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Festival Calendar 2026

Browse all Spanish festivals by month. Plan your trip around Spain's best celebrations and events.

January

4 festivals

Día de los Reyes Magos

Día de los Reyes Magos

Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) is the most important gift-giving day in Spain — bigger than Christmas Day. On the evening of 5 January, spectacular parades (cabalgatas) wind through every city and town as the Three Kings — Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar — arrive to deliver gifts to children.

Tamborrada de San Sebastián

Tamborrada de San Sebastián

San Sebastián, Basque Country

At the stroke of midnight on 20 January, the entire city of San Sebastián erupts into drums. The Tamborrada is one of Spain's most extraordinary traditions: for exactly 24 hours, over 15,000 drummers in more than 100 companies parade through the streets, playing without pause until midnight strikes again. Dressed as soldiers and cooks, they honour their patron saint — San Sebastián — in a thunderous celebration that defines Basque identity and civic pride.

Fiesta de San Antón

Fiesta de San Antón

Every January 17th, thousands of Madrileños queue outside the Church of San Antón in Chueca to have their pets blessed by a priest. Dogs, cats, turtles, hamsters, and even horses line up for the benediction in one of Madrid's most charming and quirky winter traditions.

Jarramplas (Piornal)

Jarramplas (Piornal)

Plasencia, Extremadura

Jarramplas is a traditional winter festival in Piornal (Extremadura), typically around 19–20 January, where a masked character is pelted with turnips in a ritual tied to local identity and devotion to San Sebastián.

February

5 festivals

Carnival of Tenerife

Carnival of Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands

The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the second-largest carnival in the world, rivalled only by Rio de Janeiro. Every February, the Canarian capital explodes into a dazzling spectacle of costumes, music, dance and street parties that last over two weeks. Declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest, this carnival draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Carnaval de Cádiz

Carnaval de Cádiz

Cádiz, Andalusia

The Carnaval de Cádiz is widely considered Spain's greatest and most original carnival — not for its parade floats or samba schools, but for something uniquely gaditano: the chirigotas, comparsas, and coros — satirical singing groups who spend months composing sharp, political, and hilarious songs performed on the streets and in competition at the Gran Teatro Falla.

Carnaval de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Carnaval de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

The Carnaval de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is one of Spain's most spectacular, famous for its iconic Drag Queen Gala, massive street parades, and a carnival queen election that rivals Miss Universe in production values. Three weeks of non-stop festivities under the Canarian sun.

Carnaval de Sitges

Carnaval de Sitges

Sitges, Catalonia

Sitges Carnival is Spain's most colourful and inclusive celebration. This charming coastal town near Barcelona transforms into a non-stop party with extravagant parades, drag competitions, and the legendary Rua de la Disbauxa (debauchery parade). Over 300,000 visitors join the fun.

Carnaval de Badajoz

Carnaval de Badajoz

Badajoz, Extremadura

The Carnaval de Badajoz is mainland Spain's largest carnival celebration, with over 100,000 people parading through the streets in spectacular comparsas and murgas. Declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest, it rivals the Canary Islands carnivals in scale and creativity.

March

2 festivals

Las Fallas

Las Fallas

Valencia, Valencia

Las Fallas is one of Spain's most spectacular and UNESCO-recognised festivals — a stunning combination of art, fire, music, and Valencian pride. Every March, the city of Valencia fills its streets with hundreds of enormous satirical sculptures (fallas), only to burn them all to the ground in a magnificent midnight inferno on the final night.

Fiestas de la Magdalena

Fiestas de la Magdalena

Castellón de la Plana, Valencia

Castellón's founding festival celebrates the city's move from the hilltop Magdalena hermitage to the plain in 1251 with 10 days of processions, fireworks and gaiatas (illuminated floats).

April

9 festivals

Semana Santa

Semana Santa

Seville, Andalusia

Semana Santa (Holy Week) is arguably Spain's most emotionally powerful and visually stunning festival. In the week leading up to Easter Sunday, cities and towns across the country fill with solemn religious processions, haunting music, clouds of incense, and enormous ornate floats (pasos) carried by hundreds of robed nazarenos.

Feria de Abril

Feria de Abril

Seville, Andalusia

The Feria de Abril (April Fair) of Seville is one of the most joyful and glamorous festivals in Spain — a six-day explosion of flamenco, fine horses, manzanilla sherry, and sevillana dancing that transforms the city's fairgrounds into the most colourful party in Andalusia.

