Andalusia
Southern Spain, home to flamenco, tapas, and the most passionate fiestas
Festivals in Andalusia
April
Semana Santa
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.
April
Feria de Abril
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.
June
Granada International Festival of Music and Dance
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.
May
Festival de los Patios de Córdoba
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.
February
Carnaval de Cádiz
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.
April
Semana Santa de Málaga
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.
May
Feria del Caballo de Jerez
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.
June
Romería del Rocío
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.
September
Fiesta de la Vendimia
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.
May
Cruces de Mayo de Granada
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.
May
Feria de Córdoba
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.
Carreras de Caballos de Sanlúcar
Since 1845, English-style horse races along the shore at low tide. Two three-day cycles in August with Doñana National Park as backdrop.