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In summer, neighborhoods and towns in Spain are busy organizing their festivals, which are full of outdoor activities that reinforce a sense of community and invite you to enjoy the magic of summer nights.
Concerts, competitions, and races are just some of things one can expect at each location, and these offerings are expanding each year, attracting both locals and tourists to celebrations. We would like to let you know about the some of the most important of these popular festivals. And then get ready to go, because these will festivals will get you moving.
FIESTAS DE GRACIA, BARCELONA
August 15 – 21
The Fiesta Mayor de Gracia is definitely one of the biggest attractions in Barcelona during the summer season. Famous for its balcony and street decorating contests, thousands of visitors come every year during the week-long festivities to take part in the parades, concerts, workshops, sports activities, or local dining and theater events.
FIESTA MAYOR DE EL PORT DE LA SELVA, GIRONA
August 3-5
This festival is dedicated to the Virgen de las Nieves (Our Lady of the Snows), patron of the town’s fiesta. During these three days notable sports events, including swimming and a 10K race, complement an extensive program of traditional events like the Sardanas, a sandcastle competition, the foam party, or evening concerts on the Plaza Mayor.
HORSE RACING, SAN LÚCAR DE BARRAMEDA
First cycle: August 7, 8 and 9
Second Cycle: August 21, 22, and 23
Declared “Fiestas of International Tourist Interest,” these are some of the most important cultural and sporting events in Spain. For three consecutive days, the city hosts spectacular horse races along the seashore to the mouth of the Guadalquivir River as the sun is setting. There are no entrance fees, so there’s really no excuse not to come experience this wonderful tradition in the magnificent environs of the Doñana National Park.
FIESTA MAYOR DE CASTELLÓ D’EMPÚRIES, GERONA
August 8 – 11
The festival calendar in Gerona during the month of August is almost incomprehensible, because so many of the towns choose to celebrate their festivals during this time. Castelló d´Empúries’ festivities are a good example of how tradition meets fun at these types of events. The highlights include the fireworks, the giants, the “human towers,” and various concerts and children´s activities.
ASTE NAGUSIA, BILBAO
August 16 – 25
The Aste Nagusia, or Great Week, in Bilbao is a must for any festival lover. Absolutely nothing is missing; it has live music, children´s activities, street theater, fireworks and the best Basque tapas accompanied by a good txacolí. In Bilbao, they know how to throw a grand-scale party, so come check it out.
If you want to be close to the action at the fiestas in Gracia, reserve an apartment in Barcelona today and you can take part in the tradition.
