13 amazing Spanish festivals for every season

From vibrant spring fiestas and exciting summer parties to a Christmas celebration filled with flour and egg-throwing, Spain offers events that attract all kinds of travelers. Let’s explore the top festivals in Spain for an unforgettable experience abroad.

Spring Festivals in Spain

Spring in Spain typically features pleasant weather, with temperatures in the southern regions hovering around 79-82°F. It's also the season of blooming flowers, creating a stunning backdrop for visitors. If you're seeking spring festivities in Spain, these celebrations are sure to delight:

Holy Week

Semana Santa is a Spanish Easter celebration that occurs during Holy Week each year. While the specific dates shift according to Easter, the festivities generally span from early to late March, starting on Palm Sunday and concluding on Holy Saturday. Semana Santa is celebrated throughout Spain, but Seville is renowned for its impressive displays.

In Seville, the festival features stunning religious processions through the city's churches and cathedrals. Even for those who aren't religious, the festival is a must-see for its remarkable historical artifacts and the city's spiritual ambiance. Extravagant Semana Santa events also take place in Toledo and Málaga.

Córdoba Patios Festival

The Córdoba Patio Festival in Andalusia stands out as one of Spain’s most enchanting springtime celebrations. Typically held between the first and third weeks of May, this visually breathtaking festival sees residents of Córdoba adorning their patios, courtyards, and balconies with vibrant floral displays to welcome spring. This cherished tradition dates back to the 1920s and attracts numerous visitors each year.

Festival-goers can freely stroll through the patios, located in various neighborhoods across the city. Maps guide visitors through the festival, and some residents enhance their homes with traditional Spanish decorations. This festival is one of the most serene and inviting experiences in Spain, completely transforming Cordoba.

Seville's April Fair

For those seeking a genuine taste of local culture, the April Fair in Seville is an unmissable event. This fair takes place in the Los Remedios and Tablada neighborhoods, where the area is transformed into a lively carnival filled with local stalls, traditional flamenco dancing, and vibrant live music. Attendees can marvel at a diverse array of traditional Spanish costumes and savor an amazing selection of Spanish culinary delights.

One of the festival's highlights is its cheerful and welcoming vibe. Although the booths for tourists and locals are officially designated, residents frequently mingle with visitors, creating a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, practice your Spanish, and fully embrace another culture.

Summer Festivals in Spain

With its blazing summer heat, Spain is perfect for beach getaways or outdoor music festivals. These summer festivals in Spain are among the finest Europe has to offer during the sunniest time of the year:

Haro Wine Festival

The Haro Wine Festival is celebrated in Haro, just south of Bilbao, during the last days of June each year. Renowned for its Rioja vineyards, this festival is the ultimate tribute to wine. Participants engage in a massive wine battle, soaking each other in red wine, followed by a thrilling run through an arena filled with bulls. The festivities culminate in a grand party with copious amounts of wine flowing.

This festival is rooted in a historical skirmish that escalated into a wine fight between two rival wine-producing towns in the 10th century. The local wine is exquisite, and the area is famed for its delectable tapas, making it a perfect destination for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike. It's also ideal for nature lovers, featuring numerous nearby hiking trails.

The Running of the Bulls

The Running of the Bulls is one of Spain's most iconic festivals, occurring in the first two weeks of July each year. In Pamplona, the event features not only the thrilling bull run but also an electrifying street party atmosphere. Participants race to stay ahead of a herd of bulls charging through the streets, while spectators watch eagerly from balconies, making it an exhilarating experience for the brave.

The lively street party in Casco Viejo is one of the festival's main attractions, drawing crowds from all over the globe. This festival is a dream come true for thrill-seekers and promises an unforgettable experience.

Gràcia Street Festival

Barcelona is one of Spain’s most vibrant cities, hosting a variety of incredible festivals throughout the year. If you're visiting Spain in the summer, the Gràcia Festival offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the city at its best. Taking place in the Gràcia district from August 14 to 20, the festival showcases colorful street parades featuring floats and spectacular costumes.

The street decorations and stalls offering traditional cuisine are truly a sight to behold. The Gràcia Festival is also a wonderful choice for families, featuring rides and entertainment for children, making it free and accessible for everyone to enjoy.

La Tomatina

La Tomatina takes place in Buñol, Valencia, in late August and offers a wild experience for those seeking something out of the ordinary. This Spanish festival features a massive tomato fight in the streets, and it’s just as enjoyable as it sounds. Having been celebrated for over 70 years, around 20,000 tickets are available each year, but they sell out quickly. It's advisable to secure your tickets in advance.

St John’s Eve

If you love dazzling fireworks displays, the St John’s Eve festival is perfect for you. Celebrated on June 23, it marks the arrival of summer. While this festival is held throughout Spain, locals in Barcelona and Valencia welcome the season with spectacular fireworks shows and vibrant street parties. In coastal towns and regions like Galicia, bonfires on the beach are a common way to celebrate St John’s Eve.

Fall Festivals in Spain

The end of summer doesn't mean the fun stops; there are still fantastic Spanish festivals to experience in the fall. If you're a fan of autumn travel, be sure to check out these fall festivals in Spain:

La Castanyada

La Castanyada is celebrated in Barcelona and is the ideal festival for those who love all things cozy and autumnal. This event occurs on November 1 (All Saints Day) and revolves around chestnuts, which are plentiful during this time. Attendees can indulge in traditional baked goods, including chestnut-flavored cakes and pastries. The overall atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a wonderful way to bid farewell to fall and greet winter.

Rioja Wine Harvest Festival

The Rioja Wine Harvest Festival takes place at the end of September in Logroño. Visitors can join in the traditional grape-stomping event, where participants crush grapes with their bare feet to produce wine. This region is renowned for its delicious Rioja vintage, and wine enthusiasts will relish being part of the festivities. The celebration features live traditional music, bullfights, and lively dance performances.

Winter Festivals in Spain

Spain typically enjoys mild winters that are both cool and sunny, making it an ideal time for outdoor adventures and winter festivities. Here are some popular winter festivals in Spain:

Tamborrada

The Tamborrada festival in San Sebastián is a vibrant celebration of drumming and stands out as a highlight of Spain's winter festival scene. Occurring on January 20, this event features thousands of musicians and marching drum bands parading through the streets. Attendees can also savor traditional Basque cuisine at food stalls and enjoy live performances. The relaxed yet energetic atmosphere makes it a perfect day for families and music enthusiasts alike.

Els Enfarinats

Els Enfarinats is another popular food-throwing festival held in Alicante on December 28. This local tradition invites participants to dash into the streets and hurl eggs and flour at one another. The festival also includes historical reenactments and storytelling that honor the origins of this custom. It is believed to date back around 200 years and symbolically reflects the Biblical Massacre of the Innocents.

Contemporary celebrations of Els Enfarinats are all in good spirits and showcase a truly unique aspect of Spanish culture. It's perfect for those who enjoy getting hands-on and embracing historical traditions.

The Festival of Fire

As winter comes to an end, one of the most beloved Spanish festivals in Valencia kicks off. The Festival of Fire occurs in March and features a lively daytime street parade, fireworks, and festive evening street parties. The parade includes whimsical floats, some of which are set ablaze during the nighttime bonfire. Visitors can also spot locals dressed in traditional Spanish attire and savor delicious regional cuisine.

The festival culminates in a massive cannon salute that echoes throughout the city, marking a spectacular finale to the event. This celebration is enjoyed by both tourists and locals, making it an unforgettable experience.