Top Spanish Festivals: La Tomatina & Running of the Bulls

By Marta Prieto

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October 24, 2025

Contents

Introduction

Why Spanish Festivals Are So Special

La Tomatina Festival: Spain’s Messiest Party

Los Sanfermines

Spain vs Latin America: Not All Spanish Is the Same

Fun With Mexican Spanish Slang

How to Dive Into Spanish Culture

Don’t Worry About Mistakes

Conclusion

Introduction

A Guide to Famous Festivals in Spain for Culture and Language Lovers

Spain is known for its rich culture, delicious food, beautiful cities and its exciting festivals! Some of the most famous festivals in Spain, like La Tomatina and the Running of the Bulls, attract people from all over the world. These Spanish cultural events are not only fun, but also a great way to learn about the country and the Spanish language.

In this guide, we’ll explore Spain’s famous celebrations, understand what they mean, and learn a few helpful tips for travelers and students. If you’re looking for a Spanish festivals guide that’s fun, simple, and educational—this is for you!

Why Spanish Festivals Are So Special

From colorful food fights to wild bull runs, popular festivals in Spain show off the country’s joy for life. Whether you're a tourist or learning Spanish, joining in these events is a great way to feel part of the culture.

Every major festival in Spain tells a story. Some honor saints. Others celebrate history or bring communities together for fun.

These festivals burst with music, dancing, food, and laughter. Each event, no matter how wild, has deeper roots in tradition, unity, and pride.

La Tomatina Festival: Spain’s Messiest Party

What Is La Tomatina?

One of the most famous festivals in Spain is La Tomatina. This is a huge tomato fight held every August in Buñol, a small town near Valencia. Thousands of people come to throw squished tomatoes at each other—and it’s as fun as it sounds!

A Little History

La Tomatina festival started in 1945 when a few friends got into a tomato food fight during a parade. The town liked the idea so much that it became a yearly event. Today, it’s known worldwide and is one of the most unique Spain festivals.

Why It Matters

Even though it may look like just a silly event, La Tomatina is about more than tomatoes. It shows the playful side of Spanish cultural events and the joy of coming together. It also brings tourists and locals closer, creating a special community feeling.

Travel Tips

If you want to join La Tomatina festival, here are some simple tips:

Arrive early. The fight starts at 11 a.m., but people start gathering much earlier.
Wear old clothes. You’ll get very messy—tomatoes stain!
Bring goggles. Protect your eyes from tomato juice.
Don’t bring valuables. Leave your phone and wallet somewhere safe.
Learn a few Spanish phrases: Like:
“¿Dónde está la estación de tren?” (Where is the train station?)
“¿Cuánto cuesta?” (How much does it cost?)

Los Sanfermines: A Festival of Thrill and Tradition

What Is Los Sanfermines?

Another famous celebration in Spain is the Running of the Bulls, held every July in Pamplona. It’s part of the larger San Fermín Festival. Every morning, brave runners dash through the streets while bulls charge behind them.

History and Meaning

The Running of the Bulls festival started in the 14th century as a way to move bulls to the arena for bullfighting. Over time, it turned into a popular event. Today, it honors San Fermín, the patron saint of Navarra, and mixes faith, tradition, and adrenaline.

Why People Love It

This Spanish festival shows the bold and brave side of Spanish culture. People come not just for the run, but for the music, dancing, and all the excitement in the air.

Safety Tips

If you're thinking of joining the run, be smart and stay safe:

Know the route. Study the map and know where to exit if needed.
Wear good shoes. You’ll need grip and speed.
Avoid drinking before the run. Many injuries happen because runners aren’t prepared.
Learn key Spanish words like:
“Cuidado!” (Watch out!)
“Ayuda!” (Help!)

Spain vs Latin America: Not All Spanish Is the Same

When you attend Spain's famous festivals, you might notice that the Spanish spoken there sounds different. This is not the same as the Spanish you hear in Mexico or other Latin American countries. That’s because there are language variations in the Spanish-speaking world.

How It's Different

In Spain, people use "vosotros" instead of "ustedes" for "you all."
Some words are totally different. For example, “carro” means car in Latin America, but in Spain, they say “coche.”
The accent in Spain, especially the “th” sound in some words, is unique.

Why It Matters

If you're learning Spanish, understanding these differences helps you sound more natural. It also shows respect for the local way of speaking.

Simple Tips

Watch Spanish TV shows or YouTube channels to hear different accents.
Talk to native speakers from both Spain and Latin America.
Keep a notebook of new words you hear during your travels or classes.

Fun With Mexican Spanish Slang

Even if you're learning Spanish to enjoy Spain’s famous festivals, it’s fun to know some Mexican Spanish slang too. This helps you sound cooler and more confident when chatting with native speakers.

How to Use Slang

Only use slang in casual situations like with friends.
Watch and learn from others.
Practice with Spanish learners or teachers who know slang well.

How to Dive Into Spanish Culture

If you want to fully enjoy Spain's festivals and improve your Spanish, try these fun tips:

Travel Tips

Go to local festivals. Even small towns have great events.
Try the food. Each region has unique dishes during celebrations.
Talk to locals. Ask about the meaning of the festivals or the best places to see them.

Study Tips

Watch documentaries about famous events like La Tomatina or the Running of the Bulls.
Join a language exchange.Talk to Spanish speakers online or in person.
Take part in workshops. Learn traditional dance, crafts, or cooking!

Don’t Worry About Mistakes

Learning a new language and exploring a new culture takes time. Everyone makes mistakes—it’s part of the fun! No matter if you are speaking Spanish or choosing your spot in a tomato fight, the important thing is to keep trying. Have fun!

Motivation Tips

Set small goals. Like learning five new words a week.
Celebrate your wins. Did you understand a street sign? Great!
Join a group. Study groups or forums help keep you going.

Conclusion

Spain's famous festivals, like La Tomatina and the Running of the Bulls, are exciting and fun. They are also full of meaning. They are the perfect way to see the country’s soul and learn Spanish in a real-world setting.

This guide to famous festivals in Spain gives you a starting point to understand and enjoy the most popular festivals in Spain. These events are more than just parties—they are powerful ways to learn, grow, and connect with others.

Every festival in Spain is a chance to create memories. You can throw tomatoes in Buñol. Or you can cheer for runners in Pamplona. So, pack your bags, learn a few phrases, and jump into the amazing world of Spanish festivals!

Marta Prieto

Management Team

Marta Prieto, Director of Academics at Comligo, combines a strong academic background with entrepreneurial experience. She previously founded and led De La Mano Spanish, a successful Spanish school in Asia. Passionate about language education, Marta prioritizes motivation, communication, and interaction to ensure Comligo’s programs provide engaging and effective Spanish learning experiences.