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famous festivals of spain

15 Famous Festival of Spain You Must Experience In 2024

“Oh, lovely Spain! renown’d, romantic land!”

The entire world is indebted to Spain for its gracious and austere allegory, its chivalry and mysticism, its endurances and its ardours, its siestas and fiestas! Hola amigos!!! Are you planning to visit Spain any time soon? If yes, try planning your trip during any of the popular festivals of Spain. Every festival has something unique and memorable to offer. Undoubtedly a very lively and fun country to visit, festivals make visiting Spain all the more exciting!

Spanish people love celebrations and spend every moment with oodles of joy and happiness. When you visit the country and witness some of the fab festivals in Spain, you will create bien memories for you! These chaotic, vibrant, and colourful festivals symbolise Spain's true essence. Over-the-top costumes, crazy activities, fun and laughter, foot-tapping music, and bellissimo sights create a convivial mood that forces every person to enjoy every moment!

Summer is the high season to visit Spain and soak in its festive spirit. A majority of villages have their local festivals happening all year round. Whether bull running in Pamplona or Las Fallas in Valencia, enjoy the fiestas to the fullest and soak in the beautiful culture of Spain. Due to regional differences, every region has unique celebrations and festivals. Check out some of the most prominent festivals, a time of coming together that you should not skip!

List of 15 Festivals in Spain Showcasing Unique Traditions and Rituals

Spain has a warm and vibrant culture. People are full of love, enthusiasm, and passion. They do not hold back when celebrating traditional festivities and feel proud of their culture, historical, religious, and artistic heritage. There are so many festivals celebrated in the country, but each is unique and gives something new to enjoy. Spaniards will warmly welcome you as you know; Mi casa es su casa!

  • La Tombarrada | 20 January 2023 | San Sebastian
  • Carnival of Tenerife | 20th January to 26th February 2023 | Mendez Nez Street & Pillar Street
  • Cadiz Carnival | 16 February to 23 February 2023 | Cadiz, Spain
  • Las Fallas Festival De Valencia | 15th March to 19th March 2023 | Plaza del Ayuntamiento
  • Semanta Santa in Seville | 2nd April to 8th April 2023 | Andalucia
  • Seville Fair | 23rd April to 29th April 2023 | Seville
  • Cordoba Patios Festival | 2nd May to 14th May 2023 | Cordoba, Andalucia
  • The Horse Fair in Jerez | 6th May to 14th May 2023 | Gonzales Hontoria Park
  • Barcelona Beer Festival. 26th May to 28th May 2023 | Barcelona
  • La Batalla del Vino | 26th June to 30th June 2023 | Haro, La Rioja
  • Feria De Malaga | 12th August to 19th August 2023 | Malaga
  • Fiesta Mayor de Gracia | 15th August to 21st August | Barcelona
  • Boloencierro | 18th August to 24th August 2023 | Boalo, El, Madrid
  • La Tomatina | 30 August 2023 | Bunol
  • Festes de la Merce | 21st September to 26th September 2023 | Plaça de Sant Jaume, Barcelona

1. La Tombarrada. The Loudest Festival of Spain

At the stroke of midnight, the first festival of the year, La Tombarrada, begins with the raising of the city flag in the Old Town’s main plaza. This festival is dedicated to the patron saint of San Sebastian. If you love knowing more about the traditions and culture of the place you are visiting, this festival will surely give you an insight into the rich historical and cultural legacy of the city. Oodles of festivities, drum parades, the city vibrating with songs, and more will give you goosebumps.

  • Where. San Sebastian, Spain
  • When. 20th January 2023
  • Highlights. Troops banging their drums, serving traditional foods, Donostiarran women banging buckets creating a raucous and more.

Also Read - Things To Do In Spain

2. Carnival of Tenerife. The Most Popular Bacchanal in Spain

A flamboyant festival, the Carnival of Tenerife is considered the world’s second-largest carnival after Rio de Janeiro. The festival is getting bigger, better, livelier, and more vibrant with time. Street parades, over-the-top costumes, loud music, parties, and more have made this festival a rage among locals and visitors alike. This festival is held right before Lent, the period of abstinence and self-reflection. Visit Tenerife and watch it come alive with fun, excitement, and laughter, creating a wonderful ambience!

