13 Best Festivals In Spain You Must Experience

A festival in Spain, a country deeply rooted in tradition, can range from religious processions to summer celebrations for sheer fun. From Festival de Jerez, a renowned fest of flamenco dance and music, to La Tomatina, a tomato-throwing street party, festivals in Spain offer a cultural experience unmatched by any other European destination.

These celebrations, and many more, provide a glimpse into Spanish life. Here are the top 13 Festivals in Spain this year to help you plan your trip around the festival that most interests you:

13 Spanish Festivals

Las Fallas de Valencia

• Date: 15 March – 19 March (Every year)

• Ticket Price: Free

• Location: Valencia, Spain

Celebrated annually from March 15th to 19th, Las Fallas de Valencia honors Saint Joseph and marks the beginning of spring. The festival features the construction of satirical papier-mâché sculptures called “fallas,” followed by the burning of these sculptures at the end of the festival.

This famous celebration in Spain includes daily pyrotechnic displays, parades, and lively street parties. Declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Las Fallas de Valencia is a must-see for any visitor to Spain for its creative expressions.

La Tomatina

• Date: 27 August 2025 (Last Wednesday of August every year)

• Ticket Price: €15

• Location: Buñol, Valencia, Spain

La Tomatina, one of the unique festivals celebrated in Spain, is a massive tomato fight held annually in the Spanish town of Buñol on the last Wednesday of August.During the festival, thousands of participants throw ripe tomatoes at each other in good-natured fun.

La Tomatina is among the top festivals in Spain for tourists attracting visitors from around the globe, eager to partake in the world’s biggest food fight.

Semana Santa

• Date: 13 April – 19 April 2025 (Week before Easter every year)

• Ticket Price: Free

• Location: All over Spain

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is one of the major religious festivals in Spain observed throughout the country in the week leading up to Easter. This Catholic tradition commemorates the Passion of Christ with parades featuring biblical sculptures carried through the streets.

While each region boasts unique customs during Semana Santa, candle-lit processions by hooded participants are common throughout the country.

Feria de Abril

• Date: 4 May – 10 May 2025 (Two weeks after Easter every year)

• Ticket Price: Free

• Location: Seville

Originally a livestock fair, Feria de Abril, or Seville April Fair, is an annual celebration of Andalusian culture. Two weeks after Easter and Semana Santa, this week-long festival of Seville features overhead paper lanterns and decorated marquee tents where locals gather to enjoy traditional feasts, sherry, and Sevillana music.

Flamenco dancing, horse-drawn carriages, and women dressed in traditional flamenco attire add to the atmosphere of revelry. The festival culminates with fireworks over the city and the Guadalquivir River.

San Fermin

• Date: 6 July – 13 July (Every year)

• Ticket Price: Free

• Location: Pamplona, Navarre, Spain

San Fermín takes over Pamplona for nine days each July 6th, attracting millions of visitors from worldwide. While the Running of the Bulls is its iconic event, this cultural festival in Spain boasts many traditions.

Processions, dances, and “El Struendo” (The Roar), where people gather to create a deafening noise, are all integral rituals of this celebration. San Fermín starts with a rocket launch marking the beginning of the festivities and ends with people taking off their red handkerchiefs while singing “Pobre de Mí” at its close.

San Juan (St John’s Eve)

• Date: 23 June – 24 June (Every year)

• Ticket Price: Free

• Location: All over Spain

San Juan, a traditional festival of Spain, is held on the night of June 23rd, marking the summer solstice and the feast of Saint John the Baptist. Bonfires blaze throughout the country this night, especially on beaches, which are believed to ward off bad energies.

Revelers gather around these bonfires, jumping over the flames for good luck, and gazing at fireworks displays illuminating the night sky. If you are in Barcelona during San Juan, the Barceloneta beach is the best place to witness the celebration.

Festival De Jerez

• Date: 21 February – 8 March 2025

• Ticket Price: €27 – €40

• Location: Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia, Spain

The Festival de Jerez is a world-renowned flamenco festival, held annually in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. This two-week-long upcoming festival in Spain will be held in February and March, showcasing traditional flamenco styles alongside contemporary interpretations.

This annual festival explores flamenco’s rich cultural history and evolution, from flamenco music and dance performances by renowned artists to workshops and courses for interested applicants.

La Mercè

• Date: 20 September – 24 September (Every year)

• Ticket Price: Free

• Location: Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

La Mercè is Barcelona’s annual city festival, held on 24th September to honor the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of Mercy. The festivities begin five days beforehand and feature an array of events, from the “Correfoc” fire run and the human towers (“castells”) to parades showcasing giant papier-maché figures.

La Mercè features music bands, dance, street theater, and a lively atmosphere throughout the city, celebrating Barcelona’s cultural heritage for a whole week.

Cordoba Patios Festival

• Date: 5 May – 18 May 2025

• Ticket Price: Free

• Location: Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain

Each May, Cordoba explodes in a riot of color during the Patios Festival. This seasonal festival in Spain revolves around the city’s private courtyards or patios, usually unseen by the public.

