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 2011: 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 de Madrid, Casa del Maestro, Casa Romana, Hotel Alminar, Un Patio En Santa Cruz, Un Patio Al Sur, Casa Numero 7

5 January 2012: 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. On the 6th January, it is Los Reyes Day a public holiday in Spain, where families gather to give presents and eat the traditional Three Kings Cake (Rosca de Reyes) for breakfast.
Suggested hotels: Hotel Picasso, Casa de Las Mercedes, Puerto El Peral

19 - 20 January 2012: 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 honour of their patron saint, Donostia or San Sebastian.
Suggested hotels: Villa Soro, Hotel Iturregi

3 - 21 February 2012: Carnival, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Join in Gran Canaria’s biggest party of the year. This year has a ‘Comic’ theme.
Website: www.lpacarnaval.com
Suggested hotels: Hacienda del Buen Suceso, Hacienda de Anzo, Las Calas, Caserio de San Jose, Finca Las Longueras, Villa Chovita

16 - 26 February 2012: 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.
Website: www.carnavaldecadiz.com
Suggested hotels: Casa Viña de Alcantara, Hotel Chancilleria, La Botica de Vejer, Hotel V..., Hacienda de Santiscal

17 - 25 February 2012: Carnival, Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Another excuse to celebrate! Don't miss the largest carnival in Tenerife with street bands, processions and amazing costumes. The 1960’s provides the theme of this year's carnival.
Website: www.carnavaltenerife.com
Suggested hotels: Hotel Villalba, Senderos de Abona, El Patio de Tita, Gara Hotel Rural, La Quinta Roja

15 - 19 March 2012: Las Fallas, Valencia

A wild few days of civic partying, climaxing with fireworks and amazing bonfires throughout the city. Eleborate effigies of local and national politicians go up in flames (what a fine idea!).
Suggested hotels: Casa Aldomar, Font Salada, Hotel Buenavista, Hotel Chamarel, Hotel Alahuar

1 - 8 April 2011: Semana Santa (Easter)

Holy Week (Easter) is celebrated throughout Spain, but no-one does it better than los andaluces.
Suggested hotels: All Andalucia hotels

22 - 24 April 2012: 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: La Puerta del Agua, Finca El Tossal, Mas Fontanelles, Casa Aldomar, La Serena, Cases Noves, Casa Del Maco, Hotel Alahuar

24 - 29 April 2012: Feria, Sevilla

Be sure to book early for the big fiesta in Sevilla. Commonly called "April Fair”.
Suggested hotels: Casa del Maestro, Casa Romana, Hotel Alminar, Un Patio En Santa Cruz, Un Patio Al Sur, Casa Numero 7

27 - 29 April 2012: Moto GP, Jerez

Motor-cycle racing is BIG is Spain, and the Spanish round of the Moto GP World Championship is the blue riband event, not to be missed by anyone with an interest in bikes.
Website: www.www.circuitodejerez.com
Suggested hotels: Hotel Chancilleria, Casa Viña de Alcantara, El Santiscal, Cortijo Soto Real

28 April - 6 May 2012: International Boat Show, Palma de Mallorca

Unmissable event for yachting and power-boat enthusiasts.
Suggested hotels: Can Cera, Dalt Murada, Palacio Ca Sa Galesa, Cap Rocat, plus just about any other hotel in Mallorca

3 May 2012: 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.

4 - 15 May 2012 (tbc): 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, Balcón de Córdoba

7 – 13 May 2012: Feria de Caballo, Jerez

Horse Fair in the city that is home to the famous Spanish Riding School.
Suggested hotels: Hotel Chancilleria, Casa Viña de Alcantara, El Santiscal, Cortijo Soto Real

11 - 13 May 2012: Spanish Grand Prix (F1), Barcelona

The new rules introduced in 2011 have transformed the spectacle of F1. Despite the dominance of Sebastian Vettel, it was an exciting season. With Jenson Button having scored more points than Vettel in the second half of 2011, 2012 could combine the exciting racing of 2011 with a close championship contest.
Suggested hotels: Masferrer, Duquesa de Cardona, Cal Mestre, Hotel Palou

20 - 24 June 2012 (tbc): Las Hogueras, Alicante

Colourful processions, marching bands and dancing, culminating in a huge fireworks display and bonfire at midnight on the final night.
Suggested hotels: La Puerta del Agua, La Serena, Hotel La Romana, Cases Noves, Casa Del Maco, La Madrugada, Hotel Alahuar, Finca El Tossal, Villa Marisol

