Scuba diving in Costa Brava, La Tomatina festival in Buñol, Bull racing in Pamplona are the first things that strike anybody’s mind- Thanks to Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara! Spain’s colourful, lively and authentic culture attracts millions of visitors every year who are eager to experience this fun. You can visit Spain throughout the year and there will be some traditional festivals happening around that time. Each of these festivals has a completely unique vibe, a wide variety of experiences, and fun for all traveller types. Be sure to try and experience one of these unforgettable festivals in Spain on your next trip.
Top 7 Spanish Festivals In 2024
Spain being a vibrant colourful country has innumerable festivals and events that take place throughout the year. La Tomatina, being the most desired and familiar one among tourists. In short, scroll down to discover more about these Festivals in Spain and get ready to go crazy:
- Semana Santa (Holy Week)
- Tomatina (Tomato Fight)
- San Fermin (Pamplona Bull Run)
- Semana Grande, Bilbao
- Las Fallas, Valencia
- Feria de Sevilla
- Los Patios de Cordoba- Flowers Festival in Spain
1. Semana Santa (Holy Week)
You may have heard of Semana Santa—Holy Week—but probably never seen it or experienced it on the Spanish level before. In many parts of Spain, elaborate processions happen in the streets every day throughout the week leading up to Easter. All these processions have been happening in Spain for centuries and it looks pretty much the same as hundreds of years ago. The most famous processions are hosted in the cities of Seville, Malaga, Valladolid, and León.
You can dress traditionally and get immersed in one of the most popular religious festivals in Spain accompanied by sombre music played by live bands. Moreover, It usually takes place in the month of April.
2. Tomatina Tomato Fight
Not many can say that they have taken part in the world’s biggest food fight! Except for the thousands who take to the streets of the tiny town of Buñol, near Valencia, to do so every year. The food of choice at La Tomatina is, tomatoes. It is one hell of an experience and unforgettably fun. Various sources claim it all started in 1945, when a disruption during a parade resulted in spectators throwing tomatoes from a nearby fruit stand at each other.
The tradition caught from then on and it happens every year during the fourth Wednesday in August. Finally, you should now purchase a ticket which also includes travel to Buñol from major cities in Spain.
3. San Fermin (Pamplona Bull Run)
A controversial yet popular festival that draws hundreds of foolhardy souls and more eager spectators, Pamplona’s Bull Run is one of the most action-packed traditional festivals in Spain. The bull runs are actually a part of the famous local festival known as San Fermín, taking place in the northern city of Pamplona for a week in early July. Participants take bulls to the streets every morning for a nail-biting race to the bull ring and later a bullfight will take place.
However, Pickyourtrail does not recommend running with the bulls and trusts its readers to make their own decisions on the ethics of the bull run event as a festival.
4. Semana Grande, Bilbao
Semana Grande, Great Week, Aste Nagusia- however, you call it, it’s one of the most important traditional festivals in northern Spain. A unique celebration to the Basque Country, this cultural festival takes place every August in one of the region’s largest cities, Bilbao.
What can you see at Semana Grande? A little bit of everything! Two main attractions are the giant puppets parade and the unrivalled number of concerts, with performances from rock and pop to classical and jazz. In addition to this, you have a fancy fireworks competition to a strongman showdown and even an “ugly contest.” Sounds good? Save the date for 2024’s celebration.
5. Las Fallas, Valencia
If you have celebrated Guy Fawkes Night or attended a Homecoming party, you might think you’ve seen a big bonfire. The truth is, you haven’t seen anything yet unless you’ve been to Las Fallas in Valencia. The streets of Valencia come alive with giant paper sculptures, painstakingly handcrafted in ornate detail several nights in mid-March.
Finally, on the last night, most of the sculptures, or falles, are burned in huge bonfires throughout the city. It takes place every year in the month of July, featuring more than 700 incredible falls.
6. Feria de Sevilla
Seville’s most iconic festival, the annual April Fair, is a vibrant extravaganza of flamenco, horses, and sherry. Though it began as a simple livestock fair, the Feria is now a place to see and be seen in your Spanish itinerary. It features lavishly costumed men and women riding in horse-drawn carriages among the casetas, or tents.
Feria is a wholesome family affair and your kids will be thoroughly entertained here. However, at night, the event turns practically hedonistic, with free-flowing alcohol and parties hosted until midnight. Make sure you are a part of this colourful festival in Spain during your visit.
7. Los Patios de Cordoba- Flowers Festival in Spain
The Cordoba Patios festival takes place in the first week of May every year and is an ancient tradition of the city of Cordoba. During this festival, the owners of the most beautiful patios open them up for tourists to visit. Its a vibrant and colourful fair, a treat to all nature lovers. Started around the 1920’s it’s a very romantic attraction for all honeymooners in Spain. If you are on a honeymoon trip to Spain around this time, don’t miss this out!
Want to relive the experiences from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara with your friends and loved ones? Reach out to the experts at Pickyourtrail to guide you craft your personalised Spain holiday packages. Spain has a lot more to offer and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
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