Spain is synonymous with festivals that embody its rich culture, history, and vibrant spirit.
From the fiery bonfires of San Juan to the solemn processions of Semana Santa, there’s something for everyone.
This calendar for 2025 showcases 24 of the most iconic Spanish festivals, helping you plan a culturally immersive year.
Spain’s rich cultural calendar offers something for every traveler, with festivals that span religious traditions, historical reenactments, and lively celebrations. Starting with Three Kings' Day in January, each month brings unique events—from the colorful Carnival in February to the fiery Las Fallas in March. Summer shines with iconic festivals like the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina, while autumn highlights include the Santa Tecla Festival and Fiestas del Pilar. Winter wraps up with festive Christmas Markets and Andalusian traditions like the Verdiales Music Festival. This guide takes you through Spain’s top festivals in 2025, month by month!
January
Día de los Reyes Magos - (Feast of the Three Kings)
Date: January 6
Location: Nationwide
Estimated Attendance: Hundreds of thousands
Three Kings' Day marks the finale of Spain’s Christmas season, celebrating the Wise Men’s journey to bring gifts to baby Jesus. On January 5, parades called Cabalgatas fill streets with floats, music, and candy-throwing kings, with Madrid and Barcelona hosting spectacular displays. The morning of January 6 is for family gift exchanges and sharing a Roscón de Reyes, a pastry hiding a figurine and bean—crowning one lucky eater king for the day. Drawing hundreds of thousands of participants nationwide, this joyful, family-centered tradition blends magic, generosity, and community in a celebration unique to Spain.
Tamborrada - (Drumming Festival of San Sebastian)
Date: January 20, 2025
Location: San Sebastián, Basque Country
Estimated Attendance: 100,000
San Sebastián Day brings 24 hours of non-stop drumming to the streets of this scenic Basque city. Starting at midnight with the flag-raising in Plaza de la Constitución, locals dressed as cooks and soldiers drum traditional tunes in a powerful, rhythmic spectacle. This festival, rooted in 19th-century traditions mocking French troops, now symbolizes Basque pride and resilience. With approximately 100,000 attendees, the Tamborrada captivates visitors with its unique energy and offers a taste of Basque cuisine, music, and culture. Immersing yourself in this rhythmic celebration makes for an unforgettable experience in Spain’s cultural landscape.
February
Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival (Carnaval)
Date: February 24–March 4, 2025
Location: Tenerife
Estimated Attendance: Over 2 million
Carnival is one of Spain’s most vibrant celebrations, blending elaborate costumes, parades, and parties before Lent. Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s Carnival, often compared to Rio, draws over 250,000 attendees with its grand Queen Election Gala, lively street parties, and colorful floats. Cádiz offers a satirical twist with witty performances and musical contests with 2025 being themed "Secrets of Africa". This festival is a sensory delight, with music, dancing, and an infectious party spirit filling the streets. Whether in Tenerife, Cádiz, or smaller towns, Carnival is a must-see for those seeking to experience Spain’s exuberance and creativity at its peak.
March
Las Fallas (The Fires)
Date: March 15–19
Location: Valencia
Estimated Attendance: Over 2 million.
Las Fallas is an extraordinary festival where art, fire, and tradition collide. Valencia transforms into an open-air gallery with colossal sculptures (ninots) displayed throughout the city. On March 19, these masterpieces are burned in spectacular bonfires during the Cremà, accompanied by dazzling fireworks. The festival also features daily mascletàs (firecracker displays), traditional costumes, and parades. Drawing over 2 million visitors, Las Fallas is a celebration of creativity and community, symbolizing renewal through fire. It’s a uniquely Valencian experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who witness it.
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Date: April 13 to April 20
Location: Seville, Málaga, and other cities
Estimated Attendance: Over 1 million in Seville, 500,000 in Málaga
Semana Santa is Spain’s most solemn and visually stunning celebration. Religious brotherhoods carry elaborately adorned floats depicting biblical scenes through city streets, accompanied by music and devout followers. Seville’s processions are world-famous, attracting over a million attendees with their grandeur, while Málaga offers a more theatrical and vibrant take. Each procession reflects deep cultural and religious significance, blending faith, art, and tradition. Whether you’re religious or not, the emotional depth and beauty of Semana Santa make it an unforgettable cultural experience.