Semana Santa de Málaga

Semana Santa de Málaga

Málaga, Andalusia

Málaga's Semana Santa is one of Spain's most emotional and spectacular Holy Week celebrations. Famous for its massive tronos (processional thrones) carried by hundreds of bearers, the spontaneous singing of saetas, and the unique tradition of releasing a prisoner, it draws over a million visitors every spring.

Diada de Sant Jordi

Barcelona, Catalonia

On April 23rd, Catalonia celebrates its most romantic tradition. Streets fill with stalls selling books and roses as couples exchange gifts: a rose for her, a book for him.

Moros y Cristianos

Moros y Cristianos

Alcoy, Valencia

The Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) festivals are among Spain's most visually spectacular celebrations — elaborate historical re-enactments of the medieval battles between Christian and Muslim forces, performed with extraordinary costumes, gunpowder, music, and drama across dozens of cities and towns, primarily in the Valencia region and Andalusia.

Semana Santa de Valladolid

Semana Santa de Valladolid

Valladolid, Castilla y León

Valladolid's Semana Santa is the antithesis of Andalusia's exuberant celebrations. Here, silence and sobriety reign. The star of the show is the extraordinary collection of polychrome sculptures by Gregorio Fernández, 17th-century masterpieces of such realism they seem to breathe.

Entierro de la Sardina de Murcia

Entierro de la Sardina de Murcia

Murcia's Entierro de la Sardina is one of Spain's most unique spring festivals. A surreal parade where thousands of toys are thrown from floats, giant sardine effigies are burned, and fireworks light up the night. Declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest.

Romería de la Virgen de la Cabeza

Andújar, Andalusia

Spain's oldest pilgrimage brings over 500,000 devotees to the sanctuary atop the Sierra Morena mountains near Andújar every April, with decorated wagons, horseback riders and flamenco.

Fiesta de las Mondas

Fiesta de las Mondas

Talavera de la Reina, Castilla-La Mancha

Talavera de la Reina's ancient spring festival combines pre-Roman harvest offerings with Christian processions, bull runs and colourful parades in one of Castilla-La Mancha's oldest celebrations.

May

8 festivals

Festival de los Patios de Córdoba

Festival de los Patios de Córdoba

Córdoba, Andalusia

Every May, the residents of Córdoba open the doors of their private courtyards, revealing breathtaking displays of flowers, ceramics and fountains. Declared UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2012, this is one of Spain's most beautiful and photogenic traditions.

San Isidro

San Isidro

The Fiestas de San Isidro are Madrid's most beloved traditional celebrations, honouring the city's patron saint, San Isidro Labrador. Every May, the capital comes alive with free concerts, traditional chotis dancing, markets, and a joyful atmosphere that captures the authentic spirit of Madrid.

Feria del Caballo de Jerez

Feria del Caballo de Jerez

Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia

The Feria del Caballo in Jerez de la Frontera is Spain's most elegant spring fair, where Andalusian pure-bred horses take centre stage alongside flamenco, sherry tasting and spectacular equestrian shows. Declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest.

Feria de Córdoba

Feria de Córdoba

Córdoba, Andalusia

The Feria de Córdoba, held in late May at the El Arenal fairground, is a more intimate and accessible alternative to Seville's Feria de Abril. Open casetas, horse parades, and flamenco make it a quintessential Andalusian experience without the overwhelming crowds.

Cruces de Mayo de Granada

Cruces de Mayo de Granada

Granada, Andalusia

On May 3rd, Granada's plazas and streets fill with giant crosses lavishly decorated with flowers, surrounded by makeshift bars, flamenco music, and the aroma of free tapas. Neighbourhoods compete for the most beautiful cross in one of Andalusia's most joyful spring celebrations.

Aplec del Cargol

Aplec del Cargol

Lleida, Catalonia

The Aplec del Cargol in Lleida is the world's largest snail-eating festival and a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest. Over three days, 200,000+ visitors consume around 12 tonnes of snails cooked in dozens of styles, while enjoying live music, competitions, and Catalan traditions.

WOMAD Cáceres

Cáceres, Extremadura

World of Music, Arts and Dance transforms the UNESCO medieval old town into a global music stage. Free concerts and workshops by artists from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Patios Festival (Córdoba)

Patios Festival (Córdoba)

Córdoba, Andalusia

The Córdoba Patios Festival (Fiesta de los Patios) is held each May, when private courtyards open to the public and compete for prizes based on floral decoration and traditional design.

