Festival trip guides

Aste Nagusia, or Semana Grande, is Bilbao's biggest street festival, held for nine days in late August. From the rocket launch at the Arriaga Theatre to free concerts, txosnas along El Arenal, nightly fireworks, and parades of giants, it's a nonstop celebration of Basque culture. Learn what to expect, how to plan, and why you should join the crowds.

Discover the Catalan Christmas tradition of Caga Tió. Learn what the pooping log is, how families feed and hit it for presents, and where to find one in Barcelona.

Castellers build human towers that reach up to nine levels high, a Catalan tradition recognized by UNESCO. This guide explains where and when to catch them in Barcelona, from festival performances to weekly practice sessions you can watch or even join.

A correfoc, or fire run, is a Catalan tradition where devils and mythical beasts parade through the streets, setting off fireworks that shower sparks over the crowd. In Barcelona, the largest correfoc occurs during La Mercè in September. This guide explains the tradition, what to expect, and how to stay safe.

Bilbao BBK Live is one of Europe's most distinctive city festivals, set on the Kobetamendi hillside above Bilbao with views of the city and the Basque countryside. Held each July, this multi-genre event combines international headliners with deep electronic programming, Basque culture, and a strong sustainability ethos. Our guide covers the venue, getting there, tickets, accommodation, what to pack, and how to make the most of the surrounding city.

Bilbao's carnival, known locally as Aratuste, is a pre-Lenten celebration filled with parades, costume contests, and unique Basque traditions. Learn about the trial of Farolín and Zarambolas, the burning of the sardine, and how to plan your visit to this lively event in the Basque Country.

Every February or March, Arrecife transforms into a week-long street festival of music and color. Nightly open-air concerts in the central squares, satirical murgas, and rhythmic batucadas draw crowds to dance until late. This guide explains the structure of musical nights, where to catch performances, and practical tips for first-time visitors.

Arrecife Carnival is all about dressing up and joining the fun. With mild weather and a welcoming crowd, anything goes – from simple masks to full costumes. Discover easy face paint ideas, tips for families, and how to prepare for the parades.

Arrecife Carnival is one of the most family-friendly festivals in the Canary Islands, offering daytime events, children's galas, and a parade designed with quieter zones for sensory-sensitive visitors. Learn how to choose the right spot, what to expect from traditions like Los Buches, and practical advice for navigating the capital with prams and young children.

The Carnaval de Arrecife fills the Lanzarote capital with color and music each February. Learn about its costumed parades, daytime family events, and the sardine-burning finale, plus practical tips for attending.

Each year on Ash Wednesday, Arrecife says goodbye to its Carnival with the Entierro de la Sardina, a satirical funeral procession that winds from the Arrecife Gran Hotel to Playa de la Rocar. Learn what to wear, who takes part, and where the sardine is finally burned.

The Feria de Almería is the city's biggest annual celebration, honoring its patron saint, the Virgen del Mar. For over a week in late August, the historic center transforms into a daytime tapas fair, while at night the fairgrounds by the Andarax River buzz with casetas, rides, and concerts. This guide explains the fair's history, practical details for first-timers, and how to make the most of the festivities.