During the festival, the residents transform these spaces with floral artistry and compete for the title of the most beautiful patio. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Patios Festival gives you a rare chance to visit these courtyards, which also host flamenco performances during the festival.

Haro Wine Festival

• Date: 29 June (Every year)

• Ticket Price: Free

• Location: Haro, La Rioja, Spain

The Haro Wine Festival is a summer fest held annually in Spain’s La Rioja wine region on June 29. The event sees white-clothed participants drench each other in red wine until everyone turns purple.

More than a playful mess, the festival has historical roots believed to commemorate a territorial dispute between two villages. Following the “Battle of Wine,” the festivities continue with traditional music, dancing, bullfights, and enjoyment of the region’s renowned wines – this time, in a more civilized manner.

Festa do Polbo (Octopus Festival)

• Date: 10 August 2025 (Second Sunday of August every year)

• Ticket Price: Free

• Location: O Carballiño, Galicia, Spain

Held in O Carballiño, Galicia, on the second Sunday of August, Festa do Polbo is a food festival in Spain centered around Galician octopus. The event celebrates the region’s octopus fishing tradition with stalls serving over 25,000 kilos of “pulpo á feira” (Galician-style boiled octopus), seasoned with paprika and olive oil.

You can witness the chefs cooking the octopus in large copper pots while the sounds of Galician bagpipes fill the air. This octopus dish is best paired with Cea bread and Ribeiro wine – also sold at the festival – to complete the culinary experience.

Benicàssim Festival (FIB)

• Date: 17 July – 19 July 2025

• Ticket Price: €52.5

• Location: Benicàssim, Castellón, Spain

Held in July in the seaside town of Benicàssim, the Benicàssim International Festival (FIB) is an annual music festival in Spain known for its diverse lineups across genres like indie, rock, pop, and electronic music.

FIB draws over 150,000 music lovers each year. Beyond the music, the festival features a beachfront venue and offers beachside dance parties, camping, art installations, and food stalls, creating a memorable summer experience for you.

ARCOmadrid

• Date: 7 March – 9 March 2025

• Ticket Price: €65 – €75

• Location: Madrid, Spain

Held annually in February or March in Madrid, ARCOmadrid is a contemporary art festival in Spain that showcases cutting-edge creations from established and emerging artists. The art exhibits range across various disciplines like painting, sculpture, and photography.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector, curator, or simply curious about contemporary art, ARCOmadrid offers a platform to discover new artistic voices and explore the latest trends in the global art landscape.

How to Celebrate Festivals in Spain?

Experiencing Spanish festivals involves more than just witnessing the events. It’s about immersing yourself in the local culture and the festive spirit.

• Embrace the local culture: Learn a few basic Spanish phrases, dress respectfully as per the occasion, and try to understand the festival’s significance, whether it’s a religious celebration, a harvest festival, or a commemoration of a local saint.

• Join the festivities: Participate in local traditions, from dancing at a feria to joining a procession during Semana Santa to trying your hand at throwing tomatoes at La Tomatina.

• Savor the local cuisine: Indulge in traditional dishes and drinks, such as tapas, paella, sangria, and Spanish wines. Consider trying regional specialties at food stalls of these festivals and participate in food-related activities like wine tastings.

• Respectful behavior: Be mindful of local customs and traditions. Avoid excessive noise or disruptive behavior, especially during religious processions. Respect personal space and be considerate of others.

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FAQs

What festivals are popular in Spain?

Spain boasts diverse festivals, from religious processions like Semana Santa to vibrant celebrations like La Tomatina and San Fermín.

Which are the best festivals & events celebrated in Spain?

Some of the best include Las Fallas in Valencia, the Feria de Abril in Seville, and the Primavera Sound music festival in Barcelona.

What is the best time to attend festivals in Spain?

The best time to attend festivals in Spain depends on your interests. Summer (June to August) is the peak season for many outdoor festivals, like San Fermín and La Tomatina. Spring brings many traditional festivals around Easter, from Semana Santa to Feria de Abril in Seville.

What is the best time to visit Spain?

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal times to visit.

What is the traditional dance of Spain?

Flamenco is often considered the traditional folk dance of Spain. It is an Andalusian art form with intricate footwork, expressive hand gestures, and soulful Moorish music.

What is the culture of Spain?

Spanish culture is rich and diverse, with vibrant festivals and cuisine of various regions, flamenco dancing culture, and a laid-back attitude.

What is the main festival in Spain?

It’s difficult to pinpoint one “main” festival as Spain celebrates many. However, Las Fallas and Semana Santa are arguably among the most renowned festivals in Spain.

How to find out about all the upcoming festivals in Spain before I book my trip?

You can research online through travel websites and tourism boards to find a festival calendar for Spain with an overview of upcoming festivities. Some festivals like San Fermin and Haro Wine Festival have their own websites to help you plan.