Festivals and Events in Spain, from Little Hotels

Festivals & Events

There are so many special events in Spain; the main ones are listed on this page.

Click here for general public holidays, saints days and "puentes".

31 December 2007: New Year Countdown

Welcome in the New Year in Puerta del Sol, Madrid or La Plaza Nueva, Seville but don't forget to bring 12 grapes and a bottle of bubbly!
Suggested hotels: Casa del Maestro, Casa Romana, Hotel Alminar, Un Patio En Santa Cruz, Casa Numero 7

5 January 2008: Fiesta de los Reyes, Malaga

The Three Kings of the Orient arrive in the city and are paraded through the main streets on huge decorated floats throwing sweets and small toys to the excited children.
Suggested hotels: Hotel Picasso, Puerto El Peral, Posada Del Torcal, Hacienda San Jose

18 January - 9 February 2008: Carnival, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

El Olimpio. Greek mythological theme to this year's carnival.
Suggested hotels: Hacienda de Buen Suceso, Hacienda de Anzo, Las Calas

16 January - 9 February 2008: Carnival, Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Another excuse to celebrate! Don't miss the largest carnival in Tenerife with street bands, processions and amazing costumes.
Suggested hotels: Hotel Villalba, Senderos de Abona, El Patio de Tita

19 - 20 January 2008: La Tamborrada, San Sebastian

Bring ear plugs and prepare for 24 hours of marching bands parading through the streets of San Sebastian playing drums and barrels in honor of their patron saint, the Donostia of San Sebastian.
Suggested hotels: Villa Soro

31 January - 10 February 2008: Carnival, Cádiz

Cádiz becomes one big street party when thousands of people take to the streets on both weekends wearing themed costumes making fun of Spanish celebrities, politicians and current events.
Suggested hotels: Casa Viña de Alcantara, Casa Cinco, La Botica de Vejer

15 - 19 March 2008: Las Fallas: Las Fallas, Valencia

A wild few days of civic partying, climaxing with fireworks and amazing bonfires throughout the city.
Suggested hotels: Font Salada, Hotel Buenavista, Hotel Alahuar

16 - 23 March 2008: Semana Santa

Holy Week (Easter) is celebrated throughout Spain, but most especially in Andalucía.
Suggested hotels: All Andalucia hotels

7 - 13 April 2008: April Fair, Sevilla

THE big fiesta in Sevilla.
Suggested hotels: Casa del Maestro, Casa Romana, Hotel Alminar, Casa Numero 7, Un Patio en Santa Cruz

April 2008: Moors & Christians, Alcoy, Alicante

Celebration of the historic battles between the Moors and the Spanish. Other towns in Alicante have a similar festival on other dates, and there are others even further down the coast.
Suggested hotels: Finca El Tossal, Els Frares, Mas Fontanelles, Cases Noves, Casa Del Maco, Hotel Alahuar

26 - 27 April 2007: Spanish Grand Prix (F1), Barcelona

Always one of the most exciting events on the grand prix calendar. Will Spanish hero Alonso fight back? Who will he be driving for?
Suggested hotels: Cal Mestre, Hotel Les Vinyes, Mas Crisaran, Mas Ferran

April - May 2008: International Boat Show, Palma de Mallorca

Unmissable event for yachting and power-boat enthusiasts.
Suggested hotels: Convent de la Missio, Dalt Murada, Palacio Ca Sa Galesa plus any other hotels in Mallorca

27 April - 4 May 2008: Feria de Caballo, Jerez

Horse Fair in Spain's horse breeding capital.
Suggested hotels: Casa Viña de Alcantara, El Santiscal, Cortijo Soto Real

1 - 3 May 2008: Cruces de Mayo

The Crosses of May Festival take place in various towns and cities all over Spain where the locals dress large crosses with colourful flowers and have parties in the streets.

