Spain festival guides

Tarraco Viva is Tarragona's annual Roman heritage festival, typically held in May. It brings ancient Tarraco to life through gladiator reenactments, Roman theatre, music, and historical reenactments at UNESCO World Heritage sites. Learn how to plan your visit, what to expect, and how to get the most out of this unique event.

Tarragona is the heart of Catalonia's castells tradition. This guide covers the biennial Concurs de Castells, summer street performances, how to watch and understand the towers, plus practical planning tips.

The Concurs de Castells is the world's largest human tower competition, held every two years in Tarragona. Securing tickets requires planning: since the 30th edition, a lottery system replaced the first-come, first-served rush. This guide explains the venue, seating areas, the registration and draw process, and how to prepare so you can enjoy this UNESCO-listed tradition.

Each July, Tarragona’s Miracle Beach hosts the International 'Ciutat de Tarragona' Fireworks Contest, a four-night pyrotechnic competition dating back to 1990. This guide covers the contest’s setting, schedule, and practical tips for watching the display from Punta del Miracle.

Every July, Tarragona’s skies light up for the International Fireworks Contest. Here’s where to watch from Miracle Beach, how to beat the crowds, and how to get there without a car.

Calçotada season in the Alt Camp runs from November to April. The flagship Gran Fiesta de la Calçotada takes place in Valls on the last Sunday of January, with grilling demos, tastings, contests, and castellers. BusPlana links Tarragona to Valls.

The Festival de Música El Greco turns Toledo's historic churches and cathedral into concert halls each year. Learn about its signature Organ Battles, how to plan a visit, and where to find the latest program.

Toledo's medieval heritage shines through seasonal markets and fairs. The city itself hosts a medieval market during its August festivities, though dates vary—always check the official calendar. Nearby, Consuegra's Medieval Fair in mid-August brings history to life with dramatic reenactments, while Puy du Fou España offers a year-round journey through Spanish history. Plan your visit around these events to experience the region's rich past.

Venture beyond Toledo’s medieval walls to find authentic traditional festivals in its surrounding towns. The Saffron Festival in Consuegra, held in late October, is a highlight with its saffron picking competitions, traditional music, and windmill backdrop—perfect for a day trip from Toledo.

Valencia's Semana Santa Marinera, a Festival of National Tourist Interest, fills the maritime districts of Cabañal, Grao, and Cañamelar with processions from Palm Sunday to Easter Monday. Highlights include the Procession of the Palms, the torch-lit Maundy Thursday, the solemn Holy Burial on Good Friday, and the joyful Resurrection Parade on Easter Sunday. This guide details the day-by-day schedule, starting points, routes, and the maritime traditions that make this celebration unique.

Discover the Frédéric Chopin Piano Festival in Valldemossa, Mallorca. Learn about its atmospheric setting in a monastery cell, typical season, and how to secure tickets for this intimate classical series.

The Ascension Festival (Festas da Ascensão) turns Santiago de Compostela into a stage for traditional music, giant-head parades, open-air concerts, and the distinctive Amio livestock fair. As one of the city's most intimate festivals, it draws visitors to historic squares, Alameda Park fairgrounds, and street stalls serving pulpo á feira. Our guide covers when it happens, what to see, where to eat, and how to plan your stay.