Agenda
Best events in September & October 2023
For another year the capital of Guipuzcoa province will host the San Sebastián International Film festival, an event that has been held every year since its began in 1953.
Masdanza, the International Contemporary Dance Festival of the Canary Islands, has been held on the island of Gran Canaria since 1996.
Best events in July & August 2023
The city of Tarragona plays host on its Playa del Miracle beach to a new edition of the International Fireworks Competition, with fireworks companies from around the world taking part.
Every summer the city of Bilbao in the Basque Country celebrates this festival of electronic music and rock, featuring top international artists.
The Black Music Festival evolved out of the Salt Blues Festival, which has been held in this town in the province of Girona since 2002.
The Benicàssim International Festival was first held in August 1995 and, throughout its history, great Spanish and international artists and groups have performed on each of the different stages
The Portugalete and Basque Country International Folk Festival, organised by the Elai Alai Basque cultural society and folk group, takes place every year at the end of July.
The island of Tenerife (Canary Islands) hosts this international festival dedicated to the LGBTIQ culture, rights and businesses.
The city of Gijón (in Asturias) organises one of the largest events dedicated to the mod musical and cultural movement and the Sixties, when the genre experienced its heyday.
Peralada, in the Region of Catalonia, celebrates a new edition of its prestigious festival, that brings together music, theatre and a range of multi-disciplinary shows. Over the course of a month you can enjoy symphony concerts, jazz, pop, opera and theatre representations at the three venues that host the festival: the auditorium at the Gardens of Peralada Castle, El Carmen Church and the pavilion in the gardens.
Every two years, the town of Jaca , in Huesca (Aragón ) plays host to this multicultural festival which transforms the city into a microcosm of a global village.
The Santander International Festival fills Cantabria with concerts, shows and art. Throughout August, various historic venues in this northern Spanish region, along with the Cantabria Festival Centre, host the cultural agenda for this major event, which has been held since 1948.
The Plasencia International Folk Festival has been held annually since 1996 in this town in the province of Cáceres.
Best events in May & June 2023
This is the first major exhibition in Spain solely of Picasso’s sculpture. The museum is showing a wide collection of sculptures, of different styles, which the artist used to explore the human body through art in general and sculpture in particular.
Madrid is set to host the International Festival of Photography and Visual Arts, PHotoEspaña.
The Jazz in the Historic Centre programme aims to create a regular programme throughout the year. This programming will take place in the Historical spaces of the city of Leiria. With these concerts, we intend to bring Jazz closer to the historical centre that has more and more activity, and thus be able to reach more listeners.
It is an original way of exploring this unique mosque-cathedral. A nocturnal visit to discover the hidden secrets of the monument on a tour guided by light and accompanied by ambient sound. The visit takes place in groups and is available in the following languages: Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese and Arabic.
48 Artists, 48 years of Freedom is the name of the piece that was symbolically created on 10 June 2022 in the MAAT Gardens, a collective mural intervention that reinterprets the People’s Market Panel created by the Democratic Movement of Plastic Artists on 10 June 1974, in Belém.
The “Nights in the Gardens of the Real Alcázar” festival has been held every summer since the year 2000, in the unique setting of the city of Seville. The programme consists of open-air concerts.
The Museu del Disseny in Barcelona houses an important set of ceramics by Picasso. This exhibition features his collection and shows the influence of traditional Spanish ceramics on the artist’s work.
Most Thursday and Saturday evenings for a little over a month, the racecourse at La Zarzuela in Madrid hosts a programme of nocturnal horse racing, offering you the chance to enjoy a night out with a difference.
On the occasion of the centenary of the death of Joaquín Sorolla, the Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia houses nearly fifty pieces from the Masaveu Collection, the private collection featuring the largest number of works by the painter, many of them masterpieces.
Best events in March & April 2023
The exhibition “Canto da Maya” summons, through the museum collection, the life and artistic production of one of the largest figures of Azorean and national sculpture of the first half of the twentieth century – Canto da Maya (1890 – 1981), of which the institution, since 1976, is proud to dedicate a space of dissemination and contemplation of a fundamental core of her work, able to surprise by the gift of illusion all those who confront her.
The aim of the exhibition “The Part That Remains” is to inform visitors about the reality of the coastline of Cascais.
The official residence presents a selection of 48 works from the Peter Meeker Collection, by Pedro Álvares Ribeiro, curated by João Silvério. Comprising around 500 works by national and international artists, this private collection of contemporary art began to be built up in the 1980s by Pedro Álvares Ribeiro.
First retrospective in Spain dedicated to one of the biggest names in design and visual communication of the 20th Century and the most complete exhibition of his work to date outside of Italy.
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, in cooperation with the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, presents this retrospective dedicated to this revolutionary Austrian artist, celebrating his pacifist activism and his pictorial output.
The Carnival of Cadiz is one of the most famous and oldest in Spain. Many people from all over come to Cádiz to enjoy its famous Carnival. Street performances such as parades of floats, murgas, comparsas, dances and even costume contests will make the Carnival days unforgettable.
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival is the largest carnival in the Canary Islands and Spain (more than a month of festivities). It is also considered the second most popular in the world, second only to the carnival in Rio de Janeiro. An explosion of joy, music and colour, the locals celebrate this traditional event with dances, murgas, comparsas and cultural activities such as plays.
The Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is one of the most important carnivals in the Canary Islands, Spain. This Canarian city hosts the biggest, most joyful and innovative carnivals in the country, with many parades, cabaret shows and dances inspired by the local culture.
The Valencia Carnival is one of the most important in Spain and is celebrated all over the city, with the Valencians performing in comparsa parades and fun night-time parades.
The Badajoz Carnival is one of the most popular and best attended carnivals in Spain. With more than 40 years of history, it is one of the most visited carnivals not only in Spain and neighbouring Portugal, but all over the world. This festival has been declared a “festival of international tourist interest” by the Ministry of Tourism.
Galicia will celebrate its carnival highlights on the 20th, 21st and 22nd but one of the festivities declared of national tourist interest, the ‘entroido de Xinzo de Limia’, will begin on the 16th. The main character of the Xinzo carnival is the “pantallas”, which are masks with the face of a devil with horns, which appear during 5 weekends.
