10 Best Festivals in Spain

Spain, a vibrant and captivating country in Southwest Europe, is a treasure trove of rich history, lively traditions, and warm hospitality. From bustling cities to serene countryside, Spain offers a diverse tapestry of life and culture that leaves a lasting impression on its visitors. Spaniards believe in the concept of, ‘La vida es para disfrutar,’ which means life is for enjoying. People of Spain embrace an easygoing attitude, and they love to eat, party, socialise with friends and family, and celebrate every moment, big or small. Celebrations of festivals in Spain are one of a kind. If you want to experience the country’s local culture in its true essence, you must attend at least one of the myriad festivals in Spain. Here are some famous festivals in Spain that you must add to your bucket list.

10 Best Festivals in Spain

There’s a ton of exciting things to do in Spain. And when it comes to exciting, how can we miss the festivals of Spain? Spain is renowned for its lively and colourful festivals, which reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage and regional diversity. Here are the 10 best festivals celebrated throughout Spain. 

1. La Tomatina

Where: Valencian Town of Buñol
When: Last Wednesday of August every year

What began as a mere accident soon became one of the biggest food fight festivals in Spain. La Tomatina began in August 1945 during a parade in People’s Square, Spain, where a few local youths made one of the participants fall, hitting everything on the way. This incident angered a few people, resulting in people throwing tomatoes at each other they found on a nearby stand. Thousands of travellers, locals, and tourists gather on the streets of Bunol to create a sea of red by pelting tomatoes on each other. Fun, messy, entertaining -  this Spanish festival is all of it! 

2. Semana Grande

Where: Bilbao, Spain
When: End of August

Dedicated to the Virgin of Begona, Semana Grande, also known as Aste Nagusia, is a 9-day event celebrated in Bilbao in Northern Spain every August. During the festival, the streets of Bilbao come alive with a wide array of cultural and entertainment activities, showcasing the city’s Basque culture, traditions, and lively spirit. People enjoy traditional Basque music, dancing, and an exquisite selection of local dishes and delicacies. This Spanish festival also features traditional Basque sports such as Pelota and horse races, wood chopping competitions, and rural sports exhibitions that attract participants and spectators alike. Street concerts, open-air theatres, and giant puppets fill the city with music, fun, and laughter. Another highlight of this Spanish festival is the International Firework Competition, where various countries compete in creating dazzling displays of light and colour, illuminating the Bilbao sky each night.

3. Las Fallas de Valencia

Where: Valencia, Spain
When: 15 to 19 March

This amazing festival of fire, celebrated annually in Valencia, Spain, from March 15th to 19th, brings the city to life with its artistic grandeur, vibrant street life, and traditional rituals. Las Fallas has been celebrated since the mid-18th century in honour of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of the carpenters and also to mark the beginning of spring. You can witness gigantic colourful statues made of papier-mache, cardboard, wood, or plaster that depict satirical and comical scenes, often mocking current events or public figures. Colourful parades, lively street performances, smoky bonfires, traditional processions, and fireworks displays are a treat to the eyes. The city’s streets are adorned with music, lights, and the scent of traditional Valencian cuisines. As the festivities approach its conclusion on March 19th, known as Nit de la Cremà (Night of the Cremà), the city is set ablaze with a beautiful fireworks show. 

4. Semana Santa

Where: All of Spain
When: Tuesday to Saturday before Easter

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is the most significant and revered religious festival in Spain. It is celebrated throughout the week leading up to Easter Sunday to pay tribute to the Passion of Jesus Christ. One can witness the local catholic Brotherhoods parading throughout the city. Each region has its unique way of celebrating, but the essence remains the same - a time for reflection, prayer, and expressing faith. 

5. Feria de Abril

Where: Seville, Spain
When: Two weeks after the Semana Santa processions

Just two weeks after the Semana Santa processions end, the city of Seville transforms into a dazzling spectacle of color, music, dance, and cultural richness. Also known as the April Fair of Seville, Feria de Abril is a week-long event that brings together the traditions of Andalucía. During this Spanish festivity, local women are dressed in colourful flamenco dresses, and the festival grounds are adorned with hundreds of brightly coloured tents, called casetas, that are set up by various groups, families, and organisations. Each caseta is a hub where locals and visitors gather to enjoy music, dance, and culinary delights. 

6. Haro Wine Festival

Where: Haro, Spain
When: 29th June

Does a wine war sound fun to you? Then the Haro Wine Festival hosted in the small town of Haro in the La Rioja province of Spain is a must-attend for you. Thousands of people, dressed in red and white, armed with wine bottles, water guns, and containers filled with wine, engage in an epic wine battle, dousing each other in copious amounts of wine. Before the wine fight begins, a procession led by locals and dignitaries makes its way to the hermitage, where a mass is held to pay homage to San Pedro. This festival in Spain is undoubtedly a unique and unforgettable experience, offering a blend of fun, tradition, and wine appreciation.

7. Sitges Carnival

Where: Sitges, Spain
When: February (dates may vary)

Held in the coastal town of Sitges, Spain’s Catalonia region, the Sitges Carnival is known for its exuberant atmosphere, colourful parades, and extravagant costumes. People gather for a week-long fiesta that includes parades, costume contests, drag shows, and a lot of dancing and drinking. It’s held in February, and the dates may vary according to the Easter calendar. The festivities kick off on Fat Thursday. The town’s zestful and welcoming atmosphere, combined with a breathtaking coastal setting, makes Sitges Carnival an enthralling experience.

8. Madrid Pride

Where: Madrid, Spain
When: First week of July

The Madrid Pride festival in Spain is one of the largest and most famous LGBTQ+ pride events in the world, attracting millions of people from all across the globe. The event happens in the month of June, which is dedicated to celebrating and commemorating the LGBTQ+ community. The celebrations continue throughout the week with various fun activities, live concerts, high-heel races, and street parties.

9. Fiesta de San Isidro

Where: Madrid, Spain
When: May 15th every year

One of the most religious and traditional festivals in Spain is Fiesta de San Isidro, to honour the city’s patron saint, San Isidro Labrador. Isidro was a 12th-century farmer and labourer known for his piety towards the poor and animals. Legend has it that he performed miracles and is revered as the patron saint of the farmers and Madrid itself. The festival is celebrated on 15th May every year and is marked by religious processions, mass celebrations, and traditional music and dance performances. One of the event’s main highlights is the pilgrimage to the hermitage. Locals dress in traditional attires and walk in a procession towards the chapel to attend the mass and seek the saint’s blessings. 

10. San Fermin

Where: Pamplona, Spain
When: July 6

Yet another popular festival in Spain is San Fermin, also known as Running of the Bulls Festival, that draws thousands of visitors from all over the world. One can witness participants engage in a nail-biting bull race on the streets of Pamplona in Spain. However, San Fermin is more than just a bull race. People can also enjoy delicious food, music, dance, and other exciting folkloric events. 

Without doubt, Spanish festivities are one of a kind! Festivals in Spain are a vibrant tapestry of cultural richness, historical significance, and lively celebrations that captivates visitors and locals alike. From the exuberant carnivals to the awe-inspiring Madrid Pride, each festival has a unique experience to offer and reflects the rich culture and deep-rooted traditions of Spain. So when you visit the country, make sure that you attend all or one of the festivals in Spain and immerse yourself in the Spanish way of life. Planning to move to Spain? Here's our comprehensive guide for you. Also, check out the best places to stay in Spain.