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Home » Destinations » Europe » Spain

Top 9 Festivals and Parties in Spain

Modified: Oct 23, 2021 · Published: Apr 10, 2012 by Mark Wiens |

Spain is a country that loves to party, and there are plenty of festivals and events each year that cater to having fun.

Here are 9 of the biggest festival parties that take place in Spain each year.

Spain, a country that enjoys partying!
Spain, a country that enjoys partying! (photo by spiral)

Table of Contents

  • Partying in Spain
    • 1. Carnival
    • 2. Las Fallas
    • 3. Feria de Sevilla
    • 4. Cristianos y Moros
    • 5. La Nit de Sant Joan
    • 6. Clubbing in Ibiza
    • 7. Festival of San Fermin: Running of the Bulls
    • 8. Music Festivals
    • 9. La Tomatina: Valencia Tomato Fight Festival

Partying in Spain

1. Carnival

Before Lent, generally in February.

In the days leading up to Lent, the Carnival festival begins. Carnival is known for its glamorous colorful parades, lots of humor, and all-out partying celebrations.

The significant festivities in Spain take place in Tenerife and Cadiz, but celebrations are also popular in the larger cities of Madrid and Barcelona.

Las Fallas
Las Fallas (photo by orvalrochefort)

2. Las Fallas

March 15-19

Burning and fire are what the festival of Las Fallas is most well known for.

Located in Valencia each year, the festival is a 5-day event where participants destroy dolls and puppets (known as ninots) by setting them on fire.

On March 19, some dolls are filled with fireworks and lit on fire at midnight for a magical display.

3. Feria de Sevilla

April

The fair of Sevilla runs for six days and includes all sorts of fun activities.

Along with rides and circus displays catering to children, there are flamenco dances, bullfights, drinking, and dancing for adults.

The entertainment goes on 24 hours a day as locals party and thoroughly enjoy themselves.

4. Cristianos y Moros

Varies by City

Celebrated mainly in the Alicante region of Spain, the Christians and Moors festival is where participants re-enact battle scenes.

The mock battle first displays the Moorish rule of Spain, followed by the Christians taking control. This is a fascinating historical festival to witness.

5. La Nit de Sant Joan

June 23

Barcelona is known for its parties and festivals, but the most significant event annually is La Nit de Sant Joan.

The citywide party goes throughout the entire night with lots of fireworks and bonfires on the beach along with alcohol, singing, and dancing to celebrate.

You can even legally spend the night on the beach.

6. Clubbing in Ibiza

Best in the Summer

Ibiza is known as one of the clubbing capitals in the entire world - people go there not just for the beaches but also for the wild nightlife.

Every night the clubs are filled with ravers who hunt out the best electro-music spun by famous DJs.

The island of Ibiza also offers lots of thrilling activities for stag weekends abroad, including paintballing, go-karting, and quad biking.

Running of the Bulls
Running of the Bulls (photo by abir82)

7. Festival of San Fermin: Running of the Bulls

July 6-14

While the festival of San Fermin includes lots of different forms of celebration, nothing is more highly anticipated than the famous running of the bulls.

Hundred of people line up in the narrow streets of Pamplona as bulls and steers are let loose.

After the sounds of the rocket fire, participants run the route attempting to avoid getting thrashed by the bulls.

8. Music Festivals

Summer

Due to Spain’s vibrant party culture, music festivals held throughout the year are extremely popular. Check out Bilbao BKK Live or Monegros, both held sometime in July.

This is another excellent opportunity to have hen weekends abroad, which allows you to organize everything in advance, so you can have a fantastic time without having to worry about the logistics of your trip.

9. La Tomatina: Valencia Tomato Fight Festival

August

One of Spain’s most famous festivals is La Tomatina, also known as the tomato throwing festival.

Each year on a Wednesday towards the end of August, thousands of locals and tourists gather in Buñol (in Valencia) to participate in a friendly battle throwing over-ripe tomatoes at each other.

The fight is messy and sloppy yet extraordinarily unique and lots of fun.

If you happen to be in Spain during one of these festivals or events, you’ll indeed have the time of your life.

__________

This story is brought to you in partnership with Chillisauce.

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About Mark Wiens

Mark was raised in central Africa before migrating back to the U.S. for university. After graduating, he decided to continue traveling the world. On Migrationology, he shares the cultural side of travel from a slow-paced local perspective that often revolves around his love for eating all forms of food. Join him on Facebook and follow him on YouTube.

Dave at Ahu Ko Te Riku on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile.

Hi, I'm Dave

Editor in Chief

I've been writing about adventure travel on Go Backpacking since 2007. I've visited 68 countries.

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