Attending festivals in Spain is great way to plan your Spanish vacation. They occur throughout the year, so finding one that works for your vacation dates is usually possible. You’ll learn so much about Spain’s vibrant culture through its captivating annual festivals! Whether it’s the adrenaline-pumping excitement of the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona or the tomato-throwing revelry of La Tomatina in Buñol, these events offer more than mere entertainment. They provide a unique, enriching window into Spain’s rich traditions, folklore, and community spirit. By participating, you don’t just visit—you become a part of Spain’s cultural tapestry. Elevate your next Spanish holiday by immersing yourself in these unforgettable celebrations.
The Three Wise Men, Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, prepare for the 2024 Bilbao Procession | Photo courtesy of Radio Popular.
Cabalgata de Reyes (Procession of the Three Kings): Jan 5, 2025
- Duration: 1 day
- Culminating Event: The parade itself.
- Organizers: Local municipal governments, often with church cooperation.
- Participants: Hundreds of thousands nationwide
- How to Participate: Attend the processions that occur in various cities. Participation is free.
Every January 5th, on the eve of the Epiphany, Spain celebrates the enchanting Cabalgata de Reyes, a procession embodying holiday spirit, community, and tradition. Towns and cities across the country come alive with vibrant parades featuring elaborate floats, live music, and theatrical performances. The highlight of this family-friendly celebration is the arrival of the Three Wise Men, often appearing on camels or carriages, showering sweets upon the eager crowds. Local vendors fill the air with the scent of festive treats, creating a magical atmosphere for all ages. As children wave in excitement, they leave shoes outside their doors, hoping to receive gifts from the Magi by morning, a tradition that captures the essence of Spanish holiday cheer. This grand procession isn’t just a visual spectacle—it’s a community event that invites everyone to celebrate together, creating lasting memories and a profound connection to Spain’s holiday spirit.
Carnival group (comparsa) performs on stage during the Carnival Groups Competition in Cádiz | Photo by Román Ríos / EFE.
Carnaval de Cádiz: February 28, 2025
- Duration: Varies by city, usually 7-12 days
- Culminating Event: “Entierro de la Sardina” (Burial of the Sardine)
- Organizers: City councils and local associations.
- Participants: Hundreds of thousands
- How to Participate: Most events are free and open to the public. Attend parades and participate in costume parties.
Carnaval in Cádiz is an unmatched celebration that serves as a testament to Spain’s rich cultural diversity. This isn’t just another festival; it’s a deep-rooted tradition that captivates the heart of the community. As you explore the city’s ancient streets, you’ll be greeted by vibrant carnival celebrations, satirical performances, impromptu flamenco, and locals donning creative costumes. Unlike any other, Cádiz’s Carnaval features “chirigotas,” groups who perform humor-filled songs about current events. This is more than a party; it’s an intimate look at local life and humor. If you’re seeking an authentic, enriching experience, Cádiz’s Carnaval is simply unmissable.
Falleras from different generations, dressed in traditional attire, parade through the streets of Valencia for the 2024 Fallas Festival.
Fallas de Valencia: March 15-19, 2025
- Duration: 5 days
- Culminating Event: “La Cremá,” the burning of the sculptures.
- Organizers: Fallas commissions, overseen by the Junta Central Fallera.
- Participants: Around 2 million
- How to Participate: Walk around the city to see the “fallas” sculptures. Some events may require tickets.
Don’t miss the Fallas de Valencia, one of Spain’s famous festivals known for its astonishing sculptures, or “fallas,” crafted with impeccable detail only to be set ablaze in a dramatic conclusion. Walk through Valencia’s historic streets, transformed into open-air galleries showcasing these towering works of art. The air is festive, filled with the aroma of paella cooking in large pans and the joyous sounds of brass bands. As day turns into night, the sky illuminates with breathtaking firework displays. If you’re looking for a culturally immersive experience that goes beyond typical tourist attractions, the Fallas de Valencia is a must-see.
NOTE: The recent DANA storm, Spain’s most devastating natural disaster in a generation, has caused widespread destruction in Valencia, with over 200 lives lost and tens of thousands displaced from their homes. Among the hardest hit are the artisans and sewing workshops dedicated to crafting the intricate dresses of the falleras, a cherished symbol of Valencia’s cultural heritage, now at risk. For those in the United States wishing to help, the Red Cross is accepting donations to support relief and recovery efforts in the region.
The Brotherhood of the Holy Supper processes through Málaga’s historic streets during Holy Week celebrations. Video by @malagagoodvibes.
Semana Santa (Holy Week): April 13-19, 2025
- Duration: 1 week
- Culminating Event: Easter Sunday Mass
- Organizers: Various religious brotherhoods and organizations, with support from local municipalities.
- Participants: Millions nationwide
- How to Participate: Attend the processions. No tickets are usually required.
