Spanish Festivals Overview

Overview

This lecture introduces Spain’s most famous festivals, highlighting key dates, locations, and activities associated with each celebration.

Carnival is held in February with the biggest celebrations in Tenerife and Cadiz.
The Fallas in Valencia take place from March 15th to 19th, featuring large cardboard monuments burned at the festival’s end.
Holy Week (Semana Santa) is celebrated in March or April, known for religious processions, especially in Seville and across Andalusia.
Seville’s April Fair features booths, dancing sevillanas, food, and drink.
The Night of San Juan on June 23rd welcomes summer, with bonfires and beach parties in Menorca, Alicante, and along the coast.
Sanfermines in Pamplona (July 6th-14th) is famous for its running of the bulls and lively street parties.
La Tomatina in Buñol occurs on the last Wednesday of August, where participants engage in a massive tomato fight.
The Fiestas del Pilar in Zaragoza are celebrated around October 12th with citywide festivities.

Many smaller, fun, and beautiful festivals are held throughout Spanish cities beyond the major ones listed.
Detailed information and visuals about each festival are available via the presenters’ YouTube channel.

Carnival — A festive season before Lent with parades and street parties.
Fallas — Festival in Valencia with giant cardboard figures that are burned.
Holy Week (Semana Santa) — Religious celebration with processions depicting the Passion of Christ.
April Fair (Feria de Abril) — Seville’s spring festival with dancing and traditional costumes.
San Juan Night — A festival marking the start of summer with bonfires and beach gatherings.
Sanfermines — Pamplona festival known for the daily running of the bulls.
La Tomatina — Annual tomato fight in Buñol.
Fiestas del Pilar — Zaragoza’s main festival honoring the Virgin of Pilar.

Watch the related festival videos on the presenters’ YouTube channel for more information.
Review festival dates and locations if planning to attend.