Top 10 Spanish Holidays and Traditions to Know

By Julia Bracelis

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August 22, 2025

Contents

Introduction

Why Learn About Spanish Cultural Traditions?

1. La Tomatina: The World’s Biggest Food Fight

2. Semana Santa: Holy Week Processions

3. Feria de Abril: Seville’s Spring Fair

4. San Fermín: Running of the Bulls

5. Día de los Reyes Magos: Three Kings’ Day

6. Las Fallas: Valencia’s Fire Festival

7. El Día de la Hispanidad: Spain’s National Day

8. La Feria de San Isidro: Madrid’s Biggest Festival

9. Carnaval: A Colorful Celebration

10. Día de los Muertos: Honoring the Dead

Conclusion

Introduction

Spain is a country full of life, history, and colorful celebrations. From lively food fights to solemn religious events, Spanish holidays and traditions show the diversity of its culture. For travelers, students, or anyone learning Spanish, knowing these key Spanish holidays helps you connect with locals. It also helps you appreciate their way of life.

This guide explains the top Spanish holidays to know and highlights the unique Spanish cultural traditions behind them.

Why Learn About Spanish Cultural Traditions?

Culture and language are connected. If you want to truly understand Spain, you need to explore its traditions. Spanish holidays and traditions are not only fun to watch but also give you chances to practice the language and meet people.

These Spanish cultural celebrations mix history, religion, art, and joy. By learning about them, you can join in conversations, respect customs, and feel part of the community.

Let’s dive into the major holidays in Spain and see what makes them special.

1. La Tomatina: The World’s Biggest Food Fight

La Tomatina happens every August in Buñol, a small town near Valencia. Thousands of people gather to throw ripe tomatoes at each other in a giant food fight. This playful festival is one of the most famous Spanish cultural celebrations.

How to enjoy it: Arrive early, wear old clothes, and squash tomatoes before throwing them for safety.
Fun fact: It started in 1945 as a playful street fight and grew into a tradition.

La Tomatina shows the lighter side of Spanish festivals and customs, where joy and community come first.

2. Semana Santa: Holy Week Processions

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is one of the most important Spanish holidays. Celebrated across the country, it is especially grand in Seville, Málaga, and Valladolid. This week, people carry statues of the Virgin Mary and Jesus through the streets. Music and candles make the atmosphere special.

Why it matters: It reflects Spain’s strong Catholic heritage and deep spiritual traditions.
What to remember: Dress modestly and show respect during the processions.

This traditional Spanish holiday balances solemnity with beauty, showing the heart of Hispanic cultural traditions.

3. Feria de Abril: Seville’s Spring Fair

Two weeks after Semana Santa, Seville comes alive again with the Feria de Abril. Families set up decorated tents called casetas where they eat, drink, dance, and sing. Women wear colorful flamenco dresses, while men wear traditional suits.

Highlights: Flamenco dancing, horse parades, tapas, and music.
Tip: Don’t miss tasting sherry, a local drink.

This fair is one of the top Spanish holidays to know if you want to experience Andalusian charm.

4. San Fermín: Running of the Bulls

Every July in Pamplona, the San Fermín festival begins with the famous Running of the Bulls. Participants run through the streets alongside bulls until they reach the arena. While dangerous, this event has become one of the most internationally recognized Spanish traditions.

Best way to join: Many visitors prefer watching instead of running.
Local chant: People shout “¡Viva San Fermín!” to celebrate.

This is one of the Spanish festivals and customs that shows Spain’s daring and adventurous spirit.

5. Día de los Reyes Magos: Three Kings’ Day

On January 6, Spain celebrates Día de los Reyes Magos (Epiphany), one of the most traditional Spanish holidays. It marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to baby Jesus.

Celebrations: Parades where the Kings throw sweets to children, family gatherings, and gift exchanges.
Treat: Families eat Roscón de Reyes, a sweet bread with hidden surprises inside.

This holiday is more important than Christmas for many Spanish families.

6. Las Fallas: Valencia’s Fire Festival

Every March, Valencia hosts Las Fallas, a festival that mixes art, satire, and fire. Locals build huge sculptures called ninots that often make fun of politicians or celebrities. At the end of the week, most are burned in massive bonfires.

Why it’s unique: Combines creativity with dramatic fire displays.
Tip: Book early hotels fill quickly during this time.

Las Fallas is one of the most spectacular Spanish cultural traditions explained through art and flames.

7. El Día de la Hispanidad: Spain’s National Day

On October 12, Spain celebrates Día de la Hispanidad, or Spain National Day. It marks the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492 and honors Spain’s global cultural influence.

Events: Parades, military shows, and ceremonies across the country.
Meaning: A chance to reflect on Spanish history and its ties to the wider Hispanic world.

This day stands out among Spanish national holidays for its patriotic pride.

8. La Feria de San Isidro: Madrid’s Biggest Festival

Every May, Madrid celebrates its patron saint, San Isidro. The festival includes concerts, dances, fairs, and bullfights. Locals dress in traditional chulapo costumes and dance the chotis in the streets.

Don’t miss: Bullfighting events in Las Ventas, Spain’s most famous bullring.
Family fun: Street food, picnics, and music.

This is one of the major holidays in Spain where you can see Madrid at its liveliest.

9. Carnaval: A Colorful Celebration

Before Lent, many Spanish cities, especially Cádiz and Tenerife in the Canary Islands, celebrate Carnaval. It is a week of costumes, parades, music, and laughter.

Vibe: Similar to Brazil’s Carnival but with Spanish cultural traditions.
Best way to join: Wear a costume and sing along to street performances.

Carnaval is one of the top Spanish holidays to know if you enjoy energy and creativity.

10. Día de los Muertos: Honoring the Dead

Though better known in Mexico, Día de los Muertos is also observed in parts of Spain. Families build small altars, decorate graves, and remember loved ones.

Traditions: Flowers, candles, photos, and offerings.
Tone: It’s not sad but rather a celebration of life and memory.

This holiday reflects Hispanic cultural traditions of honoring ancestors and connecting with the past.

Conclusion

Spanish holidays and traditions are more than events, they are expressions of history, faith, creativity, and community. From playful food fights to solemn processions, each celebration reveals a piece of Spain’s identity. Joining these Spanish cultural celebrations lets you enjoy the moment. You also build deeper connections and expand your understanding of the culture.

No matter if you're a student, traveler, or professional, knowing about traditional Spanish holidays boosts your cultural awareness. Plus, it gives you unforgettable stories and experiences.

So, if you’re planning a trip or learning the language, keep this list of major holidays in Spain handy. These top Spanish holidays will help you experience Spanish culture. You can learn about traditions through festivals, parades, and customs. Spain is waiting with open arms, music in the air, and traditions that will stay with you forever.

Julia Bracelis

Academic Team

Julia Bracelis is a Spanish teacher and librarian from Mendoza, Argentina, with over 14 years of experience teaching children, teens, and adults. She is passionate about literature and language, and finds deep joy in her students’ progress. Julia believes in making learning Spanish a meaningful, enriching journey.