Festival Season in Spain: 5 Parties That Will Change Your Life

If you've never been to a Spanish festival, let me tell you — you're seriously missing out.

Spain doesn’t just do parties; it lives and breathes them. Every fiesta feels like stepping into another world where rules are a bit bendier, the sangria flows freely, and everyone’s your best mate by the end of the night.

I’ve spent the last few years chasing festivals across Spain and honestly, these five absolutely blew me away.

Trust me, you’ll want to add them to your bucket list immediately.

1. La Tomatina – Buñol, Valencia

When you think of La Tomatina, you probably picture chaotic tomato-throwing madness... and you’d be exactly right. But being there in person is next-level.

I rocked up to Buñol at about 7 am (rookie mistake – you need to get there even earlier), and the atmosphere was already electric. Streets lined with plastic, locals hosing down buildings, and the smell of paella wafting from every corner.

Top Tip: Stay the night before in Valencia – I loved the boutique Hotel RH Sorolla Centro; it’s close to everything and surprisingly affordable. Plus, after the battle, you’ll definitely want a proper bed (and a very long shower).

The town’s energy is insane – imagine 20,000 people laughing, slipping, and flinging tomatoes in every direction. I recommend grabbing a beer at Café de la Plaza after, where the locals swap the best tomato-war stories.

2. Las Fallas – Valencia

Sticking around Valencia? Good — because if you visit in March, you’ll witness Las Fallas, and your jaw will be on the floor the entire time.

The city turns into an open-air museum of huge, intricate sculptures called Ninots, which are paraded through the streets before being set on fire. Yes, fire. I spent one night watching a 40-foot papier-mâché dragon go up in flames while fireworks lit up the sky — it was like standing in the middle of a movie.

Don't Miss: Grab a churro and chocolate from Chocolatería Valor (seriously the best) while you wander the exhibits. If you can, book a terrace dinner at La Salita – a Michelin-starred spot where chef Begoña Rodrigo serves up pure magic.

3. Feria de Abril – Seville

Oh Seville, you absolute beauty. The Feria de Abril (April Fair) is hands down the most flamboyant, fabulous party I’ve ever been to.

Picture this: streets lined with vibrant tents (casetas), women in swirling flamenco dresses, men in traditional suits, and the hypnotic sound of Sevillanas music everywhere. I rented a traditional dress (yes, I went full guiri tourist and loved every minute), and after about three glasses of rebujito (sherry and lemonade), I was attempting to dance with the locals.

Hidden Gem: Book a table at Casa Ricardo for some truly out-of-this-world tapas before heading to the fairground. Their croquetas de puchero (slow-cooked meat croquettes) are so good you’ll dream about them.

Pro Tip: Stay somewhere central like the adorable Hotel Amadeus — that way you can stumble back late without needing a taxi.

4. San Fermín (Running of the Bulls) – Pamplona

Alright, I’ll be honest — I didn’t run with the bulls. Call me a coward, but I was perfectly happy cheering (read: shrieking) from the safety of the barricades. That being said, San Fermín is about so much more than the bull run.

The whole city of Pamplona is a giant street party. Locals and visitors alike dress head-to-toe in white and red, drink kalimotxo (red wine and cola — surprisingly good!), and dance in the plazas until the sun comes up.

Must-See: Make time to visit Cafe Iruna, Hemingway’s favourite hangout. Their pintxos are phenomenal and the old-school vibes are just perfect. Plus, it’s right on Plaza del Castillo, the heart of all the action.

Pamplona during San Fermín is wild, a little bit crazy, and absolutely unforgettable.

5. Fiesta de la Merce – Barcelona

If you’re ever looking for an excuse to visit Barcelona (as if you needed one), La Merce Festival in September is it.

The whole city goes into party mode with free concerts, parades, fireworks, and the incredible castellers — human towers that are honestly terrifying and beautiful all at once. Watching a tiny child climb 30 feet into the air on a human tower in Plaça de Sant Jaume had my heart racing.

Where to Chill: After a full day of festival madness, I found solace at Bormuth in El Born – a casual little tapas bar perfect for a cold vermut and patatas bravas that are crispy perfection.

The beach parties at Barceloneta are legendary too — sitting on the sand, watching fireworks burst over the Mediterranean? Pure magic.

Bonus Tip! 10 Other Spanish Festvals Not To Be Missed

1. Carnival – Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Think Rio, but with a Spanish twist! Tenerife’s Carnival is pure flamboyance – glittering costumes, massive parades, wild street parties, and non-stop dancing. It's one of the biggest Carnivals in the world, second only to Brazil. Don’t miss the Drag Queen Gala or the hilarious Burial of the Sardine parade. I loved how the entire island seems to party together – even the grannies were out in sequins and feathers!