June

11 festivals

Granada International Festival of Music and Dance

Granada International Festival of Music and Dance

Granada, Andalusia

One of Europe's most prestigious performing arts festivals, held in stunning venues including the Alhambra and Generalife gardens. Since 1952, world-class ballet, flamenco, classical music, and opera.

Primavera Sound

Primavera Sound

Barcelona, Catalonia

Primavera Sound is one of Europe's most acclaimed music festivals, held annually at Parc del Fòrum in Barcelona. Known for its cutting-edge lineup spanning indie, electronic, hip-hop, pop, and experimental music, it attracts over 200,000 visitors from around the world.

Noche de San Juan

Noche de San Juan

Alicante, Valencia

Noche de San Juan (St. John's Eve) is Spain's most magical night. On 23 June, beaches and towns across the country light up with bonfires as millions of Spaniards celebrate the summer solstice with fire, sea, and ancient rituals. It's one of those rare festivals that unites the entire country in celebration.

Romería del Rocío

Romería del Rocío

El Rocío, Andalusia

The Romería del Rocío is one of the most extraordinary religious and cultural events in the world — a mass pilgrimage to the shrine of the Virgen del Rocío (the White Dove) in the village of El Rocío, on the edge of the Doñana National Park in Huelva, Andalusia.

Sónar Festival

Sónar Festival

Barcelona, Catalonia

The world's premier festival of advanced music and digital arts, Sónar splits between daytime cultural events in the city centre and all-night electronic music at the Fira Gran Via.

Corpus Christi de Toledo

Corpus Christi de Toledo

Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha

Toledo's Corpus Christi is Spain's most spectacular religious procession. Medieval streets are covered with awnings and aromatic herbs as the golden Custodia de Arfe — a 16th-century masterpiece standing 3 metres tall — processes through the ancient capital.

Hogueras de San Juan Alicante

Hogueras de San Juan Alicante

Alicante, Valencia

The Hogueras de San Juan (Fogueres de Sant Joan in Valencian) is Alicante's answer to Valencia's Fallas — and it's every bit as spectacular. Each June, the city fills with enormous artistic monuments (hogueras) that are paraded, admired and ultimately burned to ashes on the magical Noche de San Juan. With daily fireworks, parades, bonfires on the beach and the deafening mascletà at noon, it's a festival of fire, art and Mediterranean joy. Declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest.

Batalla del Vino

Batalla del Vino

Every 29 June, the small town of Haro in the heart of La Rioja wine country hosts one of Spain's most joyfully absurd festivals: the Batalla del Vino (Wine Battle). Thousands of participants hike to the Riscos de Bilibio cliffs at dawn and proceed to drench each other with wine — buckets, water guns, botas (wineskins) and any container imaginable. By mid-morning, everyone is stained purple from head to toe. Declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest, it's a unique celebration of Rioja's winemaking heritage.

La Patum de Berga

La Patum de Berga

Berga, Catalonia

La Patum is a medieval festival of fire, music and mythical beasts celebrated in the mountain town of Berga during Corpus Christi week. Recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005, it features fire-breathing demons, battling angels, giants and a climactic inferno called the Salt de Plens where the entire plaza erupts in flames. It is one of the oldest and most intense festival traditions in Spain.

Feria de San Juan

Feria de San Juan

Badajoz, Extremadura

Badajoz's biggest celebration brings a week of colourful casetas, flamenco, bullfighting and fireworks to the Extremaduran capital every June around St John's Day.

Fiesta de San Antonio de la Florida

Fiesta de San Antonio de la Florida

Every June 13th, young madrileñas visit the Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida to place 13 pins in the baptismal font, hoping the saint will help them find a partner.

July

12 festivals

San Fermín

San Fermín

Pamplona, Navarra

The Fiestas de San Fermín are among the most famous and adrenaline-charged festivals in the world. Held annually in Pamplona, the capital of Navarre, the festival draws over a million visitors every July for nine non-stop days of bullfighting, parades, music, and the legendary encierro — the Running of the Bulls.

Madrid Orgullo

Madrid Orgullo

Madrid Orgullo is one of Europe's largest LGBTQ+ pride celebrations, transforming the Chueca neighborhood into a vibrant week-long party with parades, concerts, and over two million attendees.