This is one of the most recent carnivals to be held in Spain, but its agricultural attraction makes it one of the best. There are few events related to the world of wine that are as colourful, attractive and spectacular. In just a few years, the Haro wine carnival has managed to attract the attention of thousands of people, including some of the most highly-regarded specialists in the world of wine tourism.
The Águilas carnival is the most emblematic of Murcia and one of the most famous in Spain. Declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest, it is full of customs from the past. It has different traditional characters such as the Mussa, called “the queen of the carnival” by the people of Murcia, who brings sparkle and magic to the streets of Águilas. Another of its emblematic characters is Doña Cuaresma, who represents seriousness, abstinence and modesty, in other words, the opposite of the Mussa.
Sitges has a legendary carnival tradition. Its carnival is considered one of the most important in Spain and has more than 100 years of history. It lasts 7 days, with dancing, music and fun. One of its attractions is that it seeks the participation of the entire public. There are events for all ages, for young people, families and children.
Declared a Festivity of National Tourist Interest, the Verín carnival lasts almost a month. Masks, music and fun are the stars of the celebration. The traditional ‘Cigarrones’ also stand out, that is, characters dressed in white stockings, a white shirt, short trousers, a short jacket and a coloured tie. The most characteristic detail of the cigarrones are the masks and the mitre hanging from their masks. The aim of these characters is to follow the residents of the municipality with a whip in hand. This costume, together with the famous ‘capuchón’, are the most chosen ones during these festivities in Verín.
The Ruzafa carnival is a must on this list of the best carnivals in Spain. This Valencian neighbourhood shines with brilliance during the carnival festivities. In fact, many consider it to be a warm-up for Las Fallas. Parades, concerts, parades and craft markets are the main ingredients of this carnival. Another of its strong points is its satirical air, as well as the costume contests in which effort and imagination take precedence.
The town of Tarancón, located in Cuenca, has been celebrating a very peculiar carnival event for more than two decades: a party with a hippie atmosphere inspired by the 60s. This carnival has gone through different stages over the years, but it always has a common denominator: it is a town that enjoys this party and prepares it with enthusiasm. The event is designed to be a comprehensive event, offering multiple activities to have a great time during the whole weekend.
Best events in January & February 2023
The exhibition offers a journey through the entire history of the comic genre, from its beginnings to the present day, and brings together more than 300 original pages by the most famous cartoonists.
The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza once again brings together art and fashion with this exhibition that explores the professional and personal relationship that existed between two great creative geniuses of the 20th century: Pablo Picasso and the designer Coco Chanel.
In 2022, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao celebrates its 25th anniversary with this ambitious exhibition of its collection that will occupy its entire exhibition space.
The Canary Islands Music Festival takes place simultaneously on the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife, as well as on other stages on the rest of the islands.
The Canary Islands Music Festival takes place simultaneously on the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife, as well as on other stages on the rest of the islands.
It is an international showcase of fashion for young people. This event presents all the latest fashions, accessories, swimwear and ceremonies. This fair, which has a long history, has become an essential point of reference in the children’s and young people’s fashion sector.
It is the largest Spanish fashion platform for international promotion and brings together the great designers of the moment in the city of Madrid. The Madrid Exhibition Centre hosts the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid, a fair that every year reinforces the presence of Spanish design on the international fashion scene. For five days, numerous fashion shows of prestigious brands are held, professionals from all over the world meet and the public is shown the new trends in fashion. One of the objectives is to contribute to the export of Spanish design. In the same way, the fair is committed to young promises with EGO: a platform for the promotion of emerging fashion values.
ARCO, the International Contemporary Art Fair, once again arrives at the IFEMA fairgrounds, with the aim of disseminating and consolidating the recognition of the latest artistic trends. ARCO has become the biggest artistic and cultural event of the moment and a unique reference point for the latest international art, and also extends its area of influence to research work, integration of the arts, dissemination and training, and even interrelation between art agents, which is essential for the consolidation of collecting and the solidity of this market.
This festival occupies a prominent place in the calendar of international animation competitions. The public can enjoy the different screenings in various venues around the city, the official venue being the Teatro Principal. A series of parallel activities such as workshops, presentations and alternative shows complete the festival programme.
The soul, passion and strength of flamenco take over Jerez de la Frontera, in Cádiz, during the celebration of this festival.
Best events in November & December 2022
The International Theatre Festival is held annually in Vitoria, the capital of the province of Alava, on different stages around the city. It is an event which, in addition to theatre, also includes dance and opera productions. The different shows are performed at the Teatro Principal and the municipal civic centres. The festival includes the following sections, among others: theatre for adults, family theatre, premieres and a review of the most significant works on the national and international stages.
The Cazorla International Theatre Festival has been held since 1996. It is an event that takes place in the theatres and open-air stages of this town in Jaén. It is a meeting point for theatre lovers, both for large-scale performances and small-scale plays. The event hosts different shows by internationally renowned authors. In addition to the official prize-giving ceremony, an audience prize is awarded, as the audience votes for the play they liked the most.
Cocentaina, in Alicante (Valencian Community), has been celebrating this agricultural and livestock fair for more than 600 years, which is attended by more than 350,000 people every year. It was first held in 1346, as a regional agricultural and livestock market. Today it has become an important showcase for traditional rural activities, crafts, agricultural machinery and automotive equipment. It is also complemented by many cultural events, such as a book fair, exhibitions, choir competitions, riding and dressage exhibitions, concerts, craft workshops…
Every year, Madrid prepares an extensive programme of activities as part of this festival. Theatrical and dance performances, shows, music concerts and other activities related to the performing arts take place on different stages throughout the capital and the different municipalities of Madrid.
The town of Moreda (in Aller, Asturias) celebrates every 11th November one of the most popular folklore festivals of the autumn in Asturias. Organised by the “Sociedad Humanitarios de San Martín”, the festival begins with the traditional mass of San Martín, sung and accompanied by the sound of the typical Asturian bagpipes. This is followed by the puya del ramu (bidding of the bunch), which consists of auctioning the spelt bread (so called because of the type of flour it contains) previously blessed in the religious ceremony.
