Photo by Suitcase in SPAIN
Table of Contents
Las Fallas
Location: Valencia
Date: March 15-19
Las Fallas is a festival that celebrates the arrival of spring in Valencia. The festival is famous for its elaborate sculptures made of papier-mâché and wood, called fallas, which are paraded through the streets before being burned in a massive bonfire on the final night of the festival.
Photo: Suitcase in Spain at Las Fallas 2022
Las Hogueras de Alicante (Bonfires of San Juan in Alicante)
Location: Alicante City and suburbs
Date: June 20 -24Â
Las Fallas is a festival that celebrates the arrival of spring in Valencia. The festival is famous for its elaborate sculptures made of papier-mâché and wood, called fallas, which are paraded through the streets before being burned in a massive bonfire on the final night of the festival.
Photo: Suitcase in Spain at Las Hogueras de Alicante 2022 – Plaza Seneca
Cordoba Patio Festival
Location: Cordoba
Date: May 2-15
The Cordoba Patio Festival is a celebration of the city’s beautiful patios, or courtyards, which are filled with colorful flowers and intricate decorations. The festival includes a competition to find the most beautiful patio in the city, as well as live music and traditional dances. It’s a great way to experience the local culture and architecture of Cordoba!
San Juan
Location: Alicante
Date: June 23-24
San Juan is a festival that celebrates the summer solstice and is particularly popular in the coastal town of Alicante. The festival includes bonfires, fireworks, and the traditional jumping over the flames for good luck.
San Juan celebration in Spain. Photo by jomabesa
Moros y Cristianos
Location: Alcoy, Villajoyosa, Callosa d’en Sarrià , Elda and San Vicente del Raspeig
Date: Varied
Moros y Cristianos is a traditional festival celebrated in many regions of Spain, where people dress up as either Moors or Christians and reenact historical battles from the Middle Ages. It’s a riot of color, music, and fun, with plenty of opportunities to indulge in Spanish cuisine and drink. Whether you’re rooting for the Moors or the Christians, the Moros y Cristianos festival is a blast!
NOTE: The locations listed above are the places we recommend.Â
Moros y Cristianos Festival at SanVicent de Raspeig, Alicante.
Photo from the Ajuntament de San Vicent de Raspeig
La Feria de Malaga
Location: Malaga
Date: Mid-August
La Feria de Malaga is a festival that celebrates the end of the summer and is famous for its lively street parties, traditional music, and flamenco dancing.
Photo by Fuente: El Confidencial
La Feria de Almeria
Location: Almeria
Date: Late August
La Feria de Almeria is a festival that celebrates the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of the Sea. The festival includes parades, music concerts, and traditional dances, as well as the famous horseback riding competition.
Photo courtesy of Turismo de Almeria
San Mateo
Location: Logroño
Date: September 21-26
San Mateo is a festival that celebrates the harvest season in the wine region of La Rioja. The festival includes wine tastings, street performances, and traditional dances, as well as the famous grape-stomping competition.
La Mercè
Location: Barcelona
Date: September 24-27
La Mercè is the largest festival in Barcelona and celebrates the city’s patron saint, Our Lady of Mercy. The festival includes music concerts, street performances, and traditional Catalan dances, as well as the famous correfoc, a parade where people dress up as devils and dance to the sound of firecrackers.
Photo by Miquel González
El Pilar
Location: Zaragoza
Date: October 7-13
El Pilar is a festival that honors the patron saint of Zaragoza, the Virgin of the Pillar. The festival includes parades, concerts, and traditional dances, as well as a massive flower offering to the Virgin.
Feria de Jaén
Location: Jaen
Date: Mid-October
La Feria de Jaén is a festival that celebrates the patron saint of Jaen, Saint Luke (San Lucas). The festival includes bullfights, concerts, and traditional dances, as well as the famous horseback riding competition. Perfect time to sample the local cuisine at the numerous food booths available.Â
Archive image of the San Lucas Fair / Radio Jaén
Spain’s rich culture is reflected in its numerous festivals and holidays that take place throughout the year. From the solemn and religious Semana Santa to the lively and colorful La Tomatina, each event offers a unique experience that showcases the country’s traditions and customs. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these festivals and holidays are not to be missed, providing a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse culture of Spain.