Throughout Andalucía, Semana Santa or Holy Week is one of the most significant religious festivals, marked by solemn processions organized by religious brotherhoods. Elaborate wooden platforms, or “pasos,” bearing sacred statues navigate the city’s historic streets, carried by “costaleros” and accompanied by hooded “nazarenos.” The atmosphere intensifies with mournful saetas and the scent of incense. A highlight is the procession around the “Cristo de los Faroles,” an 18th-century illuminated crucifix. Alongside these rituals, traditional foods and cultural activities enrich the experience. Córdoba’s Semana Santa offers a unique blend of solemnity and local tradition, set against a backdrop of diverse historical influences.
One contrarian note for travelers: Semana Santa processions can seriously interfere with getting around and with access to monuments, museums, and tourism attractions.
Feria de Abril (April Fair) Sevilla: May 5-11, 2025
- Duration: 6 days
- Culminating Event: Firework display on the final night.
- Organizers: Private individuals and associations host the “casetas” (tents), coordinated by the City Council of Seville.
- Participants: About 1 million
- How to Participate: Attend the fairgrounds where you can visit various tents, enjoy Flamenco dancing and other festivities.
Feria de Abril in Seville, also known as the April Fair, is a celebration where Andalusian culture and Sevillian society and community come alive. Imagine a week-long celebration where the city bursts into color, the streets lined with decorative marquees, locally known as “casetas.” Inside, you’ll find Sevillanos dancing the traditional Sevillana, a flamenco-style dance, in their finest Andalusian attire. The air is filled with the aroma of classic Spanish dishes like jamón and churros. The entire city becomes a stage, displaying the best of Andalusian culture and hospitality. For those seeking an authentic, deeply enriching cultural experience, Feria de Abril should be on your must-visit list.
A horse-drawn carriage, a traditional and favored means of transport at the Jerez Fair, captures the Andalusian spirit | Image by Cosmopolitours.
Jeréz Feria del Caballo (Horse Fair): May 17-24, 2025
- Duration: 1 week
- Culminating Event: Equestrian events and parades.
- Organizers: City of Jerez, with various equestrian organizations.
- Participants: Around 1 million
- How to Participate: Free to attend, though some special events may require tickets.
Of all the Festivals in Spain, The Feria del Caballo in Jeréz remains one of the most authentic. Founded in 1284, and has remained a testament to Spain’s equestrian culture. For one week, the city transforms with flamenco music, breathtaking horse parades, and lively “casetas.” Watch skilled riders and their Andalusian horses perform intricate routines that demonstrate centuries-old traditions. Mingle with locals while enjoying tapas and Jerez’s world-famous sherry. This festival goes beyond mere spectacle; it’s an invitation to become part of a community celebrating its enduring customs. Dress up in traditional costumes to really fit in and demonstrate your appreciation for the local customs. The Feria del Caballo in Jeréz is an authentic cultural treasure.
Fiestas de San Isidro Madrid May 1-15, 2025
- Duration: About 2 weeks
- Culminating Event: Religious procession in honor of San Isidro.
- Organizers: City of Madrid, often in partnership with local cultural organizations.
- Participants: Hundreds of thousands
- How to Participate: Most events are free and include traditional dancing, music, and bullfights.
Celebrate Madrid at its most authentic during the Fiesta de San Isidro. This mid-May festival honors the city’s patron saint, San Isidro, and is a prime chance to experience Madrid’s deep-rooted customs. Witness traditional chotis dances, explore charming makeshift shrines, and relish local delicacies like “rosquillas,” a type of Spanish doughnut. Don’t miss the colorful processions and concerts that take over the city’s squares. The Fiestas de San Isidro offer more than the just one of the best festivals in Spain; they provide a window into Madrid’s soul. For travelers seeking cultural depth, this is a Madrid experience not to be missed.
‘Warriors’ in the 2024 Wine Battle in Haro, La Rioja, where approximately 40,000 liters of wine were poured | Photo via EFE / Fernando Diaz.
Batalla del Vino (Wine Battle) June 29, 2025
- Duration: 1 day
- Culminating Event: The wine fight itself.
- Organizers: City of Haro, along with local vineyards and wine organizations.
- Participants: Tens of thousands
- How to Participate: Simply show up in Haro dressed in white with a red scarf. Prepare to get soaked in wine.
For a truly unique experience, mark your calendar for the Haro Wine Festival, also known as the Batalla del Vino, in Haro, northern Spain. Held every June 29th, this wine fight is not just a spectacle but a time-honored tradition dating back centuries. Participants, dressed in white, ascend a mountain and engage in a communal wine battle, using squirt guns, bottles, and buckets to drench each other. While the event is exhilarating, it’s also deeply communal, ending with everyone sharing local foods and wine. If you’re looking for an authentic, convivial event that goes beyond the ordinary, Haro’s Batalla del Vino is an absolute must-see.
Pamplona’s famous ‘encierro’ (Running of the Bulls) sees participants race an 849-meter course alongside six bulls destined for the evening bullfight.
Festival de San Fermín (Pamplona Running of The Bulls) July 6-14, 2025
- Duration: 9 days
- Culminating Event: “Pobre de Mí” (Poor Me) ceremony marking the end of the festival.
- Organizers: City of Pamplona, with various associations involved in specific events like bullfighting.
- Participants: About 1 million
- How to Participate: Attend the various events, including the famous “Running of the Bulls.” Registration is required for the bull run.