La Magdalena Festival (Festival of Magdalena)
Date: March 22 to March 30
Location: Castellón de la Plana
Estimated Attendance: 200,000
The Magdalena Festival commemorates Castellón’s founding with a week of vibrant events. Central to the celebration is the Romería de las Cañas, a pilgrimage to the city’s original settlement site. The streets come alive with parades, concerts, fireworks, and the display of gaiatas, beautifully illuminated sculptures symbolizing light guiding settlers. With over 200,000 attendees, this festival blends tradition and modern festivity, offering an authentic glimpse into the region’s heritage.
April
Romería de Andújar
Date: April 24 to April 27
Location: Andújar, Andalusia
Estimated Attendance: 300,000
The Romería de Andújar, or Andújar Pilgrimage, is one of Spain’s largest religious processions, held in honor of the Virgin of the Cabeza. Pilgrims travel to the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza, a shrine nestled in the Sierra Morena mountains. The event is marked by processions on horseback, ox-drawn carts, and traditional Andalusian attire. Along the journey, pilgrims sing, dance, and share meals, creating a festive yet spiritual atmosphere. With an attendance of 300,000, this event showcases the region’s deep religious devotion and its lively communal spirit.
Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians Festival)
Date: April 21 to April 24
Location: Alcoy, Alicante
Estimated Attendance: 100,000
The Moros y Cristianos Festival, or Moors and Christians Festival, is a grand reenactment of battles from Spain’s medieval history. Alcoy’s streets become a stage for colorful parades and theatrical reenactments depicting the Reconquista battles between the Moors and Christians. Participants wear elaborate costumes and perform choreographed battles complete with mock artillery and dramatic storytelling. This festival blends history and entertainment. Its vivid displays and cultural significance make it a must-see for anyone interested in Spain’s rich historical traditions.
9. Feria de Abril (Seville April Fair)
Date: May 6 to May 11
Location: Seville
Estimated Attendance: Over 1 million
Seville’s Feria de Abril is a week-long extravaganza of flamenco, horse parades, and Andalusian culture. Locals dress in traditional attire and gather in casetas, decorated tents, to dance, drink, and socialize. Horse-drawn carriages parade through the fairgrounds by day, while vibrant lights illuminate the festivities at night. Drawing over 1 million attendees, the fair is a sensory feast of music, color, and tradition, making it one of Spain’s most iconic celebrations.
May
Fiesta de los Patios (Festival of the Courtyards)
Dates: May 5 - 8
Location: Córdoba, Andalusia
Estimated Attendance: Over 50,000
The Fiesta de los Patios in Córdoba is a UNESCO-recognized celebration that showcases the city’s stunning courtyards, blending Roman, Moorish, and Andalusian influences. During this unique event, homeowners open their patios to the public, transforming them into vibrant displays of flowers, intricate tile work, and lush greenery. Visitors can stroll through Córdoba’s historic neighborhoods, experiencing the artistry and dedication behind each design. Around 50 courtyards compete for awards, creating a festive atmosphere that highlights the city’s cultural and architectural heritage. This celebration embodies Córdoba’s deep sense of community, offering a sensory feast of color, history, and creativity.
Feria del Caballo (Horse Fair)
Dates: May 17 - 24
Location: Jerez de la Frontera
Estimated Attendance: Over 100,000
The Feria del Caballo pays homage to Jerez’s equestrian legacy and Andalusian culture. The week-long event features parades of horses and riders dressed in traditional Andalusian attire, thrilling equestrian shows, and vibrant flamenco performances. Visitors can enjoy tastings of the region’s renowned sherry, as well as the warm hospitality of locals. This elegant and lively fair is a must-see for equestrian enthusiasts and fans of Andalusian heritage.The fair takes place in the González Hontoria Park, where visitors can enjoy numerous hospitality tents (casetas) that are open to the public.
Fiesta de San Isidro
Date: May 15
Location: Madrid
Estimated Attendance: Over 200,000
The Fiesta de San Isidro is a vibrant celebration of Madrid’s patron saint. The festival begins with a pilgrimage to the Pradera de San Isidro, where locals gather for picnics and outdoor festivities. Parades, concerts, and food stalls bring the city to life, while traditional chotis dances performed in historic costumes reflect Madrid’s cultural heritage. The event combines history, community spirit, and festivity, making it a highlight of Madrid’s cultural calendar.
