Festivals

April

Traditional

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.

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July

Traditional

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.

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February

Carnival

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.

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February

Carnival

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.

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September

Food & Drink

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.

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June

Religious

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.

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July

Music

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.

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August

Traditional

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.

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July

Music

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.

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April

Religious

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.

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August

Traditional

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.

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August

Religious

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.

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