  • Where. Mendez Nez Street & Pillar Street
  • When. 20th January to 26th February 2023
  • Highlights. Watch ‘murgas’ or satirical performers, the Burial of the Sardine, be a part of stupendous all-night parties, watch street parades, and dance to lively music.

Also Read -  Best Tourist Places To Visit In Spain

3. Cadiz Carnival. An Extravagant Party

Cadiz, the stunning and ancient seaside port city in Spain, hosts one of the most entertaining fiestas in the world every year. Attending this festival is like being a part of a lavish festival in a city known for its unparalleled grace, charm, and elegance. The whole town transforms into a party venue. Declared the Festival of International Tourist Interest, the festival highlights include witty and satirical songs performed by street performers and bursts of colours, music, and revelry. It was the only festival that Franco, Spain's general and dictator, could not ban. Enjoy days of wit, fun, and laughter that gives a glimpse of Spaniards and their funny side!

  • Where. Cadiz, Spain
  • When. 16 February to 23 February 2023
  • Highlights. Fireworks, open-air parties, satirical performances, fancy dress dances, loads of eating, drinking, and dancing!

4. Las Fallas Festival De Valencia. A 5-Day Long Street Party

If you are a party great, you must plan a trip to Valencia and enjoy being a part of the 5-day long continuous street party that ultimately culminates with awe-inspiring light shows and spectacular fireworks. The importance of this festival can be understood by the fact that it has been conferred the status of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage of humanity list. During the festival, it seems as if the whole town is on the streets, celebrating, laughing, and enjoying to the fullest!

  • Where. Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Valencia
  • When. 15th March to 19th March 2023
  • Highlights. Watch brass bands marching down the streets, a loud display of firecrackers, watch fallas competition, flower offerings, an awards ceremony, and more.

5. Semanta Santa in Seville. The Holy Week

One of the most amazing and traditional festivals in Spain, Semanta Santa or Le Semana Santa, is worth experiencing for every traveller. It is a week-long religious celebration just a week before Easter. Although Holy Week is celebrated all across the country, the celebrations in Andalucia stand out due to the grand religious processions taken out amid a lot of devotion, fanfare, and enthusiasm. The festival begins from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. The event aims at showing and explaining the story of Jesus Christ to laymen.

  • Where. Andalucia
  • When. 2nd April to 8th April 2023
  • Highlights. Religious Processions, street parades, and hooded costumes worn by brotherhoods of prominent churches.

6. Seville Fair. The Most Celebrated Festival in Andalusia

This amazing festival attracts locals and tourists as it outspreads life and radiates culture. Also referred to as Feria de Abril, the fair has turned out to be the greatest jamboree of people coming together to eat, drink, dance, socialise, and experience the unique experience of vibrantly colourful celebrations. Watching women get dressed in their finest dresses to be a part of the festivities that colour the whole town in its unique hues is fun.

  • Where. The Real de la Feria, Seville
  • When. 23rd April to 29th April 2023
  • Highlights. Lively music, ladies dancing in traditional costumes, enjoying royal feasts, endless drinks, colourful parades, etc.

7. Cordoba Patios Festival. A Treat for Nature Lovers

Acclaimed and appreciated as Fesyival de los Patios, this festival in Spain is nothing less than a visual treat for every nature lover. Soak in the stunning beauty of blooming floral gardens and striking Andalucian courtyards. During this festival, the private patios of Spaniards are open for exploring for visitors over the course of 12 days. Take selfies or capture the awe-inspiring beauty of blooms in every hue and colour, with traditional courtyards peppered with flowers and sculptures as a lovely backdrop.

  • Where. Cordoba, Andalucia, Spain
  • When. 2nd May to 14th May 2023
  • Highlights. Visit the Viana Palace, and enjoy jota, traditional guitar music, tambourines, castanets, flamenco performances, delectable wines, and lip-smacking tapas.

8. The Horse Fair in Jerez. The Popular Equestrian Festival

One of the most gentle creatures, the horse, is the main protagonist of the event. Watching the most stunning-looking Andulasian horses walk down in a parade is an experience you will surely never forget. It is a majestic and elegant view that will register in your memory forever. This festival also gives oenophiles an opportunity to enjoy and savour the fine taste of local wines. Soak in the stunning spectacle of an unbeatable show of grace and elegance!

  • Where. Gonzales Hontoria Park, Jerez
  • When. 6th May to 14th May 2023
  • Highlights. Watch the bewitching spectacle of horse parade and flamenco, and be a part of dance, music, wine tasting, and more.