June
Romería del Rocío
Dates: June 6-9
Location: Almonte, Andalusia
Estimated Attendance: Over 1 million
The Romería del Rocío is Spain’s most iconic pilgrimage, drawing over 1 million participants annually. Pilgrims travel to the shrine of the Virgin of El Rocío in ox-drawn carts, on horseback, or on foot, singing traditional songs and dressed in colorful flamenco attire. Along the way, they share meals and celebrate together, creating a festive yet spiritual atmosphere. This event is a vivid display of Andalusia’s deep faith, communal spirit, and vibrant traditions.
Hogueras de San Juan (Bonfires of St. John)
Dates: June 20–24
Location: Alicante
Estimated Attendance: Over 200,000
June 20–24: Each afternoon, Alicante’s Plaza de los Luceros vibrates with the powerful explosions of mascletàs, a thrilling showcase of pyrotechnic artistry.
June 23: As night falls, the city and its beaches come alive with bonfires, creating a magical atmosphere where locals and visitors celebrate under the stars.
June 24: The festival concludes with La Cremà, an awe-inspiring event where the meticulously crafted sculptures are set ablaze, accompanied by a dazzling fireworks display that lights up the night sky. This fiery finale symbolizes rebirth and the arrival of summer.
June
San Fermín (Running of the Bulls)
Dates: July 7–14
Location: Pamplona
Estimated Attendance: 1.5 million
The San Fermín Festival is an electrifying celebration of tradition and community. Its iconic Encierro (Running of the Bulls), dating back to the 14th century, sees participants race alongside bulls through Pamplona’s cobbled streets each morning. The festival honors Pamplona’s patron saint, San Fermín, with a mix of thrilling events and cultural displays, including parades, Basque music, and the solemn July 7 procession. Festivities kick off with the lively Chupinazo rocket launch and end with the heartfelt Pobre de Mí candlelit song. Blending history, courage, and revelry, San Fermín is an unforgettable Spanish experience.
August
La Tomatina (Tomato Festival)
Date: August 27
Location: Buñol, Valencia
Estimated Attendance: 20,000 (ticket-limited)
La Tomatina is the world’s most famous food fight, drawing visitors from across the globe to the small town of Buñol. On the last Wednesday of August, participants gather to hurl overripe tomatoes at one another, transforming the streets into a sea of red. The festival’s origins date back to a playful scuffle in 1945, and it has since become an internationally celebrated event. The day begins with festivities, including music and parades, before the hour-long tomato battle erupts. Known for its fun, chaos, and camaraderie, La Tomatina is a unique experience that’s both messy and unforgettable.
September
La Mercè (Our Lady of Mercy)
Dates: September 20–24
Location: Barcelona
Estimated Attendance: Over 1 million
La Mercè is Barcelona’s grandest festival, celebrating the city’s patron saint, Our Lady of Mercy. This vibrant event features an array of cultural spectacles, including the famous castells, where teams form towering human pyramids that awe the crowds. The streets come alive with parades, fire-runs (correfocs) featuring fire-breathing dragons, and open-air concerts. A highlight is the dazzling Piromusical, a fireworks display synchronized to music, lighting up the skies over Montjuïc. Originating in the 19th century, La Mercè has grown into a citywide celebration of tradition, creativity, and unity, drawing over a million attendees to its unforgettable festivities.
Santa Tecla Festival (Honor City's Saint)
Dates: September 15–24
Location: Tarragona, Catalonia
Estimated Attendance: Over 200,000
The Santa Tecla Festival is a vibrant celebration of Tarragona’s patron saint, blending religious traditions with lively cultural displays. Highlights include castells (human towers), where teams showcase incredible skill and balance, and thrilling correfocs, where performers dressed as devils and dragons run through the streets with sparking fireworks. Parades featuring giant figures and traditional music add to the festive atmosphere. Rooted in the 14th century, this historic festival brings Tarragona’s streets to life, combining faith, artistry, and community pride. With over 200,000 attendees, Santa Tecla is an unmissable event that captures the heart of Catalan culture.
Fiesta de la Vendimia (Wine Harvest Festival)
Date: September 8 to 17
Location: Jerez de la Frontera
Estimated Attendance: 50,000+
The Fiesta de la Vendimia celebrates Jerez’s rich winemaking tradition and the grape harvest. This vibrant festival combines the region’s finest offerings, including wine tastings of world-renowned sherry, flamenco performances, and equestrian shows that highlight Jerez’s equestrian heritage. Events such as the ceremonial Pisado de la Uva (grape stomping) and parades through the city add to the festive atmosphere. Rooted in local tradition, the festival offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Andalusian culture, enjoying the blend of music, wine, and history that defines Jerez.
