10 Must-Attend Festivals In Spain 2020

Summer is fast approaching… or so we can dream. 

One of the few benefits of the long winter is that we have plenty of time to prepare our summer schedule, be that holidays, day trips, sun-soaked Sunday’s or… festivals! 

Festivals are a summer staple but honestly, we enjoy them year-round. 

That being said, it’s difficult to pull off a rainy festival. So if the weather in your homeland isn’t the most reliable, we recommend that you take things abroad. Some international festivals are not to be missed!

Our favourite location? Spain. 

We’re not biased, honestly. 

So here’s a round-up of 10 must-attend festivals taking place in Spain this year! 

And, if any of these light up that infamous travel-bug and you want to really make the most of these amazing festivals – why not try your hand at our Spanish courses? 

Sure to get you in the mood for sangria in the sun, gorgeous scenery, music and that true summer atmosphere, our Spanish classes in London range all the way from Spanish for Beginners to advanced conversation classes. 

So you can go from Spanish newbie to confident Spanish señor or señora in no time, and feel all the more immersed in these must-see festivals…

Santa Cruz Carnival in Tenerife, 21st February – 1st March 

Santa Cruz Carnival will take to the streets of Tenerife at the end of February this year. The colours and vibrancy of Rio come to Spain for around 10 days each year for what is essentially a giant fiesta. 

The climax of this extended party is ‘el Coso’ – a street parade that brings together all the best elements of Carnival with food, dancers, performers, costumes and music. 

If you want to immerse yourself in culture, this is definitely for you. 

And, if the mention of Spanish dance gets you excited, why not try our Flamenco classes – so you can really put your best foot forward when it comes to this gorgeous festival?

Las Fallas De Valencia – The Festival of Fire in Valencia, 15th – 19th March. 

A few days of festivities that combine tradition, satire and art and celebrates the start of spring. 

Las Fallas De Valencia is one of Spain’s most famous festivals and has, in past years, cost millions of euros. No expense is spared when it comes to this spectacle. 

Find yourself being woken by brass bands to start a day of excitement that ultimately ends in the parade going up in flames to signify the end of winter’s dark days.

Semana Santa or The Holy Week, 5th – 12th April.

For something a little more low-key, why not join Semana Santa, the nationwide celebrations that span the week leading up to Easter Sunday. Become immersed in the country’s Roman Catholic Heritage during this week of food, music and gentle parades.

Andalucia is one of the best places to go and be part of this spectacle – which is also the home of Flamenco! The floats are larger, more spectacular and a great honour to carry for the people involved. 

In Seville, you can expect to see saetas which are performances of Flamenco which the whole procession stops to watch. 

Our Spanish school also runs Flamenco classes and flamenco workshops in London – so you can get into the spirit of celebration and truly be amazed at the class and emotion within these dances at the Semana Santa. 

Feria De Abril or April Fair of Seville, 25th April – 2nd Ma

Feria De Abril begins two weeks after Semana Santa, though exact dates can vary is it is bound to begin on the first Sunday after the full moon to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. 

This commemoration is a family-friendly event that will give you a real feel for Spanish culture and the Spanish way of life. The celebration is a serious experience in socialising, eating, drinking and dancing with late nights being the norm!

Everyone welcomes people from all regions to join in – so whatever level of Spanish you have, make sure you use it! Why not brush up before you head off with a Spanish course or two here at Battersea Spanish? 

You’ll be welcomed as a guest at this wonderful event, so why not express your appreciation by joining in with the language and culture!

You can expect to be immersed in traditional food, such as Tapas served until the early morning hours, and Sevillanas – the traditional folk music of Seville which has its own dance.

Why not embrace this extravagant culture and learn some Spanish dance yourself, here at our Spanish school right here in London? Whether that’s Flamenco or Sevillanas, we’ve got you covered so you can show off some newly learned skills and impress the natives!

