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Visiting Spain in March - April

As the weather starts to warm up, the streets of Spain begin to buzz with more activity, though they aren’t as crowded as the summer months. Many people venture out for Semana Santa, Holy Week, to watch the parades that take to the streets. The warmer, but not overly hot, temperatures make it a very pleasant time to visit.

Events & Festivals

• Semana Santa (March/April): Holy Week is celebrated with parishes joining together throughout the week for elaborate parades featuring glittering statues carried by hooded men.
• Festival de Jerez (March): Over a couple of weeks, people flock to Jerez for one of Spain’s largest celebrations of flamenco music and dance, to learn from masters as well as watch some of the best dancers in the business perform.
• Feria de Abril (starts two weeks after Easter in April/May): Seville hosts its annual fair, filled with carnival rides, dancing, along with plenty of food and drink. Men traditionally sport a traje corto (long tight pants and a short jacket), while women don flamenco garb.

Visiting Spain in May

Temperatures continue to rise in May, when the country comes alive with vibrant flowers and locals begin spending more time outside in the sunshine. May is a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking or heading to the beaches before they’re overrun with visitors. Temperatures are warm and tend not to have reached the uncomfortable levels of high summer.

Events & Festivals

• Feria de Abril (starts two weeks after Easter in April/May): Seville hosts its annual fair, filled with carnival rides, dancing, along with plenty of food and drink. Men traditionally sport a traje corto (long tight pants and a short jacket), while women don flamenco garb.

Visiting Spain in June - August

The summer months can be hot and crowded and, like many other Europeans, Spaniards will flock to the coast to enjoy cooler weather and relax on the beach. Despite the heat, this time of year shouldn’t be avoided altogether. Buoyed by the longer days, Spaniards look for ways to unwind at night, so these months see a greater number of lively festivals and more evening revelry. Many festivities surround Spain’s food and wine and can be a real highlight of the summer.

Events & Festivals

• Batalla del Vino, or ‘Battle of Wine’ (June 29): In a lighthearted ‘battle’, locals in La Rioja douse each other with the province’s red wine.
• International Festival of Music and Dance (June/July): Granada hosts one of Spain’s largest and most important arts festivals, dedicated primarily to flamenco but showcasing other forms of music and dance, with several events taking place against the backdrop of the Alhambra.

Visiting Spain in September - October

Spain begins to quieten down after the rush and crowds of the summer. Temperatures return to pleasanter levels and most visitors have gone home, leaving the country in a more peaceful state, though still vibrant with daily Spanish life. Taking advantage of the pleasant weather and smaller crowds, this is a recommended time for exploring the country.

Events & Festivals

• Bienal de Flamenco (September): Held every other year in Seville, this festival is one of Spain’s largest and most important celebrations of flamenco and attracts professional performers from all over the country.
• Fiestas de San Mateo (September): A week of parades and concerts in La Rioja as the Feast of Saint Matthew coincides with the grape harvest.

Visiting Spain in November - December

Spain becomes cool again as winter approaches, but there is still plenty to enjoy. In November, jazz festivals are held in many major cities while in December, Spain’s streets are decorated for Christmas.