22 - 24 June 2012: Festes de Sant Joan, Ciutadella

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

22 - 24 June 2012: The European F1 Grand Prix, Valencia

Spain's second grand prix of the year, this time on the harbourside of Valencia. Will Fernando Alonso and Ferrari make it to the front? Will Jaime Alguersuari raise his game in 2011? Will home-grown team Hispania Racing break out of the tail-end group? Will Pedro de la Rosa have a better comeback than Michael Schumacher?
Suggested hotels: Casa Aldomar, Font Salada, Hotel Buenavista, Hotel Chamarel, Casa Del Maco, Hotel Alahuar

22 June - 8 July 2012: Granada International Festival of Music & Dance

Held in the Alhambra Palace and the surrounding area. Buy tickets online (from mid-April 2012) via the Festival's webpage on www.granadafestival.org
Suggested hotels: Casa Morisca, Puerta de Las Granadas, Zaguan Del Darro, Santa Isabel La Real, Muralla Ziri, Abadia, La Almunia del Valle

29 June 2012: Batalla del Vino, Haro, La Rioja

This particular "battle" employs rather unconventional weapons and munitions, namely traditional Spanish leather wine vessels and wine. A messy affair thoroughly enjoyed by everyone within range.
Suggested hotels: Villa De Ábalos, Antigua Bodega de Don Cosme Palacio, Castillo El Collado

6 - 14 July 2012: 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. Get up early to secure your place.
Suggested hotel: Hotel Iribarnia

19 - 23 July 2011: Jazzaldia, San Sebastian

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

25 July 2012: 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 both Spain and Galicia itself.
Suggested hotels: Rectoral de Cobres, Casa Grande da Fervenza

August 2012: 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.

10 - 19 August 2011: Malaga Fair

Yet another not-to-be-missed bonanza of partying, that the Andalucians do so well.
Suggested hotels: Hotel Picasso, Casa de las Mercedes, Puerto El Peral, Las Islas

18 - 26 August 2012: 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.
Website: www.astenagusia.com
Suggested Hotels: Hotel Katxi, Aldori Landetxea, Iturregi

29 August 2012: Buñol Tomato Festival, Valencia province

Yes, it's the one that everyone's heard of! The whole town goes absolutely mad, throwing ripe tomatoes at all and sundry.
Suggested hotels: Font Salada, Hotel Buenavista, Hotel Chamarel, Casa Del Maco, La Madrugada, Hotel Alahuar

1 - 5 September 2012 (tbc): 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, passing 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. Do note that hotels get booked up months ahead for this event.
Suggested hotels: Enfrente Arte, San Gabriel, Fuente de La Higuera, Molino del Puente, Molino del Santo , Hotel Montejaque, El Gecko

16 - 23 September 2012 (tbc): Fiesta de San Mateo, Logroño

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

21 - 29 September 2012: 60^th International Film Festival, San Sebastian

See the stars arrive for Europe's biggest annual film event.
Website: www.sansebastianfestival.com
Suggested hotels: Villa Soro, Hotel Iturregi

20 - 24 September 2012: Festes de la Mercé, Barcelona

Barcelona 's biggest annual festival to celebrate the city's patron saint, the Virgin de la Mercé. Numerous events including a parade of gegants (giant wooden figures operated by people), Castellers (human towers) and fireworks.
Suggested hotels: Duquesa de Cardona, Cal Mestre, Hotel Palou, Mas Ferrer

6 - 14 October 2012: Fiestas del Pilar, Zaragoza

Street processions with beautiful flowers, theatre performances, live music and dancing in the city's squares in honour of the Virgin of Pilar and fireworks (of course). The main event is celebrated on the 12th October with offerings of flowers to the virgin. The day also coincides with Columbus Day (discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus in 1492) which is celebrated by Spanish-speaking people worldwide.

November 2012 (tbc): Olive and Olive Oil Festival, Baena, Córdoba

One of the biggest olive oil producers in the world. 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.
Suggested hotels: La Hospedería de El Churrasco, Balcón de Córdoba

25 November 2012: Start of the ARC, Gran Canaria

200 yachts gather in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in preparation for their crossing to St Lucia in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers.
Suggested hotels: Hacienda del Buen Suceso, Hacienda de Anzo, Las Calas, Caserio de San Jose, Finca Las Longueras, Villa Chovita

31 December 2012: New Year Countdown