This is one of the most important festivals in Cantabria and takes place in Potes, capital of the Liébana region. During these days there are tastings of the orujo produced in this area, accompanied by music and traditional markets. The “Alquitara de Oro” is also awarded to the brand that has produced the best orujo of the year. In addition, one or more people are awarded as “orujeros mayores”. They are in charge of reading the proclamation, giving conferences and lighting the alquitaras. It has been declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest.
In the Casa Colón cultural centre, the Huelva Ibero-American Film Festival is held, alluding to the prizes it awards: the Golden Colón for the best feature film and the Silver Colón in the different categories.
SICAB is a fair dedicated exclusively to the Purebred Spanish Horse, being the fair dedicated to a single breed that brings together the largest number of horses and which is attended by the best professionals in the sector. It is the grand final of the Spanish Horse and Mare Championship and in order to participate a horse must have qualified in one of the competitions held throughout the year in different parts of Spain. It is the third most important socio-economic event in the city, after the famous Semana Santa (Easter Week) and Feria de Abril (April Fair).
The Festival brings theatre, dance, clown and circus shows, among others, to different venues in the city of Seville. The aim of the Festival is to turn Seville into a performing arts festival for a few days. To this end, multiple shows are organised that combine different disciplines such as music, acting, dance and humour.
What began as the International Short Film Festival Almería en Corto has been held in Almería since 2002 with international status.
In Vigo, Christmas is celebrated in a different style. Year after year the amount of decorations, lights and attractions for the little ones, and not so little ones, are increasing. In August begins the installation of the lights for Christmas. In 2021 the challenge of turning on no more and no less than ELEVEN MILLION LED LIGHTS was met! More than 359 illuminated streets, thousands of arches of light, hundreds of illuminated trees and Christmas markets.
The Tolosa International Puppet Festival, Titirijai, has been held in this town in Guipúzcoa since 1983. It is a meeting point for puppet and marionette professionals. It is a showcase where the public, both children and adults, enjoy the most diverse performances: stories from classic texts are mixed with colourful, modern and innovative representations. National companies and companies from different countries present their shows in different theatres in this town.
One more year, and since 1786 there will be 236, the Fair of Santa Llúcia, as always in the Avinguda de la Catedral de Barcelona, will once again fill us with light, illusion and hope.
From November 25 to December 23, it will be the fair that we all look forward to this year.
Just before the first celebration in the 18th century, a storm made it necessary to artificially light the route with bonfires and pegotes (torches) – hence the name of the Virgen de los Pegotes – and this custom has been maintained ever since.
This exhibition aims to shed light on the life of
women in ancient Egypt and on their role in society.
163 craft workshops in Madrid, with representatives of other autonomous communities, participate in this Christmas market. You can buy handicrafts from jewelry, ceramics, textiles, engraving, toys, hats, glasses, frames etc.
At the end of autumn, the city of León brings together fans of mod culture from all over the world in this celebration that includes concerts, art and a display of very sixties costumes and hairstyles. There are also parallel activities such as exhibitions, scooter rallies and Allnighters (DJ sessions), among others.
Christmas Craft Fair in Seville. Discover its artistic and cultural heritage while visiting the Craft Fair.
Christmas Craft Fair in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Discover its artistic and cultural heritage while visiting the Craft Fair.
The New Year is always well received throughout the country. Celebrations on the island of Madeira stand out.
An exhibition that brings to the forefront the ways in which this world-renowned architectuses original forms, rich symbolism, and inspiration from nature in some of his greatest works. Through blueprints, drawings, models, furniture, ceramics, and old photos we discover the process behind projects including the Sagrada Familia.
This exhibition aims to review the collaboration between these two artists from 1928 to 1932.
In this magical, dazzling landscape visitors can discover living organisms which, up until now, had remained hidden from us. Origen takes us on a light-filled journey of over a kilometre and a half into a very real, fantastical world. Based on recent scientific research, we learn that fungi are some of the oldest living beings on Earth, and that they populated the planet before plants and animals.
December once again brings us this unmissable event that sees audiences blown away by the biggest international gospel groups. First to take to the stage is The Black Heritage Choir (1st, 3rd, 6th, and 10th) as it presents Amazing Grace. A Gospel Celebration to Aretha Franklin, which marks 50 years since the best-selling album was recorded by the Queen of Soul. Next, Bridget Bazile Stars of Gospel (2nd and 4th) is set to perform From Spiritual to Gospel.
Best events in March & April 2020
At the beginning of spring, the village around this Spanish city turns into a sea of colors as fruit orchards bloom, filling the surroundings with a multi-colored blanket of flowers. The festival offers a rich cultural program for tourists and residents, including tourist routes, poetry readings, exhibitions, classical music concerts, and photo competitions. In addition, there will also be gastronomy events with typical local products.
The 50km pilgrimage to the Javier Castle that takes place to worship Saint Francis Xavier, who saved the town from epidemic.Hundreds of people, mainly young people, from Spain and abroad take part in it.
A celebration that commemorates the beginnings of the city. Among the many attractions of this festival stand the procession of “Pregó”that announces the celebration, or the night procession called “El Retorno”, but also a march with “gaiatas” – multi-colored lanterns. In addition, you can also find concerts, pyrotechnic shows, flower celebrations, and gastronomic tastings.
The Beer Festival in Barcelona is one of the largest craft beer festivals in southern Europe. If you are passionate about beer, its production and a wide range of flavors, we recommend planning a trip to Barcelona at the end of March and visit this fun festival. It’s definitely worth going to this event to taste 350 different types of beers, including Belgian, English and Russian beverages. In addition, a stand was reserved for Brau Beviale, which all beer lovers know as one of the most important beer fair in the world.
Every year the festival includes feature-length and short films and documentaries in Spanish. The city is transformed into a center for debate and a meeting point for figures in the film industry, but also as a showcase of a wide range of productions. What is more, during the festival you can attend film cycles, exhibitions and parallel activities. It’s also a great opportunity to get to know Málaga.
This fire festival is probably the most famous one organized to welcome spring. At this time, Valencia pulsates with the rhythm of pyrotechnic shows and resounds with the music to which participants of the fiesta party until dawn. The culmination of the festival is the final “La Crema”, when all of the prepared beautiful paper structures set up on the streets of Valencia begin to burn, and fill the city with the glow and heat of flames.
