Festivals & Events in Spain

Spain’s year-round festival calendar reflects its passion for community, history and celebration. From tomato-throwing in Buñol to solemn Holy Week processions in Andalucía, each event offers a window into regional traditions and contemporary culture. Below are ten unmissable Spanish festivals and events—complete with dates, highlights and insider tips—to help you plan an unforgettable trip.

1. La Tomatina (Buñol, August)

Every last Wednesday in August, the small town of Buñol near Valencia hosts La Tomatina, the world’s largest tomato fight.

• Highlights:
  • Over 150 000 participants hurl more than 125 000 kg of over-ripe tomatoes for one hour of chaotic fun.
  • The battle begins at 11 AM when a ham-on-a-pole signal is fired, and ends precisely one hour later.
• Practical Tips:
  • Pre-purchase your €12–€18 ticket online months in advance.
  • Wear goggles, old clothes, and sturdy footwear; tomatoes will stain but are harmless.
  • Rinse off at public showers afterward, and bring a small bag for wet items.
• Local Flavor: The week includes parades, paella contests and live music, making Buñol a festive hub from Monday to Thursday.

2. San Fermín – Running of the Bulls (Pamplona, July 6–14)

Made famous by Hemingway, Pamplona’s San Fermín festival combines adrenaline-filled bull runs with six days of street parties.

• Highlights:
  • Encierro: Daily at 8 AM, brave runners dash ahead of six fighting bulls down a 825 m course to the bullring.
  • Chupinazo: The ceremonial opening rocket on July 6 signals the start of nonstop celebrations.
• Practical Tips:
  • If you’re not running, observe from designated balconies or behind safety barriers.
  • Book accommodation and the official festival “txupinazo” viewing area well over six months out.
  • Enjoy nightly bullfights and open-air concerts after the morning runs.

3. Semana Santa (Holy Week – Seville, Málaga & Across Spain, March/April)

Semana Santa is Spain’s most solemn and visually stunning religious celebration, culminating on Easter Sunday.

• Highlights:
  • Steel-toed penitents carry massive pasos (floats) bearing life-size statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary through historic streets.
  • In Seville, brotherhoods (cofradías) process for up to 16 hours each night, accompanied by marching bands.
• Practical Tips:
  • Check procession schedules online and arrive early to secure a street-side spot.
  • Many hotels and B&Bs close or charge premium rates—book early or seek stays in nearby towns.
  • Dress respectfully and remain quiet during solemn segments; photography is allowed but discreet.

4. Feria de Abril (Seville, April)

Two weeks after Easter, Seville’s Feria de Abril transforms the city into a kaleidoscope of flamenco, horses and casetas (private tents).

• Highlights:
  • By day, horse-drawn carriages parade through the fairgrounds; by night, thousands dance sevillanas under string lights.
  • Casetas serve rebujito (sherry-lime cocktail) and tapas to locals clad in traditional traje de gitana.
• Practical Tips:
  • Public access to many casetas is restricted; look for “Open Casetas” or enjoy food stalls in the “Recinto Ferial.”
  • Wear comfortable shoes—the fairground spans 450 000 m²—and reserve a table in advance if possible.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll along the Guadalquivir River and a flamenco show in Triana.

5. Las Fallas (Valencia, March 1–19)

Valencia’s Las Fallas is a fiery street theater where massive papier-mâché ninots (puppets) are burned on March 19.

• Highlights:
  • Over 700 fallas monuments, some reaching 20 m tall, fill city plazas; juries award prizes for best designs.
  • Nightly mascletàs (firecracker displays) in Plaza del Ayuntamiento explode in deafening rhythmic blasts.
  • The final La Cremà sees all but the winning ninot consigned to flames at 2 AM.
• Practical Tips:
  • Book a hotel in Ruzafa or El Carmen neighborhoods six months ahead.
  • Earplugs are essential for mascletàs, which start daily at 2 PM.
  • Don’t miss the Offering of Flowers to the Virgen de los Desamparados on March 17–18—a moving floral procession.

