If there is something that characterizes Spain, besides its gastronomy and cultural diversity, it is its popular festivals. In every corner of the country, unique traditions are celebrated—some very old, others more recent—that catch the attention of visitors because of how original, colorful, or even extravagant they are. From throwing tomatoes in the streets to running in front of bulls, Spain’s unusual festivals surprise anyone who wants to experience them firsthand.
In this article by MaestroMío, we present some of the most well-known (and curious) ones.
La Tomatina (Buñol, Valencia)
Every last Wednesday of August, the small town of Buñol literally turns red. Thousands of people from all over the world gather to participate in the most famous tomato fight on the planet. For one hour, participants throw over 100 tons of ripe tomatoes, creating a gigantic “pool” of sauce in the streets.
Interestingly, this festival began spontaneously in 1945, when a group of young people started throwing tomatoes during an improvised fight. Today, the event is regulated and even has rules: only soft tomatoes can be used to avoid injuries, and at the end, firefighters wash the streets with hoses.
San Fermín (Pamplona, Navarra)
San Fermín is probably the most internationally known Spanish festival, thanks to the “encierros” (running of the bulls). Every morning from July 7 to 14, thousands of brave people (and adventurous tourists) run in front of bulls through the streets of Pamplona until they reach the main square.
But San Fermín is not just about running. During a week, the city dresses in white and red, with music, dancing, fireworks, and a festive atmosphere 24 hours a day. For some, it is an experience full of adrenaline and tradition; for others, it is a risky spectacle that generates much controversy.
Fiesta de los Enharinados (Ibi, Alicante)
On December 28, coinciding with the Day of the Holy Innocents, Ibi celebrates one of its most peculiar festivals: the Enharinados. On this day, a group of locals “takes over” the town hall and organizes a wild battle in which flour, eggs, and firecrackers are thrown.
The result: a town covered in white and an atmosphere of total madness. Although it may seem like a simple game, the festival has historical roots and symbolizes a kind of humorous “rebellion” in which anything is allowed for a few hours.
La Batalla del Vino (Haro, La Rioja)
If La Tomatina covers the streets in tomato sauce, in Haro they prefer wine. Every June 29, thousands of people dressed in white go up the local hill with bottles, buckets, and water guns filled… with red wine!
The goal is to soak everyone until the white clothes turn a deep purple. After the battle, the festival continues with food, dancing, and, of course, more wine. It is a celebration that combines religious devotion (in honor of Saint Peter) with fun and wine tradition.
El Entierro de la Sardina (Murcia and Other Cities)
To close Carnival, several cities in Spain celebrate the Burial of the Sardine, with the most famous one taking place in Murcia. The festival involves a colorful and satirical parade that culminates with the burning of a large sardine made of cardboard or wood.
The event symbolizes the end of Carnival and the beginning of Lent, although over time it has become a real spectacle of music, floats, and fireworks. The mix of religious tradition and popular humor makes it a unique celebration, full of irony and good vibes.
Other Surprising Examples
In addition to these festivals, Spain is full of curious celebrations:
- El Colacho (Castrillo de Murcia, Burgos): a man dressed as the devil jumps over babies lying on mattresses as a symbol of protection.
- La Fiesta del Pulpo (Carballiño, Galicia): a gastronomic celebration dedicated to the famous Galician octopus.
- Las Fallas (Valencia): gigantic figures made of cardboard and wood are burned in a spectacular display of fire and fireworks.
Each festival reflects a mix of history, religion, humor, and a desire to have fun, making Spanish festivals unique.
Spain’s unusual festivals are not just eye-catching spectacles: they are a window into the culture, creativity, and passion for life that characterize its people. Whether covered in tomato in Buñol, running among bulls in Pamplona, or soaked in wine in Haro, the important thing is to experience these events with respect and enthusiasm.
So if you are learning Spanish with MaestroMío and planning to travel to Spain, mark these dates on your calendar! There is no better way to practice the language than mixing with people, dancing, laughing… and perhaps ending up covered in tomato or wine.