Tango Festival in Granada is undoubtedly one of the most important musical events in the city’s cultural calendar. It offers numerous musical performances, live concerts and dance workshops. The audience can watch performances, but also take an active part in various attractions, such as: tango shows, photo exhibitions, discussion panels on culture, poetry, and many other endeavors.
Finding amanitas ponderosas is extremely difficult, that’s why lovers of mushroom picking from all over Spain and Portugal come to Extremadura to participate in the search for this mushroom – highly valued in many regions of the country. During the festival, a special guide shows how to look for gurumelo and where it can grow. Mushroom feast days are also an opportunity to taste mushroom dishes and participate in cultural events: exhibitions and concerts.
The rally of old cars. All participating vehicles belong to private individuals and the year of production is 1930 or older. Participants in this unique rally are primarily Spaniards, although there will also be guests from neighboring countries. They will get prizes for vehicles in the best technical condition, and with a high share of original parts. Attendees in the most interesting costumes from past eras will also be honored. The event will be attended by over 80 cars, which before and after the rally can be seen up close in Sitges and nearby Barcelona.
The popular Málaga Half Marathon will take place for the thirtieth time. After many years of running along the same route, organizers decided to introduce changes and set a new route that will start and end in the same place, giving viewers much more opportunities to support and participate. The route will start at Paseo Central del Parque de Málaga, right in the city center. Much of the route will run through both the southern and northern parts of this Mediterranean metropolis. This gives you great opportunities to find the right place to watch the run depending on where in Málaga you will stop.
The green island of São Miguel has been organizing car rallies for 55 years. The best rally drivers in Europe, as usual, will have to face narrow roads, gravel surfaces, changing weather and sharp turns, but surrounded with the picturesque lake Lagoa das Sete Cidades.
If you are a wine lover, we can this festival will not disappoint your expectations. You can choose from a hundred different events, which include: wine tasting, wine therapy sessions, trips to the countryside where vineyards grow, open days and classes for specialists in the wine sector. We encourage you to participate in Empordà and learn about new flavors and trends in the wine industry.
The celebration of last days of Jesus Christ before His death. This event focuses on showing the Passion with all of its scenes and participation of more than 400 actors and unique attributes. The festivity is widely celebrated for over 40 years and means a lot to Spanish people.
All participants of this Tamborada, in black tunics and with their own drum, gather on Easter Tuesday at night in front of the town hall, where the traditional drum beat begins at midnight. Similarly in the morning on Good Friday and on Easter Sunday. This event, both in the city of Mula and in other places where this tradition exists, has been officially inscribed on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
This event means a lot to the inhabitants, because it commemorates the passion and death of Jesus Christ on the Cross. It confirms the Christian tradition deeply rooted in the region. During the Santa Semana celebrations various processions and celebrations take place. Many follow the trails of the most beautiful and important monuments of Mérida, which gives residents the opportunity to preserve the image of the heritage of ancestors. A special event for Santa Semana is “Via Crucis” – a procession that silently heads towards the Roman Amphitheater. In addition to the procession, there are colorful parades during, and the residents are happy to see Easter coming.
The famous Way of the Cross with torches will pass through the city streets. It will end with adoration of the Crucified Christ and at midnight “The first tamborada”, a strong beat on the drums announcing Holy Week.
Holy Thursday of Easter is celebrated here in a very special and quite spooky way: in the streets of the city there is a night parade of five skeletons which dance to the rhythm of drums. They are accompanied by residents dressed in black, long robes. “Dance of Death” is a theater performance that is an integral part of the procession in Verges and symbolizes the fragility of people’s lives. This is a unique event at which shivers will run down your back.
This is the centuries-old custom of flagellation. On Holy Thursday and Good Friday this municipality is full of so-called “picaos” who whip their backs until the skin turns purple. Then volunteers give them twelve pricks with sharp glass pieces embedded in beeswax. According to ancient beliefs, this is how bad blood flows from the body. Then picaos go barefoot, wrapped only in white canvas and pull heavy chains behind them.
The theatrical performance of the Passion on Easter Saturday that is the oldest event of this type in the region. With the participation of around 250 actors and scenes full of colorful decorations, you can see the most emblematic moments of Jesus Christ’s live, including Resurrection and Ascension.
A week full of cultural events such as exhibitions, concerts, conferences, but also typical products tasting. All of these accompanied by the parade with the sound of “dulzaina” (Spanish instrument), bullfights, and many other activities.
A great fiesta to welcome spring (a series of cultural events as part of the “Fiestas de la Primavera”). Colorful teams pulled by oxen and horses pass through the city, from which various food products are thrown into the crowd. You can see folk costumes, music and dance performances, floral gifts for the Mother of God, and above all, live cooking of regional gastronomy with its tasting.
Celebrations of the legend of Saint George with participation of around 200 actors, but not only they can put on medieval clothes. You can also do it to feel the atmosphere of the 14thcentury, what we highly recommend. Accompanied events involve parades, concerts, sports events, performances, and medieval market, where traditional food and handicraft.
The continuation of the “Fiestas de la Primavera” in Murcia are parades related to the tradition of the Sardine Funeral (Entierro de la Sardina). In the program of this fiesta, the streets of the city are traversed by about 30 “grupos sardineros”, so carnival bands and professional comedians. The culmination of the holiday is the unusually effective burning of a large, cardboard figure of a sardine.
Another celebrations of Moors and Christians to honor San Jorge Martir, but in this city it is a special one, because it is separated for two different dates, as the next part of celebration of the same saint is held in September, but the one in April is centuries old.
Wine tasting event, where around 20 wineries producing Mantilla-Moriles wines take place. Beside tasting exquisite wines, you can also eat tapas and go to open-air concerts, during which you can admire remarkable beauty of Córdoba.
On this day Barcelona celebrates its World Book Day and Valentine’s Day, but also commemorates the death of the Saint Patron of Catalonia (Sant Jordi). The streets of Barcelona are filled with rose markets and bookstores. You can find new publications and sometimes even meet well-known authors of books signing their works. According to tradition, a woman should be given a rose by her beloved and give him a gift in the form of a book. There are also other attractions like open days organized at the Generalitat Palace. In the Chapel of Sant Jordi, which at the time is decorated with colorful roses, a mass is held, during which flowers brought with people can be blessed.