Festas do Apóstolo

Santiago de Compostela, Galicia

Two weeks of celebrations honouring St. James, culminating July 25th with the Botafumeiro ceremony, spectacular fireworks, free concerts, and street theatre.

Rapa das Bestas

Sabucedo, Galicia

In the tiny Galician village of Sabucedo, locals round up wild horses from the mountains and wrestle them with bare hands to trim their manes and tails. This raw, primal 400-year-old tradition is one of Spain's most visceral and unforgettable festivals.

BBK Live

BBK Live

Bilbao, Basque Country

BBK Live is one of Spain's top music festivals, set on Mount Cobetas above Bilbao with stunning views of the Basque coastline. Three days of major international and Spanish acts across rock, indie, and electronic music, just minutes from the Guggenheim city.

Festival Internacional de Benicàssim (FIB)

Festival Internacional de Benicàssim (FIB)

Castellón de la Plana, Valencia

The Festival Internacional de Benicàssim (FIB) is one of Europe's most iconic music festivals. Set on the Mediterranean coast between Valencia and Barcelona, it combines four days of world-class indie, rock, and electronic music with sun, sea, and a legendary party atmosphere.

Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen

Coastal Spain, Andalusia

On July 16th, every fishing village and coastal town in Spain honours the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of fishermen and sailors. Statues of the Virgin are carried in procession to the sea and placed on decorated boats for a maritime parade — one of Spain's most photogenic summer traditions.

Fiesta de Santa Marta de Ribarteme

As Neves, Galicia

Those who survived a near-death experience are carried in open coffins through the streets as thanksgiving to Santa Marta. One of Europe's most unique celebrations.

Medieval Festival of Sigüenza

Sigüenza, Castilla-La Mancha

The Jornadas Medievales de Sigüenza transform this magnificent castle town into a living medieval spectacle every July. With jousting tournaments beneath the imposing castle-parador, a sprawling artisan market, theatrical battles, medieval banquets and hundreds of costumed participants, Sigüenza offers one of Spain's most authentic and atmospheric medieval experiences. Declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest.

Moros y Cristianos de Villajoyosa

Moros y Cristianos de Villajoyosa

Villajoyosa, Valencia

Villajoyosa's Moros y Cristianos features one of Spain's most spectacular beach landings — Moorish troops arrive by sea and storm the beach in a dramatic re-enactment of medieval battles.

Benicàssim Festival (FIB)

Benicàssim Festival (FIB)

Castellón de la Plana, Valencia

FIB Benicàssim is one of Spain’s best-known summer music festivals, usually held in July in Benicàssim (Castellón), featuring international indie, pop, electronic, and alternative artists.

Medieval Fair of Daroca

Daroca, Aragón

The Feria Medieval de Daroca brings one of Aragon's most impressive walled towns back to its medieval heyday. Every July, Daroca's 4 km of walls, towers and Moorish gates frame a spectacular medieval market, theatrical reenactments, torchlit processions and artisan workshops. With its authentic architecture and passionate local participation, Daroca offers a medieval experience that feels genuinely lived-in rather than staged.

August

11 festivals

La Tomatina

La Tomatina

Buñol, Valencia

La Tomatina is one of the most unique and exhilarating festivals in the world. Every year, on the last Wednesday of August, the small town of Buñol, near Valencia, transforms into a battlefield of ripe tomatoes — and tens of thousands of visitors come from every corner of the globe to join the fun.

Aste Nagusia

Aste Nagusia

Bilbao, Basque Country

Aste Nagusia (Great Week) is Bilbao's biggest annual celebration. For nine days in August, the Basque city transforms with concerts, fireworks, street theatre, and the beloved Marijaia figure presiding over it all. It's a free, open festival with incredible energy.

Festa Major de Gràcia

Festa Major de Gràcia

Barcelona, Catalonia

Each August, the Gràcia neighborhood erupts into a spectacular celebration where streets compete to create the most imaginative decorations from recycled materials, with live music and communal dinners.

Descenso Internacional del Sella

Arriondas, Asturias

Every first Saturday of August, over 1,000 canoeists race 20 km down the River Sella from Arriondas to Ribadesella, cheered on by 200,000+ spectators lining the riverbanks. Declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest, it's Spain's most famous sporting festival.