6. Carnival (Santa Cruz de Tenerife & Cádiz, February)

Spain’s Carnival season rivals Rio, with two standout celebrations: Tenerife’s island-wide parade and Cádiz’s irreverent street theater.

• Highlights:
  • Tenerife: Floats, drag-queen galas and a Grand Parade draw half a million spectators.
  • Cádiz: Chirigotas (satirical musical troupes) roast politics and society in humorous, improvised songs.
• Practical Tips:
  • Costumes range from simple masks to full sequin regalia—dress up and join the fun.
  • Book flights and accommodation early; ferries from mainland Spain often sell out.
  • Sample local treats like churros con chocolate during daytime comparsas (parade ensembles).

7. Fiesta de San Isidro (Madrid, May 15–17)

Madrid honors its patron saint with San Isidro fiestas of pilgrimage, music and chulapo (traditional dress).

• Highlights:
  • Pradera de San Isidro: Thousands picnic on May 15, enjoying rosquillas (Madrid doughnuts) and fermented rolleos.
  • Concurso de Piraguas: A canoe race on the Manzanares River—quirky local tradition.
• Practical Tips:
  • Join Madrileños for an outdoor feast at the Pradera: bring a blanket and a basket of food.
  • Tapas bars in La Latina and Lavapiés serve special San Isidro menus.
  • Look out for free concerts and zarzuelas (Spanish operettas) at Parque de la Quinta de los Molinos.

8. La Mercè (Barcelona, September 24–27)

Barcelona’s La Mercè honors its patron saint with a kaleidoscope of human towers, light shows and aerial spectacles.

• Highlights:
  • Castellers: Teams build human towers up to ten levels high in Plaça Sant Jaume.
  • Piromusical: A synchronized fireworks and music show over Montjuïc on the final night.
• Practical Tips:
  • Arrive at the castells early (around 5 PM) to see the best teams.
  • Obtain a Mercè Party Pack (free) at tourist offices—includes maps, program and metro passes.
  • Explore neighborhood street parties (correfocs) with fire-breathing devils and drums.

9. Feria de Málaga (August)

Coinciding with the August bank holiday, Málaga’s Feria combines Catalan-style casetas, live music and a massive fairground.

• Highlights:
  • Daytime Feria: Traditional dress, bodegas serving espetos (sardines on a skewer) and flamenco shows in Parque del Oeste.
  • Nighttime Fair: Carnival rides, concerts and street parties in the city center.
• Practical Tips:
  • The Feria de Día (day fair) is free and open to all; bring a picnic and join locals in the park.
  • For Feria de Noche, purchase discounted concert tickets in advance.
  • Cool off with a swim at Malagueta Beach before heading to the fairgrounds.

10. Fiesta del Pilar (Zaragoza, October 12–15)

Honoring the Virgen del Pilar, Zaragoza hosts Spain’s second-largest pilgrimage and citywide celebrations.

• Highlights:
  • Ofrenda de Flores: Thousands dress in traditional costumes to weave a giant floral mantle around the basilica.
  • Gigantes y Cabezudos: Stilt-walking giants and big-headed figures parade through the streets.
• Practical Tips:
  • Reserve a spot along Calle Alfonso I for the Ofrenda; it begins at 5 PM on October 12.
  • Taste local delicacies like borrajas (borage greens) and longaniza sausage at food stalls.
  • Evening concerts and light projections animate Plaza del Pilar.

Conclusion

Spain’s festivals and events capture the country’s spirit of community, creativity and celebration. Whether you’re dodging tomatoes in Buñol, witnessing human towers in Barcelona, or swaying to flamenco under Seville’s lights, each fiesta offers a unique window into Spain’s cultural heart. To coordinate logistics—accommodation, transport and regional guides—return to our Spain Travel Guide. Plan your trip around these unforgettable celebrations and experience the passion that makes Spain come alive. ¡A disfrutar!