Summer festivals in Spain you should experience during your holiday

The best 2024 summer events in Spain

Whether you're a culture enthusiast, a music aficionado, or a beach lover, there's something for everyone in this dynamic country during the summer months. Join me as we explore some of the most exciting events that make summer in Spain truly spectacular.

Join us on a journey as we explore some of the most captivating summer events that make Spain a destination like no other.

An art festival in the middle of your summer holiday: Sónar - Barcelona

Early to mid-June

No discussion of summer events in Spain would be complete without mentioning Sónar, Barcelona's iconic music and arts festival. Held annually in the Catalan capital, Sónar is a cutting-edge celebration of electronic music, creativity, and innovation. Over the course of three days, festival-goers are treated to an eclectic lineup of electronic artists, DJs, and audiovisual performers from around the globe.

From pulsating beats to mind-bending visuals, Sónar creates a sensory playground where music, technology, and art collide in spectacular fashion. In addition to the main festival, Sónar also features Sónar+D, a conference dedicated to exploring the intersection of creativity and technology through talks, workshops, and interactive installations. With its forward-thinking approach and electrifying atmosphere, Sónar has firmly established itself as a highlight of the summer calendar in Barcelona, attracting music enthusiasts and innovators alike from across the world.

Whether you're dancing until dawn at one of the festival's many stages or immersing yourself in the latest trends in digital culture at Sónar+D, Sónar promises an unforgettable experience that epitomizes the dynamic spirit of Barcelona's summer scene.

• Book your summer holiday in Catalonia.

Color your Spanish vacation with fireworks: Eve of the feast of St. John - Barcelona

23rd of June

On the night of June 23rd, Barcelona comes alive with the vibrant celebration of the Eve of the Feast of St. John, known locally as "Nit de Sant Joan." This traditional festival marks the summer solstice and is celebrated with bonfires, fireworks, music, and dancing throughout the city. Beaches such as Barceloneta become focal points for the festivities, as locals and visitors gather to enjoy bonfires on the sand, fireworks lighting up the night sky, and the sound of drums and traditional Catalan music filling the air.

One of the most iconic customs of Nit de Sant Joan is the tradition of jumping over bonfires, known as "correfocs," where participants dance around firecrackers and fireworks, embodying the spirit of purification and renewal. Families and friends gather for feasts of traditional Catalan dishes, including "coca de Sant Joan" (a sweet pastry) and "cava" (Spanish sparkling wine), adding to the convivial atmosphere of the evening.

As midnight approaches, the skies over Barcelona erupt into a dazzling display of fireworks, illuminating landmarks such as Montjuïc and the Sagrada Família in a symphony of color. The energy and excitement of Nit de Sant Joan continue into the early hours of the morning, with beach parties, concerts, and street celebrations animating every corner of the city.

For visitors to Barcelona, experiencing the Eve of the Feast of St. John offers a unique insight into Catalan culture and tradition, as well as an opportunity to join in the joyful revelry of one of the city's most cherished summer events. Whether you're dancing around a bonfire on the beach, watching fireworks from a rooftop terrace, or simply soaking up the electric atmosphere on the streets of Barcelona, Nit de Sant Joan is an unforgettable celebration that captures the essence of summer in Spain.

• Stay and experience Barcelona from the perfect spot.

Feel the rhythm during your Andalusian vacation: Flamenco Festivals - Andalusia

Throughout Spring and Summer months

Summer in Spain is synonymous with flamenco, the passionate and soul-stirring dance form that originated in Andalusia. Throughout the summer months, various cities and towns across Spain come alive with the electrifying rhythms and emotive performances of flamenco artists, making it a must-visit destination for aficionados of this iconic art form.

The Festival de Jerez, held annually in the historic city of Jerez de la Frontera, is a highlight of the flamenco calendar. For two weeks in February and March, flamenco enthusiasts flock to Jerez to immerse themselves in a rich program of performances, workshops, and exhibitions that celebrate the diversity and depth of flamenco culture. From intimate recitals in traditional tablaos to electrifying performances in grand theaters, the Festival de Jerez offers a comprehensive showcase of flamenco's finest talent, attracting both established artists and emerging stars from across Spain and beyond.

In the charming town of Lo Ferro in the region of Murcia, the Festival Flamenco de Lo Ferro has been celebrating the art of flamenco for over four decades. Held annually in July, this beloved festival brings together flamenco enthusiasts from near and far for a week-long celebration of music, dance, and culture. The festival's open-air stage, set against the backdrop of Lo Ferro's picturesque town square, provides the perfect setting for performances by both established artists and emerging talents, showcasing the passion and power of flamenco in all its glory.

• Book your holiday at a dreamy coastal spot in Andalusia.

Party like a local during your dream holiday: La Tomatina - Buñol, Valencia

Last Wednesday of August

La Tomatina, often dubbed the world's largest food fight, is a riotous celebration of sheer fun and joy that takes place in the small town of Buñol, Valencia, on the last Wednesday of August each year. What began as a spontaneous tomato battle among friends in the 1940s has evolved into a globally renowned event that attracts thousands of participants from all corners of the globe. The festivities kick off early in the morning with the "palo jabón," a greasy pole climbing competition where brave participants vie for the coveted prize suspended at the top. As the excitement builds, the main event commences with the firing of water cannons signaling the start of the tomato-throwing frenzy.

Truckloads of ripe tomatoes are brought into the town square, Plaza del Pueblo, where eager participants gather in anticipation. Then, at the sound of the signal, chaos ensues as the air fills with the squelch of squashed tomatoes and laughter erupts from every corner. Revelers hurl tomatoes at each other with gleeful abandon, creating a sea of red and ensuring that no one remains untouched by the juicy onslaught.

Despite the mayhem, La Tomatina is a remarkably safe and well-organized event, with strict rules in place to ensure the safety of participants. Local authorities and volunteers work tirelessly to manage the crowds, provide medical assistance if needed, and clean up the streets once the tomato battle comes to an end.

• Book your summer vacation in a calm spot in Valencia.

Dance the week away during Feria de Málaga - Málaga, Andalusia

17-24 August, 2024

The Feria de Málaga is a week-long extravaganza that transforms the coastal city of Málaga into a vibrant hub of music, dance, and celebration. Held annually in August, this beloved festival is deeply rooted in Andalusian tradition and is a highlight of the summer calendar for locals and visitors alike.

The event typically begins with a dazzling opening ceremony, featuring fireworks, live music, and the traditional "pregón" (proclamation) announcing the start of the festivities. From that moment on, the city comes alive with a whirlwind of activity, as streets are adorned with colorful decorations and the air is filled with the sound of flamenco music and the aroma of traditional Andalusian cuisine. One of the defining features of the Feria de Málaga is its "casetas," temporary wooden structures set up in the city center and along the waterfront, where revelers gather to socialize, dance, and enjoy delicious food and drinks. These casetas, hosted by local businesses, organizations, and families, offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere where visitors can experience the hospitality and conviviality for which Andalusia is renowned.

Throughout the week, the Feria de Málaga hosts a diverse program of events and activities to suit all tastes and ages. Highlights include flamenco performances, equestrian shows, bullfights, and processions featuring traditional costumes and music. The streets pulse with energy as locals and tourists alike take part in the festivities, dancing the night away to the rhythms of sevillanas and rumbas.

• Book your summer holiday in Andalusia.