9. Barcelona Beer Festival. A Platform for Breweries to Launch New Products

Although Spain is the country of wine, it has recently emerged as the country of beer. The festival has emerged as the biggest meeting point for the best breweries worldwide. Besides trying a wide variety of taps, you can also look forward to a gastronomic experience that will drench you into a genuine sensory universe where you will learn about thousands of possibilities of this succulent drink.

  • Where. Barcelona
  • When. 26th May to 28th May 2023
  • Highlights. Discovering new beer brands, showcasing the best craft beer, classes that teach to differentiate between various drinks, beer tasting sessions and more.

10. La Batalla del Vino. The Most Sought-After Haro Wine Festival

A small town in La Rioja, Spain, Haro comes to life during the most awaited La Batalla del Vino, a festival that gives you a chance to drench in the best local wines. The major highlight of the festival is the celebration of the battle of wine. Don’t get misled by the term ‘battle’ as there are no losers or winners here but a remarkable show of revelry, harmony, and desire. The jarreros, or the residents of Haro, begin the battle early in the morning, which is complemented by a host of festivities.

  • Where. Haro, La Rioja, Spain
  • When. 26th June to 30th June 2023
  • Highlights. Splashing litres of wine on each other, live music, drinking loads of excellent wine, juvenile bullfights and more.

Also Read -  Famous Food Of Spain

11. Feria De Malaga. An Exuberant Mix of Flamenco, Culture, Equestrian Shows & Nightlife

Incredible food, vibrant culture, and exciting fiestas make Feria De Malaga one of the biggest fiestas in the region. As August rolls in, the city of Malaga gears up to host one of the year's biggest and most amazing summer festivals. This week-long event celebrates rich and impressive Spanish culture and traditions. Spaniards are in their element, dancing, singing, eating, and drinking.

  • Where. Malaga
  • When. 12th August to 19th August 2023
  • Highlights. Fireworks, fun-filled activities, singing, dancing, drinking, savouring lip-smacking food, etc.

12. Fiesta Mayor de Gracia. The explosion of Colours and Music

If you plan to visit Spain in August, do make it a point to witness this festival where you will enjoy watching the profusion of colours, listening to amazing music, grooving to foot-tapping music and more. During the festival, the streets of Gracia transform into huge art displays. Handmade paper lanterns of every colour, shape and size can be seen hanging above, covering the narrow pathways. Let your inner child enjoy the freedom it craves and participate in many food fairs, family-friendly activities, and games.

  • Where. Gracia, Barcelona
  • When. 15th August to 21st August 2023
  • Highlights. Food fairs, family-friendly activities, games, acrobats, fireworks, art displays, dancing, music, drinking, and enjoying culinary delights.

13. Boloencierro. An Exciting Festival in Madrid

A safer but equally enjoyable alternative to Encierro or Bull Run, Boloencierro witnesses hundreds of participants outrunning a huge ball weighing more than 150 kg. This ball is made up of polystyrene. While running at a break-neck pace, it is a very common sight to see participants falling hard on the ground with others piling up on them. The event is organised in a mountain village approximately 50 km from Madrid, Mataelpino. This is an equally hair-raising event that will keep you thoroughly entertained!

  • Where. Mataelpino, Madrid
  • When. 18th August to 24th August 2023
  • Highlights. See participants running at high-speed trying to overrun a massive ball hurling behind them, music, dance, culinary delights, cool drinks and more.

14. La Tomatina. Indulge in Crazy Tomato Fight

Do you wish to engage in and experience something downright crazy? If yes, head to Bunol, a quaint town in Spain where, every year, locals and tourists engage in a giant food fight. It is one of the most talked about cultural festivals in Spain. Remember the famous and most iconic movie, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, where the festival has been beautifully captured? The fun and excitement of this event are palpable. You cannot stop yourself from participating in this event and getting drenched in sweet-sour tomato puree. More than 30,000 people gather to celebrate La Tomatina.

  • Where. Bunol
  • When. 30 August 2023
  • Highlights. Pole climbing, ham winning, loads of dancing, music, drinking Sangria, high partying and more.

15. Festes de la Merce. An Extravagant Street Festival in Barcelona

One of the major festivals in Spain, Festes de la Merce, is known for its thrilling activities like correfoc. This activity involves setting off firecrackers among the crowds and burning giant effigies of dragons and demons. Thousands of people come together at Plaça de Sant Jaume, celebrating the city's patron saint. Beautiful costumes, human tower competitions, crazy characters, street performances, singing, and dancing create a perfect ambience.

