Festivals

August

Traditional

Fiesta de la Paloma

Madrid, Madrid

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.

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July

Traditional

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.

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July

Cultural

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.

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September

Traditional

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.

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February

Traditional

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).

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December

Traditional

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.

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May

Traditional

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.

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August

Food & Drink

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.

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September

Cultural

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.

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October

Traditional

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.

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January

Traditional

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.

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September

Cultural

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.

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