5 Spanish Fiestas Worth Planning a Trip Around

Fiestas are an essential part of Spanish identity. Not only do these festivals provide a time for dancing, music, and revelry, they’re also vital traditions that keep Spanish culture alive. Each fiesta is deeply tied to its region or city, with every town celebrating its own distinct customs and activities. As travel advisors, we’ve explored Spain from north to south. Here’s our curated guide to the country’s most unforgettable fiestas.

Semana Santa in Seville

The Semana Santa processions in Seville date back to the 16th century and are one of Spain’s most famous fiestas. The festivities begin on Palm Sunday and last until Easter Sunday, reaching their apex in the early morning hours of Good Friday. Each float, or paso as they’re called, can weigh up to one ton, and is carried by an association of dedicated bearers, called costaleros. Book a private balcony spot to watch the processions in comfort. 

The Festival of San Fermín in Pamplona

The San Fermín Festival in Pamplona is known for its Running of the Bulls, where live bulls are set free through the narrow city streets for people to run ahead of. This once-in-a-lifetime experience takes place every July 7th to 14th. This is another fiesta best observed from a private balcony. Be sure to wear white and buy a red bandana to tie around your neck—it’s mandatory! While the bull runs happen each morning for one week, there’s plenty of additional festivities in the afternoons, like the Comparsa de Gigantes y Cabeazudos parades. A firework, or chupinazo, is lit in the town square on opening night, and the festivities begin. 

Las Fallas in Valencia

For the pyrotechnically-inclined, Las Fallas is a unique cultural tradition in Valencia celebrated from March 1 to 19. Grandiose art sculptures, called ninots, are built and then burned in a jaw-dropping display of fire. The constant lighting of firecrackers in the night sky creates a stirring atmosphere. 

Sant Joan de Ciutadella in Menorca

The festival of Sant Joan de Ciutadella takes place in Menorca each June 23 to 24. A brotherhood representing the social classes of Ciutadella’s past society—the church, the aristocracy, the craftsmen, and the farmers—maintains strict guidelines regarding the festivities. During the Caragool des Born, more than one hundred riders on horseback enter the city and perform the jaleo, where horses stand on their hind legs and dance to traditional regional songs. 

International Descent of the Sella in Arriondas

The International Sella River Descent is a canoe and kayak competition in Arriondas, a village in the region of Asturias, that takes place on the Saturday following August 2 each year. Rent your own canoe and join the fun with many locals stopping along the way for drinks and tapas. While you’re in the region, consider hiking the Ruta del Cares trail through the stunning Picos de Europa mountain range.

Nina Aquino and Pablo Argüelles are members of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specialize in trips to Portugal and Spain. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Aquino and Argüelles at [email protected].