The obligatory feast of all gourmands and the theme of this year’s event will be “The Mad Twenties”. As usual, at the foot of the medieval castle there will be stalls with various sweets made of chocolate and a tent with an exhibition of chocolate sculptures – real sweet masterpieces. There will also be a local specialty – cherry“Ginjinha de Óbidos”, served in chocolate cups. Adults and children will be able to take part in culinary workshops and see the secrets of professional chefs’ work during live shows. Of course, each of the prepared dishes will have chocolate or cocoa beans in its composition.
In Alcoy this celebration has gained international fame. The local tradition is associated with the legendary battle at its gates from the time of the Reconquista. St.George on a horse supposedly appeared over the walls of Alcoy to residents defending the city, what decided about their victory. To celebrate this, each of the days is dedicated to various shows. You can also see spectacular performances of medieval music and songs, parades of Christian and Muslim troops entering the city, religious processions in honor of St. George, and follow the course of the decisive battle. Moros y Cristianos in Alcoy is also an opportunity to enjoy local gastronomy and try a typical drink that is locally made, coffee liqueur (licor cafe).
Religious procession that leads to the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Cabeza, where people very often go by horses, and then sing and dance in front of the entrance.
Batalla de las Flores is a tradition typical of Cordoba. Spaniards celebrate the welcome of spring loudly during the parade with platforms, which are impressive buildings decorated with thousands of flowers pulled by cars. Inside them, there are people who throw flowers at the public gathered on the street, and those who catch them, throw them back. Hence the name of the event, the flower battle.
This marathon belongs to the silver Race Road category of the International Association of Athletics Federation. Madrid Marathon offers a completely urban route that passes by the city’s main attractions and will be complemented by live music from the beginning to the end of the route.
Once again, the city is filled with colorful crowds and tourists not only from Spain, but from various corners of the world and people interested in Spanish culture and folklore, as it is one of the most famous events highlighting the folklore of southern Spain. Part of the city is sacrificed only for the celebration of this typically Spanish, colorful and of unusual size holiday. All Seville residents dress up in traditional costumes from this Andalusia region and flamenco dresses. The area called Real de la Feria is completely occupied by tents, called “casetas”, i.e. canvas pavilions of varying sizes in which you can drink good wine or other drink, have a good lunch or dinner. In addition, at this time in Seville, bull fights are taking place, what is known as the typical Spanish “corrida”, attracting thousands of spectators to the arenas.
From April 29 to May 3, 2020, the best European golfers will return to Spain to participate in this tournament. This is one of the two European Tour 2020 tournaments that will take place in Spain, so you can’t miss it. What’s more, the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) awarded Andalusia in 2017 with the “European Golf Destination of the Year” award for the quantity and quality of local golf courses.
An event that brings together the cultures and traditions of over 30 countries through their gastronomy, art and folklore. You can find marquees featuring the participating countries and regions, where you can get to know the typical gastronomic fare of each area. There are also attractions for children, an international trade fair, open-air exhibitions and live performances. An excellent way to travel “around the world in five days”.
Cheese lovers can enjoy a great tasting in Extremadura where the Feria Nacional del Queso takes place every year. At the cheese fair you can try the best domestic and foreign products. The calendar of the event is varied and very interesting.
A celebration sacrificed to commemorate old custom when men (mayos) were visiting houses of women (mayas), during which men were singing to their ladies. When accepted, they could paint a flowerpot on a chosen one’s house, and when rejected, they could throw the paint at a house. Beside this “visiting ritual” you can also see the competition for the best-decorated lantern, listen to folk music, and visit food fairs.
During the fiesta, on many squares of the city you can see crosses decorated with red flowers, where residents compete with each other for the best decorated cross. This is often combined with an outdoor event around the cross. It looks a bit like a religious event, though with alcohol and dancing.
CARNIVALS
Annual carnival that focuses on putting on fancy costumes full of colors, dancing, taking part in various competitions and just having a lot of fun. Of course, everything with numerous parades.
The most characteristic elements of Verín carnival are flour fights, but beside couple of them, you can also find parades, music and dance shows, competitions, and food and alcohol tastings.
Four parades, colorful costumes and fantasy masks, confetti thrown at people during celebration, competition for the best paper costume, and drinks of wine with fruits, all of these during carnival in Águilas.
Sitges has the most attractive carnival in Catalonia and one of the best carnivals in Spain, attracting nearly 300,000 people in February. Colorful fiesta full of music and dance, the election of the King and Queen of the Carnival, as well as an amazing parade with 50 carnival swimmers and over 2,000 participants. The Carnival of Sitges is an interesting attraction for families. The main parade takes place in the evening, however, the youngest can participate in their own colorful parade in the afternoon.
The carnival in Barcelona is not as popular as in other Spanish cities, but it is gaining in importance every year. A lot of events are organized in the Catalan capital, with colorful costumes and masks. Local discos also offer themed games. Carnival is also a good opportunity to learn other than Catalan traditions and carnival customs. Numerous communities of foreigners in Barcelona bring closer the culture appropriate for their countries of origin.
The Carnival of Cadiz is known worldwide for being a “street festival”. Eleven days of uninterrupted and original fun in which everyone takes part, but it’s crucial to remember that costumes are mandatory. The whole city undergoes a metamorphosis and is filled with people who go out into the street to laugh, entertain others, sing and above all spend a great time. Two parades are organized where the audience becomes an active part of this colorful show. Fireworks show, dance games, costume balls and a lot of attractions mean that the carnival fun does not stop for a moment.
One of the oldest carnivals. Starts with “arrival of the Juanes”, so the characters in masks with crow’s beak and wolf’s claws. As at every carnival, there are parades and costume contests, but there is also a children’s carnival, where they have their own contests.
Tourists from Spain and other countries come to Xinzo to participate in this unique event. During the carnival parades are organized where you can find “Pantallas” wearing characteristic Xinzo costumes, strange masks, and armed with “vejigas“.
Torres Vedras is a small town known for the most famous carnival in Portugal. Every year the town changes into an entertainment center like little Rio de Janeiro. Crowds of supporters of good fun come here from both the capital and the whole country. The town itself is located about 50 km north of Lisbon. In this fun period, apart from dancing, you’ll see some funnily dressed Portuguese who take part in the parade, usually on the colorful platforms, where they play together every year.
The Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the most “Brazilian” of all celebrated in Spain and enjoys the international fame of one of the most popular in the world. One of the main attractions is the Queen’s Election Gala, followed by the carnival parade. Over the next three days, music and fun fill the city, while various carnival bands perform. The culmination is the march “Desfile del Coso”, a great parade, surprising all participants. The next day “Burial of Sardine” foreshadows the end of the event: the spirit of carnival, in the form of sardines, is carried on the platform to end in flames. However, the real farewell to the carnival is the “Piñata Chica”, which hosts performances, dances and parades.
Best events in January & February 2020
Original documents that are to depict the historical voyage of Magellan and Elcano, but also shows, staging, sculptures, figurines, and other objects that give the sense of history and allow to know the true challenges and feelings connected to this excursion.
The Guggenheim Museum presents Delacroix, Degas, Beckmann, Monet, Renoir, Liebermann, Vincent van Gogh and Friedrich and their art, and includes paintings, sculpture, engravings and drawings.
Collection of more than 300 of Goya’s drawings from private and museum’s collections that give the ideas and perspective of this artists.
Children dressed as shepherds parade with their flocks of sheep to worship the newborn Baby Jesus (Les Pastoretes); the edict about the arrival of Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar is read; donkeys with boxes on their backs collect children’s letters to the Three Kings. At the end, the Three Wise Men arrive to the city on camels, they carry big torches that light their road up, and give gifts to children. Everything is accompanied by the festivity sound.
The celebration starts with singing Christmas carols in churches and presentation and contest for the best Nativity. Then there is a sacral play, with elements that are described in the Bible (like arrival of Mary and Joseph to the rib), and at the end Three Kings parade takes place, during which inhabitants of the city put on stage events from the past.
Festivity in the form of carnival fun, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, in which a crowd of inhabitants participates in different masks, dressed in colorful costumes and leathers. The holiday ends with catching a “bear”. In this way, evil spirits are chased away and the new year is greeted with good predictions. A photo competition is also organized, in which participants try to reflect the best moments of this holiday.
The festival that promotes the cultural life of the islands, makes it more prestigious and promotes tourism. It consists of concerts of famous solo musicians and orchestras, but also artists that are starting their career but are promising talents.
The event about food with participation of famous, highly-valued chefs, their talks and cooking shows, where you will be able to see and try different dishes.
The celebration of the patron saint that is commemorated by the burning a huge bonfire (listed in the Guinness Book). It is accompanied by the horseback rides of people giving gifts to others, and tasting food typical for this celebration.
The marathon with more than 2000 athletes from the whole world that takes place amongst the Santiponce’s ruins, the city that lies next to Seville. A great opportunity to participate in sport event and see the beauty of this area.
The celebration focusing on the “Jarramplas”, a character with a specific mask and clothes. He goes around the streets of the city playing a drum, while people throw turnips towards him. It represents expelling cattle rustler from the city.
This is one of these noisy Spanish festivals, as it concentrates on the sound of the drums and parades of people basking drums for 24 hours.
The celebration that commemorates animals that took Saint Sebastian in after his martyrdom. Festivity full of music, dance, role plays, but also cakes and wine at the end.
Meeting point for professionals in tourism and all the people interested in this market, containing presentations, festivals, and exhibitions of new developments and solutions.
Gastrofestival is one of the most important gastronomic events in Madrid. Themed meals, tastings, courses, and culinary routes are just part of the event. It is designed to show the relationship between cooking and painting, cinema, literature and photography. Also the fashion world and the greatest fashion designers have their part during this period. The new gastronomy means healthy eating, so it is also the offer of organic stores and special dishes. There will also be something for wine lovers.
Music event that consists of many performances throughout almost six months. It concentrates on guitars, professionals and amateurs, with different styles of guitars and the music they make, but is also accompanied by venues prepared for this event.
The festival of bands performing at the streets during the day, then having a competition, and at the end gathering together in town’s Social Club to celebrate for the whole night.
The great catwalk of Spanish Fashion during which collections of the best designers are presented, and new young talents are introduced to the market.
The winter festival of theatre, dance and art in action that will give you the opportunity to enjoy extraordinary shows with old and modern interpretation of elements you may know, but also bring a sense of something fresh in art.
The festivity concentrated on cattle, during which characters dressed up with many ribbons are walking around the streets that is to symbolize the walk of animals. At the end, when an animal comes back, the three shots are fired (into the air), and everybody is drinking limonada (mix of red wine and soda water).
Festival for children and whole families, where you can watch numerous shows and meet professionals in this area. The fair promotes among the youngest, but also gives the opportunity to new artists to promote themselves and start cooperation with them. Everything is accompanied with exhibitions and lectures, and the whole fair is very entertaining and educational.
Event that focuses on golf industry, its developments and golfing trends, with the usage of technology and new solutions, and participation of owners, managers, sponsors and delegates from all over Europe.
Six-day celebration filled with fireworks show, music bands, paso doble dances, parades and processions, to commemorate the patron of the city, Saint Blas, and Christians and Moors.
A kind of “winter celebration” of Saint Eulália, the patron of the city, during which Catalans celebrate their tradition with the procession of Les Laies huge figures, correfoc fire runs, while dancing sardana (Catalan dance), and building castells (human pyramids).
Music festival that commemorates Alfredo Krauss as a worldwide known tenor born in the Canaries. Event consists of performances of various operas with participation of famous musicians.
The festival of meat, when all of the restaurants in the city give botillo for one week. Besides, people can take part in exhibition and tasting of El Bierzo products with meat, but also nuts, honey and regional cheese and wine. Additionally, cultural events and big dinner accompany this day.
The exhibition sacrificed to Rembrandt’s role as a portrait painter, but with other artists’ elements. The event that gives the opportunity to get to know the history behind every portrait and people at them.
Medieval market during which you can put on clothes from Middle Ages, buy different kinds of food and see the scenes from Isabel and Diego legend.
The greatest flamenco artists come to this fantastic festival in the south of Spain. It is also worth seeing the presentation of dancing horses in Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre, and visiting the wineries and the so-called “bodegas” with wine tasting.