Misteri d'Elx (Mystery of Elche)

Misteri d'Elx (Mystery of Elche)

Elche, Valencia

The Misteri d'Elx is a medieval liturgical drama depicting the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, performed entirely in verse and song inside the Basilica of Santa María. UNESCO declared it a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001 — it has been performed uninterrupted since the 15th century.

Carreras de Caballos de Sanlúcar

Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Andalusia

Since 1845, English-style horse races along the shore at low tide. Two three-day cycles in August with Doñana National Park as backdrop.

Festa do Albariño

Cambados, Galicia

The Festa do Albariño in Cambados is Spain's premier white wine festival, celebrating the Rías Baixas region's world-famous grape. Five days of wine tastings, Galician seafood, folk music, and cultural events in a charming coastal town.

Semana Grande San Sebastián

Semana Grande San Sebastián

San Sebastián, Basque Country

Semana Grande (Aste Nagusia in Basque) is San Sebastián's biggest annual celebration, transforming the elegant coastal city into a week-long party every August. Centred around the International Fireworks Competition over La Concha Bay, the festival combines world-class pyrotechnics with concerts, traditional Basque sports, street theatre and gastronomy. It's the cultural highlight of summer in the Basque Country.

Fiesta de la Paloma

Fiesta de la Paloma

The Fiestas de la Paloma is Madrid's most beloved and traditional neighbourhood festival, celebrating the Virgin of La Paloma in the historic La Latina district. Every August, the narrow streets fill with paper lanterns, the sound of chotis music, and neighbours dressed in traditional chulapo and chulapa costumes. It's the most authentic window into old Madrid's soul — a living tradition that has survived centuries of change.

Feria de Málaga

Feria de Málaga

Málaga, Andalusia

Feria de Málaga is the city’s major August fair, combining daytime celebrations in the historic center with nighttime festivities at the fairground (Real de la Feria).

Fiesta de la Sidra Natural

Fiesta de la Sidra Natural

Gijón, Asturias

Gijón celebrates Asturias' most iconic drink with mass cider pouring (escanciado) attempts at world records, tastings from dozens of producers, and traditional Asturian music and food.

September

10 festivals

La Mercè

La Mercè

Barcelona, Catalonia

La Mercè (officially Festa Major de Barcelona) is Barcelona's largest annual festival, celebrating the city's patron saint, Our Lady of Mercy. Held every year around 24 September, it transforms the city into a four-day programme of over 600 free events — world-class concerts, traditional Catalan folk displays, fire runs, human towers, and open-air parties across every neighbourhood.

Fiesta de la Vendimia

Fiesta de la Vendimia

Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia

The Fiesta de la Vendimia in Jerez de la Frontera celebrates the sherry grape harvest every September. This elegant festival blends centuries-old winemaking traditions with flamenco, equestrian shows, and the warm hospitality of Andalusia. If you love wine, culture, and Spanish tradition, this is your festival.

Medieval Market of Ávila

Medieval Market of Ávila

Ávila, Castilla y León

The Mercado Medieval de Ávila is one of the largest and most spectacular medieval markets in Europe. Every September, the stunning UNESCO World Heritage walled city of Ávila transforms into a living medieval town with over 200 stalls, jousting tournaments, troubadours, falconry displays and theatrical performances. Set against the backdrop of Ávila's perfectly preserved 11th-century walls — the finest in Spain — it's a magical step back in time.

Diada de Catalunya

Diada de Catalunya

Barcelona, Catalonia

Catalonia's National Day on September 11th commemorates the fall of Barcelona in 1714 with massive demonstrations, cultural events, castells (human towers) and sardana dancing.

Bienal de Flamenco

Bienal de Flamenco

Seville, Andalusia

The Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla is the most important flamenco event in the world. Held every two years in the spiritual home of flamenco, this month-long festival brings together the finest artists in cante (singing), baile (dance) and toque (guitar) for dozens of performances across Seville's most atmospheric venues. From legendary masters to boundary-pushing newcomers, the Bienal is where flamenco's past, present and future converge.

Fiestas de la Vendimia Riojana

Fiestas de la Vendimia Riojana

Logroño, La Rioja

Logroño's week-long harvest festival celebrates Rioja wine with grape stomping, a wine offering, bullfights, fireworks and the legendary Calle Laurel tapas scene.

San Fermín Txikito

Pamplona, Navarra

The authentic 'little San Fermín' celebrates the true feast day without the July crowds. Processions, txistulari music, traditional dances, and neighbourhood celebrations.