2. Semana Santa – Seville

Holy Week in Seville is an emotional rollercoaster. Stunning religious processions wind through ancient cobbled streets, with haunting music and candlelight everywhere. The sheer devotion and pageantry gave me goosebumps. Whether you're religious or not, witnessing the silent crowds as the Virgin statues pass by is deeply moving. Pro tip: grab a spot early at Calle Sierpes for the best view.

3. Fiestas de San Isidro – Madrid

If you want to experience pure Madrid pride, visit during San Isidro in May. The city dresses up in traditional chulapo outfits, and there's music, open-air dances, and food fairs everywhere. I adored munching on freshly fried rosquillas (sweet doughnuts) in El Retiro Park while watching the locals dance the chotis. Plus, the free concerts and fireworks at Plaza Mayor are incredible.

4. Battle of the Wine – Haro, La Rioja

Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like — an epic wine fight! Every June, locals in Haro drench each other in red wine before partying together in the vineyards. It’s messy, hilarious, and absolutely unique. Bring old clothes (they will never recover), and a hearty appetite because once the "battle" ends, the wine tasting begins. This is pure, unfiltered fun in one of Spain’s most beautiful wine regions.

5. Fiesta de San Juan – Alicante

Midsummer in Spain means fire — and lots of it! San Juan in Alicante features enormous hogueras (bonfires), fireworks, beach parties, and effigy burnings. I spent an unforgettable night on Playa del Postiguet, jumping over tiny fires for good luck and watching the fireworks light up the Mediterranean. The energy is infectious, and locals welcome you into the fun like family.

6. Tamborrada – San Sebastian

If you love drums (or just loud, epic celebrations), Tamborrada in San Sebastian is a must. Every January 20th, the city echoes with the sound of thousands of drummers marching through the streets in traditional costumes. The party kicks off at midnight and keeps going for 24 hours straight! I recommend grabbing pintxos at Bar Nestor afterwards — their tomato salad and chuleta steak are legendary.

7. Patios de Cordoba Festival – Cordoba

In May, Cordoba’s private courtyards (patios) burst into a riot of colour. Locals open their patios for public tours, revealing fountains, mosaics, and lush gardens hidden behind plain white walls. I absolutely fell in love with the jasmine-scented alleyways and tiny bars serving crisp, cold fino sherry. Don’t miss the beautiful Calleja de las Flores — it’s Instagram heaven and pure magic in real life.

8. Fiestas del Pilar – Zaragoza

Every October, Zaragoza goes all out for Fiestas del Pilar. Expect parades, concerts, giant flower offerings to the Virgin, and fireworks that light up the night sky. It’s a really local experience — I loved how family-friendly and community-driven it felt. Make sure to try some ternasco (roast lamb) at La Miguería, a hidden gem in the old town, and soak up the festive atmosphere.

9. Corpus Christi – Toledo

One of Spain’s most stunning religious festivals, Corpus Christi transforms Toledo’s medieval streets into a living work of art. Huge tapestries hang between ancient buildings, flower petals carpet the ground, and massive religious processions sweep through the city. Wandering Toledo’s labyrinthine lanes during this festival felt like stepping back in time. For a treat, pop into Cafe de las Monjas for the best marzipan in town!

10. Fiesta de la Vendimia – Jerez de la Frontera

Wine lovers, this one’s for you! Jerez celebrates the grape harvest every September with sherry tastings, horse shows, flamenco dancing, and grape-stomping competitions. I spent a lazy afternoon sipping aged amontillado at Bodegas Tradicion before dancing the night away at Plaza del Arenal. It's such a wonderful blend of culture, wine, and music — and a perfect excuse to visit this underrated Andalusian gem.

Final Thoughts

Spain knows how to throw a party like nowhere else on Earth.

Every festival has its own flavour — from the chaos of La Tomatina to the sophisticated blaze of Las Fallas, from the hypnotic dancing in Seville to the adrenaline rush in Pamplona, to the pure joy of Barcelona’s La Merce.

What I love most is that behind every event, there’s a real sense of tradition, history, and community. You’re not just attending a party — you’re being welcomed into a centuries-old celebration.

My advice? Don’t try to do them all in one trip (your liver and your sleep schedule will thank you).

Pick one, dive into it headfirst, embrace the madness, and make memories that’ll stay with you forever.