In the first six months of 2022, Spain welcomed more than 30 million international visitors, according to inews.co.uk.
“We love the landscapes, the mild climate and the food,” Manual Butler, director of the Spanish Tourist Office (UK), has told the news website about why his family is fond of Spain. 2023 would be an especially good time for you to visit Spain yourself, with the following festivals coming up…
The Fallas of Valencia
This fire-themed festival happens every March in Valencia, with the main events usually being held from 15th to 19th March.
On every day of the festival, fireworks are set off, while dolls are burned on the festival’s last day, when an entire ‘Fire Parade’ occurs on the city’s streets.
Feria de Sevilla
Otherwise known as ‘la Feria de Abril’ or ‘April Fair’, this particular festival will be held from 23rd to 29th April in Seville, a city belonging to the Spanish autonomous community of Andalusia.
The key attractions at the Feria de Sevilla include traditional music and dancing as well as the appearance of ancient horse-drawn carriages. The nearest Seville Metro stations to the festival’s events are the Plaza de Cuba and Parque de los Principes stops.
Festival San Fermin
The Visit-plus website has cited 7th to 14th July as “estimated dates” for the San Fermin festival in Pamplona this year.
This annual festival sees many interesting events, of which the most famous is the Running of the Bulls, where six bulls run through the old city’s streets.
La Tomatina
Roughly 70 years ago in Buñol, situated in the province of Valencia, a peculiar tradition was started. It continues to this day — and, on the last Wednesday of August, sees thousands of people having fun throwing tomatoes at each other. This year, the tomatoes are set to be thrown on 30th August.
The Feria de Málaga
This August tradition has alternatively been referred to as the Feria de Agosto or simply the August Fair. It all happens in Málaga, with musical and dance performances put on for children and adults alike.
It has been estimated that the festival will run from 12th to 19th August in 2023. In preparation for attending the festival, you could look for Silversea cruises that stop at Málaga — and perhaps also Valencia, if you fancy checking out a festival there as well.
The Festa Major de Gràcia in Barcelona
Another Spanish place well worth visiting is Barcelona — especially as exciting festivals, such as the Festa Major de Gràcia, occur there.
The annual dates for that specific festival are always 15th to 21st August, when streets in Barcelona’s Grácia district are in beautifully decorated form.
Fiesta de la Mercé in Barcelona
This is the largest festival in the city, and held in honour of the city’s patron saint, Our Lady of Mercy (La Mercé). Roughly 600 events take place in streets, museums and parks of Barcelona for the festival celebrations.
Though the actual feast day is reserved for 24th September, the festivities commence on 21st September.