  • Where. Plaça de Sant Jaume, Barcelona
  • When. 21st September to 26th September 2023
  • Highlights. Setting off firecrackers in crowds, human tower competitions, street performances, music, dancing, enjoying typical Spanish food and more.

If you love knowing more about a place you plan to visit, festivals are the most opportune time to visit. Adotrip.com helps you plan your trip, offers you amazing deals, and every travel assistance to make your trip enjoyable and memorable. You can also visit our website, where you will find a lot of information on amazing destinations worldwide, famous events, festivals, and more. Do get in touch with us for the best travel packages to Spain!

With us, nothing is far!

Frequently Asked Questions About Most Famous Festivals in Spain

Ques 1. What is La Tomatina?
Ans 1. La Tomatina is one of the most popular festivals in Spain. Held in Bunol, a quaint town in Spain, every year, locals and tourists engage in a giant food fight. Truckloads of tomatoes are thrown left, right, and centre on anyone. The fun and excitement of this event are palpable. You cannot stop yourself from participating in this event and getting drenched in sweet-sour tomato puree.

Ques 2. What are some popular festivals in Spain?
Ans 2. Some of the most popular Spanish festivals are -

  • La Tombarrada
  • Carnival of Tenerife
  • Cadiz Carnival
  • Las Fallas Festival De Valencia
  • Semanta Santa in Seville
  • Seville Fair
  • Cordoba Patios Festival
  • The Horse Fair in Jerez
  • Barcelona Beer Festival
  • La Batalla del Vino
  • Feria De Malaga
  • Fiesta Mayor de Gracia
  • Boloencierro
  • La Tomatina
  • Festes de la Merce

Ques 3. How many festivals are there in Spain?
Ans 3. There is no dearth of cultural festivals in Spain. Some of them are -

  • La Tombarrada
  • Carnival of Tenerife
  • Cadiz Carnival
  • Las Fallas Festival De Valencia
  • Semanta Santa in Seville
  • Seville Fair
  • Cordoba Patios Festival
  • The Horse Fair in Jerez
  • Barcelona Beer Festival
  • La Batalla del Vino
  • Feria De Malaga
  • Fiesta Mayor de Gracia
  • Boloencierro
  • La Tomatina
  • Festes de la Merce

Ques 4. When do most festivals in Spain take place?
Ans 4. Although Spain witnesses a lot of festivals throughout the year, most festivals are celebrated during summer. Some of these festivals are -

  • Semanta Santa in Seville | 2nd April to 8th April 2023 | Andalucia
  • Seville Fair | 23rd April to 29th April 2023 | Seville
  • Cordoba Patios Festival | 2nd May to 14th May 2023 | Cordoba, Andalucia
  • The Horse Fair in Jerez | 6th May to 14th May 2023 | Gonzales Hontoria Park
  • Barcelona Beer Festival. 26th May to 28th May 2023 | Barcelona
  • La Batalla del Vino | 26th June to 30th June 2023 | Haro, La Rioja
  • Feria De Malaga | 12th August to 19th August 2023 | Malaga
  • Fiesta Mayor de Gracia | 15th August to 21st August | Barcelona
  • Boloencierro | 18th August to 24th August 2023 | Boalo, El, Madrid
  • La Tomatina | 30 August 2023 | Bunol

Ques 5. Are there any cultural or religious festivals in Spain?
Ans 5. There are several religious and cultural festivals in Spain. Some are -

  • Semanta Santa in Seville | 2nd April to 8th April 2023 | Andalucia
  • Seville Fair | 23rd April to 29th April 2023 | Seville
  • The Horse Fair in Jerez | 6th May to 14th May 2023 | Gonzales Hontoria Park
  • Feria De Malaga | 12th August to 19th August 2023 | Malaga
  • Fiesta Mayor de Gracia | 15th August to 21st August | Barcelona
  • Boloencierro | 18th August to 24th August 2023 | Boalo, El, Madrid

Ques 6. How can I find information about upcoming festivals in Spain?
Ans 6. You can find more information about upcoming Spain festivals by connecting with Adotrip.com. This popular travel platform boasts a repository of information about various destinations worldwide, popular events, festivals and more. 

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--- Published By  Adotrip

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