The marathon that runs around the city of Seville and finishes at the Olympic Stadium. Focuses on different categories of runners and includes disabled people.
The film festival that focuses mainly on imagination, science-fiction, and fantasy movies, and is considered as one of the best of this genre, but also combines other genres, even horrors. You can see International and World Premieres, with participation of great producers, actors and directors, such as Max von Sydow, Guillermo del Toro or Danny Boyle, and many activities available, like screenings, book presentations, exhibitions, workshops, lectures and Q&A’s.
The fair of contemporary art where you can find galleries with works of art, collectors, and artists, and see how their work reflects modernity.
Screenings around the city accompanied with different cultural venues, but also other film-centered events like workshops, alternative shows and presentations.
The fair during which more than 3000 wines and 350 producers are presented. You can try different kinds of wines, but also see its essence and hear the talks of people connected to the wine business.
A medieval festival that commemorates the arrival of “La Pinta”, the caravel of Christopher Columbus to Baiona, with the news of the discovery of America. During this festival you can buy 15th century crafts, listen to the music typical to that period, but also see performances like for example knights’ fights, and wear a medieval costume.
See the Monfragüe National Park with its bird fair accompanied by recreational aspect and participation in guided tours, workshops, and contests.
Past events of November & December 2019
The masterpiece of the Austrian painter and one of the most famous kisses in art history will come to life in Spain,at Seville Navigation Pavilion, with Klimt’s Gold. An innovative proposal that will allow you to completely immerse yourself in the golden universe of Gustav Klimt through the latest technological advances. The exhibition offers a different perspective of Klimt’s cultural legacy, which ranges from his academic and classical steps, to the golden symphony of his unmistakable style.
The Barcelona International Jazz Festival is one of the city’s most well-established musical offerings. Music performances take place on various stages, such as Palau de la Música Catalana, Auditori del Fòrum or Conservatori del Liceu, as well as in several concert halls. The event brings together artists representing this music genre, being recognized on the national and international arena. The program is complemented by free concerts, master classes, conferences and meetings with artists.
The event was born to disseminate lesbian, gay and transsexual movies, short films, documentaries and video art. Year after year, the festival gained popularity and became a well-known event among the LGBT community. Film screenings are followed by debates and symposia related to the subject of the screening, with the participation of guests and the audience. Nearly 12,000 people take part in the festival.
Día de Todos los Santos or Todos Santos is a public holiday in Spain. The Spaniards visit cemeteries to pray for the souls of their loved ones and lay flowers at their burial sites. There is no custom of lighting a candle there. Some Spaniards perform the same ritual also on All Souls’ Day (November 2) and often on the weekend preceding All Saints’ Day. The celebration of this day in Spain is associated with some holidays celebrated locally (in some cities or municipalities) or regionally.
- CADIZ (Andalusia – Spain) – Tosantos
In the halls of the marketplaces (Mercado Central and Mercado Virgen del Rosario) are
created separate areas, where quite grotesque compositions are created. They consist of
peculiar puppets: animal heads (e.g. pigs, chickens, fish) and vegetables are dressed up as
characters associated mainly with the world of politics, sport and film. - CATALONIA (Spain) – Castanyada or Castañada
Much earlier, in the last days of October, on the streets of Barcelona and larger autonomy
cities, sellers of grilled sweet chestnuts appear. According to Catalan tradition, chestnuts were
supposed to help the waiters on the eve of All Saints’ Day to persist until morning. Currently,
this is an opportunity for Catalans to meet in the outdoors with friends, walk and experience
this exceptionally stirring, festive and autumn atmosphere.
The International Jazz Festival in Granada is one of the oldest operating in Europe and is a Spanish member of the Europe Jazz Network, organizing European jazz festivals. The event takes place with the participation of prestigious international characters from the world of modern jazz. Available concerts as part of the official program also take place with unofficial sessions at various locations in the city, as well as other event-related activities.
The hero of the fiesta is a fruit typical of the season – chestnut.During the festival, which is celebrated a different day each year, more than 300 kilo chestnuts and 200 kilo sweet potatoes are distributed on the town’s main square. Every year, around 3,500 people come to this Andalusian town to try local delicacies. One of the best-known hits of Alcaucin are delicious mantecado de canela cookies.
WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance), a music, art and dance festival from around the world, is a project of the British singer Peter Gabriel, aimed at presenting various musical rhythms. This year, its new edition is organized with the participation of numerous international artists. In addition to concerts, many parallel events are planned, such as vocal and instrumental workshops for adults, gastronomic tastings and courses for children, as well as cabaret performances, conferences and audiovisual projections.
The Fiesta del Orujo takes place during one November weekend and its tradition dates back to 1984. A key element of the festival and a pretext to organize it, is the tasting of the orujo liquor (40-50% of alcohol) produced in this part of Spain. Celebrations are accompanied by musical events, concerts, folk dance shows and stalls with local products. In addition to the title drink, during Fiesta del Orujo you can also taste regional dishes such as: cocido lebaniego, borono and picón bejes-tresviso.
In November, the European Film Festival takes place in Seville and gathers a large number of viewers. Its headquarters is the Nervión Plaza cinema. Pre-release screenings of many award- winning European films take place. Every year, the festival attracts the best creators of both short and feature films.
Barcelona Independent Film Festival, L’Alternativa, has its 26th edition. It offers filmgoers and professionals an occasion to discover and enjoy screenings and activities. The festival is for people who value creative freedom, diversity, innovation, commitment and thought-provoking reflection. There are many sections of film types, including Spanish Films, premieres, little-known films, but also performances and debates.
The Davis Cup is the most important team tennis competition that dates back to 1900. To that date, cup systems are held in international and continental groups, on four three-day dates throughout the year and on the hard courts of one of the teams, this time in Spain. In Madrid, in The Caja Mágica stadium, 18 teams will be divided into six groups. The groupswinners and two final winners with the best balance from second places, will advance to the quarter-finals. From this moment, the competition will continue in the cup system.
Although stalls with Christmas gifts and food can be found throughout the city, this most famous market is located in Plaza Mayor. It is the largest square of Madrid located in the heart of the Spanish capital. Tourists visit it all year round, but in December it changes into a noisy place full of food and handicraft stalls. The roots of the market go back to 1860. In addition to all products to buy, the fair is a place where are displayed Christmas balls and other performances, kept in a festive atmosphere.