1 - 11 May 2008 : Festival de Los Patios Cordobeses, Cordoba

The famous Córdoba Patio Contest when home-owners throw open their patios and compete for the prize awarded to the most beautifully decorated patio. Not to be missed by those who love flowers and gardens.
Suggested hotels: La Hospedería de El Churrasco

20 - 24 June 2008: Las Hogueras, Alicante

Colourful processions, marching bands and dancing, culminating in a huge fireworks display and bonfire at midnight on 24 June.
Suggested hotels: Els Frares, Mas Fontanelles, Cases Noves, Casa Del Maco, Hotel Alahuar, Finca El Tossal, Hotel Buenavista

22 - 24 June 2008: Festes de Sant Joan, Ciutadella

Traditional Menorcan equestrian event with much jousting and skilled horsemanship. (definitely not for amateurs!)
Suggested hotels: Morvedra Nou, Biniarroca

June - July 2008 : Granada International Festival of Music & Dance

Held in the Alhambra Palace and the surrounding area. Buy tickets online (from April 2008) via the Festival's webpage on www.granadafestival.org
Suggested hotels: Casa Morisca, Puerta de Las Granadas, Zaguan Del Darro, Santa Isabel La Real

29 June 2008: Batalla del Vino, Haro, La Rioja

This particular "battle" uses rather unconventional weapons and munitions, namely traditional Spanish leather wine vessels and wine. A messy affair thoroughly enjoyed by everyone within range
Suggested hotels: Hospedería Señorio de Casalarreina, Villa De Ábalos, Antigua Bodega de Don Cosme Palacio, Castillo El Collado, Señorío de Briñas, Real Casona de Las Amas

7 - 14 July 2008: Running of the Bulls, Pamplona

San Fermín is a week-long fiesta including the famous "running of the bulls" through the streets of the old town.

July 2008: Jazzaldia, San Sebastian

One of the longest-running jazz festival's in Europe. For tickets: 0034 943 440 034 or www.jazzaldia.com
Suggested hotels: Villa Soro

25 July 2008: Feast of Saint James (San Tiago), Santiago de Compostela

One of the most important Christian festivals in Spain, and a national holiday. Thousands of pilgrims arrive in the city of Santiago de Compostela and join the local Galicians for a day of great celebrations. Saint James is, after all, the patron saint of Spain and Galicia itself.
Suggested hotels:Rectoral de Cobres, Casa Grande da Fervenza

August 2008: Local Fiestas

August is the month when nearly every city, town and village in Spain and the Balearics celebrates a local fiesta.
Suggested hotels: Just about every one on our websites; Mainland Spain or the Balearics.

August 2008: The 30th Aste Nagusia, Bilbao

The "Big Week" in Bilbao in which the city hosts a celebration of traditional Basque music and dance, along with fireworks, bullfighting, gastronomic competitions and sports events.
Suggested Hotels: Hotel Katxi

23 - 24 August 2008: The European F1 Grand Prix, Valencia

Spain gets a second grand prix, and this is going to be a corker! A fast street circuit around the swish harbourside of Valencia, it could be the one to put Monaco in the shade. We're going!
Suggested hotels: Font Salada, Els Frares, Hotel Buenavista, Casa Del Maco, Hotel Alahuar

27 August 2008: Buñol Tomato Festival, Valencia province

Yes, it's that one! When everyone goes absolutely mad, throwing ripe tomatoes.
Suggested hotels: Font Salada, Els Frares, Hotel Buenavista, Casa Del Maco, Hotel Alahuar

1 - 7 September 2008: Goyesca Fair, Ronda

Popular bullfight in which the fighters dress in the costumes shown in Goya's famous 18th century paintings. Before the bullfight there is a costume parade with horse-drawn carriages, through the town and ending at Ronda's historic bull ring, in the middle of the arena. Don't worry if bull-fighting isn't your thing: there's lots more going on too. Please note that hotels get booked up months ahead for this event.
Suggested hotels: Enfrente Arte, San Gabriel, Fuente de La Higuera, El Juncal

21 - 28 September 2008: Fiestas de la Vendimia, Logroño

Celebrate the grape harvest in La Rioja.
Suggested hotels: Castillo El Collado, Antigua Bodega De Don Cosme Palacio, Villa de Abalos

September 2008: International Film Festival, San Sebastian

See the stars arrive for Europe's biggest annual film event.
Suggested hotels: Villa Soro

3 - 5 October 2008: Rallye Catalunya, Salou, Costa Dorada

Extraordinary driving over ordinary roads. Possibly the event where the world championship will be decided.
Suggested hotels: : Hotel La Masieta, Hotel Rural Les Vinyes, Hotel L’Hort de L’Avia, Hotel Palou

12 October 2008: Fiestas del Pilar (The Pilar Festival), Zaragoza

Street processions with beautiful flowers, theatre performances, live music and dancing in the city's squares in honour of the Virgin of Pilar.

9 - 11 November 2008: Olive and Olive Oil Festival, Baena, Córdoba

A three-day day fair dedicated to everything to do with olives and olive oil, with tastings, cooking demonstrations and educational events held throughout the festival.