How to Attend Summer Festivals Celebrated in Spain?

Spain in summer never sleeps. You will find a different summer festival every few days, and people from around the world want to attend them. You must be one of them, and searching for a way to know how to attend summer festivals celebrated in Spain. Below, we will guide you on how to attend the festival in Spain. But first, let us provide you with a list of the top summer festivals in Spain that you shouldn’t miss.

Top Summer Festivals Celebrated in Spain

If you are still hesitating about which summer festival you should visit in Spain, here are some of the top festivals that you should attend, along with some tips to enjoy every moment.

1. La Tomatina – Buñol, Valencia

The small town of Buñol in Spain becomes a battleground of tomatoes every last Wednesday in August. This year, La Tomatina will be on the 27th of August 2025.

Thousands of people gather to hurl overripe tomatoes at one another in the streets, all in good fun and giggles. It will be perfect for anyone who loves chaos and playing with strangers.

2. Bonfires of San Juan – Alicante

Every year in late June, the streets and beaches of Alicante light up for the arrival of summer. The Bonfires of San Juan are all about fire, fireworks, music, and giant papier-mâché figures that are eventually set ablaze. Attendees gather by the sea to jump over fires for good luck and enjoy a festival full of light.

3. La Patum – Berga, Barcelona

Known as La Patum, this unique festival is a mix of folk theatre, firecrackers, and symbolic characters like giants and demons. It usually last for about 4 to 6 days in May or June of each year.

The combination of dance, fire, and music has earned it recognition as a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

4. Ortigueira’s Celtic Music Festival – Galicia

This summer is the perfect festival for music lovers. This summer festival, held on the second weekend of July in Spain, brings together artists from across Europe at an open-air event.

The setting by the sea and mountains adds to the magical feel of the performances, and you will feel like it’s all unreal because of how beautiful it is.

5. San Fermín – Pamplona, Navarre

Pamplona becomes the center of attention every July 7 as the San Fermín festival begins. This week-long celebration includes street parties, parades, traditional music, and fireworks.

How to Attend Summer Festivals Celebrated in Spain

Below, you will find the steps to attend any of Spain's summer festivals.

1. Choose the Right Festival for You

Spain offers a long list of summer festivals, each with its vibe. Put in your mind the top festivals you want to attend, then free your schedule on these dates.

2. Book the Flights & Tickets

When you decide on the summer festivals you want, consult a travel agent to help you book flight tickets suitable for the festival’s dates in Spain. In case you need a visa for Spain, they will help you get the visa as quickly as possible to travel on time.

3. Book Tickets & Accommodation Early

After booking the flights from the UAE, you have to book the tickets for the festivals early. Once you book the tickets, secure your accommodation well in advance. In cities like Valencia or Pamplona, hotels, hostels are available.

If you don’t want to be exhausted on your trip, consider staying in nearby towns to book the accommodation. Campsites are also available at some events and can be an affordable and social option.

4. Book Public Transport When Possible

Most festivals bring heavy traffic and limited parking. Using buses or trains is often the most efficient way to travel in Spain to reach the festival.

For example, La Tomatina festival shuttle buses are available from many spots to Buñol. You have to book the transportation in advance to secure your spot.

With these steps, you will be ready to attend any Spain summer festival.

Tips for Attending Spain Summer Festivals

1. Dress Accordingly

Each festival has its own dress code or tradition. For instance:

At La Tomatina, you have to wear old clothes that you don’t mind throwing away. Don’t forget the goggles and gloves.

At San Fermín, white outfits with red scarves are traditional.

At San Juan, locals wear white and jump over bonfires to bring good luck.

Understanding these customs not only helps you blend in but also feel like one of the Spanish people.

2. Keep Safety in Mind

Safety should always come first, so keep your belongings secure. Use a money belt or an anti-theft backpack in crowded areas. For events like the Running of the Bulls, spectators should stay behind safety barriers unless registered to participate.

For your health, stay hydrated and apply sunscreen. Spain has a good healthcare system, but having travel insurance that covers emergencies is always recommended.

3. Try Local Food and Drink

No festival experience is complete without tasting local flavors. Food stalls are often set up at festivals, offering everything from traditional snacks to sweet treats like churros con chocolate. Don’t skip trying the food you will find at the event to get the fullest experience.

Final Thoughts

With this guide, you are aware of how to attend summer festivals celebrated in Spain, which of them worth your time and money, and tips that will help you enjoy these events to the utmost. If you still can’t figure out which festival will be suitable for your working schedule in the UAE, you can consult travel agents, and they will suggest the best suitable summer festival in Spain that matches your free time. Also, they can help you in booking the tickets in advance. Sometimes, you can get discounted tickets.