EVENTS CALENDAR IN SPAIN

January:

  • Three Kings’ Day (Día de los Reyes) in Andalusia: Celebrated on January 6th, this is a festive occasion with parades, processions, and the arrival of the Three Wise Men, who bring gifts to children.
  • San Sebastian International Film Festival in Basque Country: Held in January, this renowned film festival attracts international filmmakers and movie enthusiasts.
  • Carnival in Cadiz in Andalusia: Cadiz’s Carnival is famous for its colorful costumes, satirical songs (chirigotas), and lively street parties.
  • Calçotada in Catalonia: In January, the Catalan tradition of Calçotada begins, where people gather to feast on grilled spring onions known as “calçots” dipped in romesco sauce.

February:

  • Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands: Known as one of the world’s biggest carnivals, it features elaborate costumes, parades, and music.
  • Valencia Fallas Festival in Valencia: Las Fallas is a spectacular festival featuring enormous sculptures (fallas) that are set ablaze in March but are constructed throughout February.
  • Carnival in Sitges in Catalonia: Sitges Carnival is known for its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, attracting visitors from all over.
  • San Blas Festival in Madrid: Celebrated on February 3rd, it includes a blessing of throats and traditional processions.

March:

  • Las Fallas in Valencia: This week-long festival culminates on March 19th with the burning of the fallas sculptures amid fireworks and music.
  • St. Joseph’s Day (Día de San José) in the Basque Country: Celebrated on March 19th, it honors the patron saint of carpenters and includes parades and traditional processions.
  • Almond Blossom Festival in Andalusia: Held in February/March, it’s a celebration of the blooming almond trees with cultural events, music, and food.
  • Fallas of Buñol in Valencia: Buñol, known for La Tomatina, also has its own fallas celebration in March with processions and bonfires.

April:

  • Seville Fair (Feria de Abril) in Andalusia: A week-long fair featuring traditional flamenco music and dance, horse parades, and casetas (tents) with food and drinks.
  • Sant Jordi Festival in Catalonia: Celebrated on April 23rd, it’s a day of roses and books exchanged between loved ones.
  • Flamenco Biennial in Seville, Andalusia: Held every two years, it’s a major event for flamenco enthusiasts with performances and exhibitions.
  • Semana Santa (Holy Week) in various regions: Processions and religious events are held throughout Spain, with Seville and Malaga hosting some of the most renowned ones.

May:

  • Cruces de Mayo (May Crosses) in Andalusia: In Granada and Cordoba, colorful crosses adorned with flowers are displayed in squares, and there are music and dance performances.
  • Feria de Abril (continued) in Andalusia: The Seville Fair often spills over into early May, extending the festivities.
  • Festes de Maig in Barcelona, Catalonia: A series of events throughout May, including concerts, traditional dances, and cultural activities.
  • Festival Internacional de Jazz de Barcelona in Catalonia: A major jazz festival featuring international and local artists.

June:

  • Corpus Christi in Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha: Known for its stunning floral carpets (alfombras de flores) that decorate the streets.
  • Dia de Sant Joan in Catalonia: Celebrated on June 23rd with bonfires, fireworks, and traditional rituals.
  • Sonar Festival in Barcelona, Catalonia: A world-renowned electronic music and arts festival attracting international DJs and artists.
  • La Rioja Wine Harvest Festival (Fiesta de la Vendimia) in La Rioja: Celebrated in September, it’s a wine-lover’s delight with grape-stomping, parades, and wine tastings.

July:

  • San Fermín Festival in Pamplona, Navarra: Famous for the running of the bulls (encierro) during the first week of July.
  • Flamenco Festival de Cante Grande in Andalusia: Held in July in Cordoba, it celebrates traditional flamenco singing.
  • International Festival of Music and Dance in Granada, Andalusia: Featuring concerts, ballet, and flamenco performances in the stunning Alhambra Palace.
  • Feria del Carmen y de la Sal in Malaga, Andalusia: A lively summer fair with concerts, processions, and fireworks.

August:

  • La Tomatina in Buñol, Valencia: The world-famous tomato-throwing festival is held on the last Wednesday of August.
  • Semana Grande de Bilbao (Aste Nagusia) in Basque Country: A week-long celebration with concerts, fireworks, and Basque sports.
  • Flamenco Festival de la Bulería in Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia: Celebrating the bulería style of flamenco dance and music.
  • Feria de Malaga in Malaga, Andalusia: A festive fair with live music, flamenco, and processions.

September:

  • La Mercè Festival in Barcelona, Catalonia: A vibrant celebration with concerts, street performances, and traditional Catalan activities.
  • Bullfighting Season in Madrid: The bullfighting season begins in September and runs through October.
  • San Mateo Festival in Logroño, La Rioja: Wine and tapas enthusiasts flock to this wine-rich region for festivities.
  • Diada Nacional de Catalunya (National Day of Catalonia) in Catalonia: Celebrated on September 11th with cultural events and demonstrations.

October:

  • Festival Internacional de Cine de San Sebastian in Basque Country: One of the most prestigious film festivals in Spain.
  • Feria de Albacete in Castilla-La Mancha: A lively fair with concerts, bullfights, and traditional activities.
  • Cervantino Festival in Alcala de Henares, Madrid: Celebrating the works of Miguel de Cervantes, author of “Don Quixote.”
  • La Castañada in Catalonia: A traditional celebration on October 31st with chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and panellets (marzipan treats).

November:

  • All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos): A national holiday with many Spaniards visiting cemeteries to honor their ancestors.
  • San Andrés Festival in Tenerife, Canary Islands: Celebrated on November 29th with traditional music and dances.
  • Festival Internacional de Jazz de Madrid in Madrid: A jazz festival featuring international and local artists.
  • Chestnut Festival (Magosto) in Galicia: Celebrated with roasted chestnuts and traditional music.

December:

  • Christmas Markets in various cities: Christmas markets, like the one in Barcelona’s Plaza de Catalunya, are popular for holiday shopping.
  • New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja) in Madrid: Celebrated at Puerta del Sol with the famous tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight.
  • Three Kings’ Day (Día de los Reyes) in Spain: Celebrated on January 6th with parades, processions, and the arrival of the Three Wise Men.