to explore.

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1 thought on “17 best traditional festivals in spain”.

Thanks for the wonderful overview. I would add the festival Entierro de la Sardina https://blog.myvideomedia.com/europe/spain/murcia/entierro-de-la-sardina/ at the end of the week after Easter in Murcia

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Topic: Customs and Festivals

Customs and festivals, traditional spanish festivals and customs.

• Understanding of traditional Spanish festivals : Learn about popular Spanish festivals such as La Tomatina (the tomato fight), Las Fallas (festival of fire in Valencia), the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Semana Santa (Holy Week), and Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico.
• Knowledge of customs associated with each festival : Understand the traditions of each festival, including what happens, who participates, and why they are important to Spanish culture.

Spanish Vocabulary and Regional Variation

• Spanish vocabulary related to customs and festivals : Become familiar with key terminologies such as fuegos artificiales (fireworks), desfile (parade), celebración (celebration), tradición (tradition), evento (event), and costumbre (custom).
• Familiarisation with regional variation : Recognise that customs and festivals can vary from region to region in Spain, for instance, Carnaval celebrations differ substantially between Barcelona, Cadiz and Tenerife.

General Spanish Customs

• Comprehension of general Spanish customs : Learn about general customs, such as Spanish meal times, the siesta tradition, and the habit of greeting with kisses.

Personal Experiences and Comparison with British Culture

• Expressing experiences and opinions : Practice how to express experiences and opinions in Spanish about customs and festivals. For example, ‘En mi opinión, la Tomatina parece divertida pero muy desordenada’ (In my opinion, the Tomatina looks fun but very messy).
• Difference between Spanish and British customs : Compare and contrast Spanish customs and festivals with those in Britain to highlight cultural differences and similarities.

Importance of Customs and Traditions

• Importance of Customs and Traditions : Understand why customs and traditions are important in society as they contribute to a sense of collective identity and continuity.

Remember, the key to mastering this topic is to not just learn about it, but to immerse yourself in it. Watch videos of the festivals, listen to Spanish music, and try to use the vocabulary in your everyday conversation. Good luck with your language journey!

Home / Essay Samples / Life / Carnival / Carnivals in Spain – a Rich Diversity of Culture

Carnivals in Spain - a Rich Diversity of Culture

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