San Sebastián Film Festival

San Sebastián Film Festival

San Sebastián, Basque Country

The San Sebastián Film Festival (SSIFF) is one of Europe’s most prestigious film festivals, held annually in September in Donostia-San Sebastián, with premieres, industry activity, and public screenings.

Fiesta del Cascamorras

Fiesta del Cascamorras

Málaga, Andalusia

The Fiesta del Cascamorras is one of Spain's most extraordinary and bizarre festivals. Every 6 September, a man covered in black grease (the Cascamorras) attempts to run from the town of Guadix to Baza to reclaim a statue of the Virgin of Piedad — while thousands of equally grease-covered locals try to stop him. The result is a spectacular, chaotic, oil-black mass of humanity. Declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest, it's an ancient rivalry turned into joyful, slippery mayhem.

Castells Festival Season (Catalonia)

Castells Festival Season (Catalonia)

Barcelona, Catalonia

The castells season in Catalonia runs mainly from spring to autumn, when local teams (colles castelleres) build human towers during festivals in towns across the region.

October

4 festivals

Fiestas del Pilar

Fiestas del Pilar

Zaragoza, Aragón

The Fiestas del Pilar are Zaragoza's most important annual festival, celebrating the patron saint of the city — and of Spain itself — the Virgen del Pilar, on 12 October. The celebration lasts over a week and is one of Spain's largest October festivals, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Fires de Sant Narcís

Girona, Catalonia

Ten days honouring Girona's patron saint with castells competitions, correfoc fireworks, sardana dancing, fairground rides, and concerts.

Fiesta de la Rosa del Azafrán

Fiesta de la Rosa del Azafrán

Consuegra, Castilla-La Mancha

At the foot of Don Quixote's famous windmills, Consuegra celebrates the saffron harvest with picking competitions, a medieval market and traditional La Mancha gastronomy.

Romería de Valme

Romería de Valme

Seville, Andalusia

One of Andalusia's grandest pilgrimages brings thousands of decorated carts, horseback riders and flamenco singers from Dos Hermanas to the Valme hacienda on the third Sunday of October.

November

2 festivals

Todos los Santos & Castañada

Todos los Santos & Castañada

Barcelona, Catalonia

November 1st brings roasted chestnuts, sweet panellets, cemetery visits and autumnal traditions across Spain, with Catalonia's Castañada being the most distinctive regional celebration.

Magosto

Ourense, Galicia

Galicia's autumn tradition of communal chestnut roasting around bonfires, celebrated across the region in November with new wine, music and ancient Celtic roots.

December

6 festivals

Nochevieja en la Puerta del Sol

Nochevieja en la Puerta del Sol

Every December 31st, tens of thousands gather at Madrid's Puerta del Sol to eat 12 grapes — one with each chime of the clock at midnight. This uniquely Spanish tradition, broadcast live to 12 million TV viewers, is the country's most iconic New Year's Eve celebration.

El Gordo — Spanish Christmas Lottery

El Gordo — Spanish Christmas Lottery

Every December 22nd, Spain stops to watch 'El Gordo' — the world's biggest lottery draw, a 200+ year tradition where children sing out winning numbers in the Teatro Real.

Medieval Market of Vic

The Mercat Medieval de Vic is Catalonia's premier medieval event and one of the largest medieval markets in southern Europe. Every December, the elegant market town of Vic transforms its historic centre into a medieval world with over 500 stalls, theatrical performances, workshops and tens of thousands of visitors. Combined with the atmospheric winter setting and Vic's rich architectural heritage, it's a unique pre-Christmas medieval experience.

Mercado de Navidad de Plaza Mayor

Mercado de Navidad de Plaza Mayor

Madrid's iconic Plaza Mayor hosts Spain's most famous Christmas market since 1860, with over 100 stalls selling nativity figures, ornaments, costumes and traditional joke items.

Fira de Santa Llúcia

Fira de Santa Llúcia

Barcelona, Catalonia

Barcelona's oldest Christmas market (since 1786) fills the square in front of the Cathedral with nativity scene figures, caganers, Christmas trees and traditional Catalan holiday crafts.

Els Enfarinats

Every December 28th (Holy Innocents' Day), the town of Ibi erupts into a massive flour, egg and firecracker battle as mock revolutionaries 'seize power' in this 200-year-old tradition.