Witness the vibrant Festival de San Fermín in Pamplona, an unforgettable annual event held every July. While the Running of the Bulls may steal headlines, this festival is a kaleidoscope of traditions. Think folk dances, parades featuring “gigantes y cabezudos” (giant figures), and time-honored songs echoing through historic streets. Step into a “caserío,” a pop-up social club, to toast with locals over some regional wine. Even if you opt to skip the more daring events, you’ll find Pamplona’s festival offers something for everyone—rich in culture, full of spirit, and truly emblematic of Spain at its most jubilant.
Spectators gather on San Sebastián’s beach to enjoy the spectacular fireworks display during Semana Grande.
Semana Grande de San Sebastián (Big Week) August 9-16, 2025
- Duration: One week, held in mid-August
- Culminating Event: A grand fireworks display over La Concha Bay
- Organizers: San Sebastián City Council
- Participants: Over 100,000 attendees
- How to Participate: The festival is free to attend.
Every August, the coastal city of San Sebastián in Spain’s Basque Country transforms into a kaleidoscope of light, music, and cultural celebration during the annual Semana Grande (Big Week). This iconic festival, which began in the late 19th century, is a dynamic fusion of traditional Basque heritage and modern festivities.
One of the highlights of Semana Grande is the International Fireworks Competition, where pyrotechnic artists from around the globe compete to light up the night sky over La Concha Bay. It’s a thrilling spectacle, and locals and tourists alike pack the beaches and streets to witness each evening’s jaw-dropping display. During the day, the city is abuzz with live concerts, open-air theater performances, and exhilarating sporting events such as the Basque rural sport “Herri Kirolak,” which includes wood-cutting and stone-lifting competitions.
For families, there are endless options, from children’s shows to parades featuring giant puppets and traditional Basque music. The grand finale features a closing fireworks display, bringing an unforgettable close to an extraordinary week of celebration.
Travelers need to plan accommodations in advance. Semana Grande is one of the San Sebastián’s busiest seasons.
People dive into La Tomatina Festival in Buñol, Valencia, engaging in the world’s largest tomato fight.
La Tomatina (Buñol) 27 August 2025
- Duration: 1 day
- Culminating Event: The tomato fight.
- Organizers: Buñol Town Council.
- Participants: About 30,000
- How to Participate: Tickets are required and can be purchased online.
For a unique and spirited event that truly epitomizes Spanish festivals, look no further than La Tomatina in Buñol. Held annually on the last Wednesday of August, this world-renowned festival is not just about a tomato fight; it’s a celebration of community, joy, and local tradition. Kicking off with parades, music, and dance, the atmosphere is infectious well before the tomatoes start flying.
While the tomato battle is the main event, it’s just one part of a week-long fiesta that engulfs the entire town. From the “palo jabón,” a greasy pole climb, to communal meals featuring paella, each activity builds a sense of togetherness. Enjoy mingling with locals and international visitors alike while savoring tapas and local wines at streetside cafés.
La Tomatina offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, providing far more than a day of playful combat. It’s an invitation to be part of something larger: a vibrant community celebration rooted in the joyous spirit of Spain.
The ‘castells’, or human towers, constructed by skilled groups, are a highlight of the La Mercè festivities in Catalonia and a UNESCO-designated Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Fiestas de la Mercè (Barcelona) September 24, 2025
- Duration: About 1 week
- Culminating Event: Fireworks and air shows on the final day.
- Organizers: City of Barcelona, with various cultural and civic organizations participating.
- Participants: About 2 million
- How to Participate: Most events are free to attend, including concerts, parades, and human towers.
The Beginning of autumn in Catalunya means Barcelona’s grandest festival, the Fiestas de la Mercè, resonates through the streets. Held annually around September 24th to honor the city’s patron saint, La Mercè, this festival is a showcase of Catalan culture at its finest. From breathtaking “castells,” human towers reaching the sky, to captivating traditional dances and parades, the city comes alive with a whirlwind of activities. The event culminates in a stunning pyrotechnic show, illuminating the city’s iconic landmarks.
Join the locals in various neighborhoods, each offering its unique take on the festivities. Sample “panellets,” local almond and sugar sweets, or sip on “cava,” Catalonia’s signature sparkling wine, as you roam through the historic streets. Immerse yourself in the free concerts spanning genres, catering to every musical palate.
Fiestas de la Mercè is more than a festival; it’s a celebration of Barcelona’s history, culture, and identity. Don’t miss the chance to experience this extraordinary event, a truly authentic slice of Catalan life.
Joining one of Spain’s famous festivals is a thrilling way to experience the country’s cultural heart, but seeing it through the lens of a local makes it truly unforgettable. At Cosmopolitours, we offer more than just a front-row seat to Spain’s most celebrated traditions—you’ll step into these events as a participant, connecting deeply with Spain’s vibrant communities and authentic customs. From navigating the best festival spots to savoring traditional foods and hidden rituals, our expertly guided experiences bring you into the fold of Spain’s cultural tapestry. Discover Spain’s most captivating festivals with Cosmopolitours, where your journey unfolds as more than a visit; it becomes a meaningful cultural immersion that leaves lasting memories.