The oldest and the best-known Christmas market, is the biggest one in Barcelona, “LaFira de Santa Llúcia”, which is a part of Christmas tradition of Spain. It takes place at Plaza de la Catedral in the shadow of the Gothic cathedral. The first fair took place in this place as early as 1786. It consists of around 300 stalls full of decorations, presents and everything that connects with celebrating Christmas. The most important days during this market are 13 (Santa Lucia Day) 15 of December, when festivals, concerts, and competitions take place. In
addition to Christmas trees, mistletoe, decorations and Christmas cribs figurines, you can also buy Caga Tió, a festive symbol characteristic of Catalonia. It is a creature whose torso forms a wooden block and has a traditional, red Catalan hat.
163 craft workshops in Madrid, with representatives of other autonomous communities, participate in this Christmas market. You can buy handicrafts from jewelry, ceramics, textiles, engraving, toys, hats, glasses, frames etc.
Coinciding with the Spanish December long weekend, from 3 to 9 December the International MadBear Festival returns to Madrid. And it’s not about teddy bears or furry predators … only about “bear-like” gays! This event invites all “Bears”, “Hunters”, “Chubbies” and devotees of this community. The fun begins during the day and lasts until late at night, and is accompanied by special dinners, parties in various saunas in the Chueca district (known as the gay epicenter of Madrid) and the Mister Madbear 2019 election.
The largest Christmas market in Seville takes place at Plaza Nueva. It is worth mentioning that in addition to the traditional Christmas markets at Plaza Nueva there are also book fairs. You can find both old and valuable copies as well as contemporary specialized books. Another interesting proposition for lovers of sweets is combined with sales – an exhibition of various traditional cakes and pastries prepared by nuns. Another interesting point is that individual craftsmen and craft companies with craft lists and their own design and development are taking part in this fair, showing their craft ideas.
On December 28 in Ibi, in the province of Alicante, Valencia, there is a symbolic battle for power, in which flour and eggs are used as weapons! The representatives of the New Authority, the Enfarinants, dressed in military uniforms and cylinders, are trying to impose their justice. They collect taxes that are later donated to charity. A symbolic arrest is being mounted on the main square in Ibi; this is also where the decisive clash takes place between power-hungry teams. A merry battle begins, consuming dozens of eggs and kilograms of flour. At lunchtime, there is a ceasefire so that participants can enjoy the delights of local cuisine. Los Enharinados is one of the funniest fiestas in Spain, full of folklore, music, fun and food!
Main celebrations in Spain throughout the year
Date | Name | Area |
---|---|---|
1 January | New Year (Año Nuevo) | Whole Spain |
6 January | Ephiphany (Reyes Magos) | Whole Spain |
20 January | Tamborrada of Donostia (La Tamborrada de San Sebastián) | San Sebastián |
28 February | Andalusia Day (Día de Andalucía) | Andalusia |
1 March | Day of The Balearic Islands (Día de las Islas Baleares) | Balearic Islands |
15-19 March | The Falles (Fallas de Valencia) | Valencia |
19 March | Saint Joseph’s Day, Father’s Day (San José, Día del Padre) | Whole Spain |
21-24 April | Moors and Christians (Moros y Cristianos) | Alicante |
23 April | Castile and León Day (Día de Castilla y León) | Castilla y León |
23 April | Aragon Day (Día de Aragón) | Aragon |
23 April | Saint George's Day (Día de San Jorge/ SantJordi) | Catalonia |
1 May | International Workers's Day / Labor Day (Día Internacional de los Trabajadores) | Whole Spain |
2 May | Day of the Autonomous Community of Madrid (Día de la Comunidad de Madrid) | Madrid |
11-15 May | Isidore the Farmer’s Day (Fiestas de San Isidro) | Madrid |
30 May | Day of the Canary Islands (Día de Canarias) | Canary Islands |
31 May | Day ofCastilla-La Mancha (Día de Castilla-La Mancha) | Castilla-La Mancha |
9 June | Day of La Rioja (Día de La Rioja) | La Rioja |
9 June | Day of the Region of Murcia (Día de la Región de Murcia) | Murcia |
13 June | El Marrano de San Antón | La Alberca |
20-24 June | Bonfires of Saint John (Hoguerasde San Juan de Alicante) | Alicante |
29 June | Haro Wine Battle Festival (Batalla del vino) | Haro |
6-14 July | Festival of San Fermín(Las Fiestas de San Fermín) | Pamplona |
25 July | Day of Galicia (DíaNacional de Galicia) | Galicia |
4-9 August | Virgen Blanca Festivities (Fiestas de la Virgen Blanca) | Vitoria-Gasteiz |
15 August | Assumption of Mary (Asuncion de la Virgen María) | Whole Spain |
15 August | Fiestas de la Paloma | Madrid |
16 August | A Festa da Auga/ Fiesta del Agua | Villagarcía de Arosa |
27 August – 1 September | Cipotegato | Tarazona |
29 August | La Tomatina | Buñol |
2 September | Day of Ceuta (Día de Ceuta) | Ceuta |
8 September | Day of Extremadura (Día de Extremadura) | Extremadura |
8 September | Day of Asturias (Día de Asturias) | Asturias |
11 September | National Day of Catalonia (Día de Cataluña) | Catalonia |
9 October | Valencian Community Day (Día de la Comunidad Valenciana) | Autonomous Community of Valencia |
12 October | National Day of Spain (Día de la Hispanidad/ Fiesta Nacional de España) | Whole Spain |
25 October | Day of the Basque Country (Día del País Vasco) | Basque Country |
1 November | All Saints' Day (Día de Todos los Santos) | Whole Spain |
6 December | Day of the Constitution (Dia de la Constitución) | Whole Spain |
8 December | Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción) | Whole Spain |
22 December | Spanish Christmas Lottery (Sorteo Extraordinario de Navidad / Lotería de Navidad) | Whole Spain |
25 December | Christmas (Navidad) | Whole Spain |
28 December | Feast of the Holy Innocents (Día de los Santos Inocentes) | Whole Spain |
28 December | ElsEnfarinats | Ibi (Alicante) |