Festivals and events in Spain

The festivals

When to go for the festivals in Spain

In Spain, almost every town and nearly every village has its own festival, usually linked to the patron saint, a harvest or an episode from local history. Many last several days, with music in the streets, parades of giants and big-headed figures, fireworks and tables set up in the squares, and several have been declared of international tourist interest.

The calendar begins with Carnival, in February or March, with special fame in Cádiz and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. In March, Valencia burns the large cardboard and wood figures assembled in the streets during the Fallas. Holy Week brings processions to towns across the country between March and April, and Seville follows it with the Feria de Abril.

Summer is the busiest season. The bonfires of Saint John’s night light up beaches and squares in June; in July, Pamplona lives nine days of celebration in honor of Saint Fermín; in August, Buñol, near Valencia, hosts its tomato battle, and many towns hold their summer fairs.

Eating and drinking in the street is part of these festivals, and much of the program takes place in squares and streets open to everyone. Because many dates depend on Easter, a saint’s day or a weekday, it’s worth checking the year’s calendar before traveling and booking accommodation early in towns with festivals.