Patios de Cordoba or The Courtyard Festival, 4th – 17th May

In keeping with the theme of light-hearted and family-friendly, Patios de Cordoba is a Spanish take on an open garden, nestled in the gorgeous landscape of Andalucia.

This festival basically celebrates the lushest courtyards in Spanish towns. Often held in small towns, this festival is an amazing opportunity to take a relaxing stroll and look in on a ton of beautiful sun-soaked courtyards.

Feria Del Caballo or The Horse Fair, 9th – 16th May 

This week of festivities is exactly what it says on the tin – a celebration of horses!

There are all kinds of horse-related activities that take place, throughout what is essentially a huge fairground, and each year a different theme dictates the expansive decorations that colour the Gonzalez Hontoria Park. And this event is open to the public with only the equestrian events requiring tickets. 

Feria Del Caballo is a hidden gem of a festival within Spain, with its much more famous sister-event Feria De Abril attracting many more visitors. The Horse Fair, by contrast, is a much more local event – which only makes it all the more charming and unmissable!

Why not make sure you fit in like a local and brush up your language skills with our Spanish classes before you go?

You’ll be able to really appreciate the traditional dress, the drinks, and of course the gorgeous stars of the show, the horses – part of the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre, the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Plus, the locals to this gorgeous area will appreciate the effort!

Haro Wine Festival, 28th – 30th June 

Kicking things up a notch, every summer in Spain sees an interesting celebration that centres around a huge wine fight, Haro Wine Festival!

Located in the La Rioja Province, highly populated for its red wine, thousands of people gather for music, food and wine tasting… and a wine fight. 

For obvious reasons, we recommend wearing clothes that you don’t mind getting covered in wine. And be prepared for a time that’s a little more on the wild side. 

If you weren’t already convinced by the sheer madness of this event, a rumour of free beer and sangria is what we heard on the grapevine… no pun intended. 

Barcelona Beach Festival, July 11th 

If you’re a fan of the wild side, then Barcelona Beach Festival is for you. 

Get ready for outrageous set productions with notorious special effects, the superstars of dance music, and storm the beaches of Barcelona for a 12-hour party. 

Festival Internacional de Benicassim (FIB) in Valencia, 16th – 19th July

If one day isn’t enough for you, why not take on FIB. Dubbed ‘Glastonbury in the sun’, this year’s line up includes Khalid, Liam Gallagher, The Libertines, Foals and Steve Aoki. 

Now renowned across Europe, FIB has become infamous for a diverse range of lineups and its consistently sun-drenched setting. 

So if you need a break from the booming atmosphere you can simply walk 200 yards and find yourself a sandy spot on which to take a break. Sounds dreamy.

La Tomatina Tomato Fight in Bunol, 26th August

We couldn’t round up the greatest Spanish festivals without including this absolute marvel. 

La Tomatina is the world’s biggest food fight. 

The weapons? More than one hundred metric tons of over-ripe tomatoes. Need we say more?

What we will say is, for one year in the late 1950’s La Tomatina was banned from its hometown due to a large number of casualties. 

The response from locals was to march through the streets of Bunol to the slow beat of traditional Spanish funeral songs. And on their shoulders? Coffins full to the brim with the infamous vegetable.

Whether you’re looking to have a nose into beautiful courtyards, immerse yourself in the Roman Catholic traditions of Spain, dance your troubles away or cover yourself and others in over-ripe tomatoes or wine – there’s something for you in Spain. 

So, if we’ve managed to tickle your tastebuds and your fancy with this list of must-attend festivals in Spanish this 2020, why not come and try your hand (or feet) at our Spanish courses, or Flamenco classes right here in London? 

We cater to a wide range of levels, whether you’re a natural Spanish speaker or not. Forget only knowing how to ask for Tapas or a glass of wine, we’ll get you fitting into whichever festival you attend this year like a true Spanish native!

Why not check out our courses at Battersea Spanish school in London? Or, if you’re really not sure where to start – and who can blame you with so many amazing festivals and events to consider – then take our Spanish level test and let us figure out which Spanish course is perfect for you!

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