October
Fiestas del Pilar
Dates: October 4–13
Location: Zaragoza
Estimated Attendance: Over 300,000
The Fiestas del Pilar honors Zaragoza’s patron saint, the Virgin of the Pillar, in a week-long celebration filled with tradition and festivity. One of the most moving events is the Ofrenda de Flores, where thousands of participants dressed in traditional attire present flower offerings to create a stunning floral mantle for the Virgin. The festival also features vibrant parades, live music, theatrical performances, and thrilling gigantes y cabezudos (giant puppet processions). Rooted in faith and community pride, the Fiestas del Pilar is a colorful and joyous tribute that draws visitors from across Spain and beyond.
November
Fira de Tots Sants - (All Saints’ Day Fair)
Dates: November 1-3
Location: Cocentaina, Alicante
Estimated Attendance: 500,000+
The Fira de Tots Sants is one of Spain’s oldest and largest fairs, with a history dating back over 700 years. Held in the picturesque town of Cocentaina, this vibrant event transforms the streets into a bustling marketplace, offering everything from artisan crafts to local delicacies. Visitors can explore themed exhibitions showcasing agriculture, industry, and gastronomy, while enjoying live performances and cultural displays. The fair’s unique blend of history, tradition, and modernity attracts over half a million attendees annually, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic and lively Spanish festival experience.
Fiestas Patronales - (Benidorm Annual Festival)
Date: November 8 - 12
Location: Benidorm
Estimated Attendance: 150,000
The Benidorm Annual Festival is a lively tribute to the city’s patron saints, Saint James and the Virgin of the Suffrage. This week-long celebration fills Benidorm’s streets with vibrant parades, outdoor performances, and concerts, creating a festive atmosphere that attracts locals and visitors alike. Highlights include traditional religious processions, colorful floats, and evening fireworks displays that light up the coastline. The festival culminates in a grand piromusical, a synchronized fireworks and music show. Combining cultural heritage with modern entertainment, the Benidorm Annual Festival offers a unique experience that showcases the city’s dynamic spirit.
December
Verdiales Music Festival
Date: December 28
Location: Málaga
Estimated Attendance: ~30,000
The Verdiales Music Festival is a vibrant celebration of Andalusian folk traditions, held annually in Málaga. Dedicated to the Verdiales, an ancient style of flamenco music, the festival features lively competitions between pandas (folk music groups) showcasing their skill with instruments like guitars, tambourines, and violins. Performers dress in traditional costumes adorned with colorful ribbons and flowers, adding to the festive atmosphere. The festival is a joyful display of local heritage and community pride, making it a must-see for those interested in Andalusian culture and music.
Christmas Markets
Dates: December
Locations: Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and others
Estimated Attendance: 100,000+
Spain’s Christmas Markets transform major cities into winter wonderlands during December. In Madrid’s Plaza Mayor, stalls overflow with holiday decorations, nativity figures, and artisanal crafts. Barcelona’s Fira de Santa Llúcia offers handmade gifts and festive activities, while Seville’s markets highlight local gastronomy, including turrón and polvorones. Visitors can sip mulled wine, sample seasonal treats, and enjoy the festive lights and music that fill the air. Combining holiday cheer with cultural charm, Spain’s Christmas Markets are a magical way to experience the country’s traditions during the holiday season.
Summary of Festivals
Spain’s festivals showcase the country’s unique blend of tradition, culture, and celebration. Here’s a quick summary of what to expect:
Winter Wonders: Start the year with the spectacular parades of Three Kings' Day and the rhythmic beats of San Sebastián Day (Tamborrada).
Spring Spectacles: Marvel at the fiery Las Fallas in Valencia, experience the religious solemnity of Semana Santa, and enjoy the vibrant flamenco atmosphere of the Seville April Fair.
Summer Thrills: Celebrate the solstice with bonfires at the Hogueras de San Juan, feel the adrenaline of the Running of the Bulls, and throw yourself into the chaos of La Tomatina.
Autumn Delights: Witness the human towers and cultural richness of La Mercè and the fire-runs of Santa Tecla Festival.
Festive Finale: End the year with the colorful Verdiales Music Festival, bustling Christmas Markets, and New Year’s Eve celebrations across the country.
Each festival offers its own magic, from intimate local traditions to grand-scale spectacles that attract millions. Spain’s calendar is packed with opportunities to immerse yourself in its lively and diverse culture.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear about your festival highlights!
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