In Spain, festivals are a celebration of life, and food plays a central role in these joyous occasions. The country is home to over 17,000 festivals each year, with many centred around gastronomy and traditional recipes. The Fiesta de la Calçotada in Catalonia is a prime example, where thousands gather to enjoy the calçot, a type of onion roasted over hot coals and dipped in romesco sauce. This communal feast is a highlight of the Catalan calendar, where participants compete to see who can eat the most calçots. The experience is messy but delightful, with everyone donning bibs to protect their clothes from the inevitable stains. Another culinary festival worth experiencing is the Feria del Queso in Trujillo, Extremadura, held each May. This event is a tribute to Spain’s rich cheesemaking heritage, with more than 300 varieties on display and available for tasting. Visitors can sample everything from creamy Torta del Casar to tangy Cabrales, while local winemakers offer their finest vintages to complement the flavours. In Galicia, the Festa do Pulpo in O Carballiño is a celebration of the region’s famous octopus dish. Every second Sunday of August, locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy tender octopus cooked in traditional copper kettles, served with olive oil and paprika. This festival is a testament to Galicia’s fishing heritage and a mustvisit for seafood lovers. In September, the town of Zafra in Extremadura hosts the Feria Internacional Ganadera, one of Europe’s oldest livestock fairs. While the event is primarily an agricultural showcase, it also features a gastronomic fair where visitors can sample local produce. From cured hams and sausages to fresh vegetables and cheeses, the Feria is a feast for the senses.
Valencia, famous for its paella, hosts a festival dedicated to this iconic dish every September. The Concurso Internacional de Paella Valenciana de Sueca brings together chefs from around the world to compete for the title of the best paella. Participants must adhere to traditional recipes, using only local ingredients like bomba rice, saffron, and rabbit. The event also includes paella workshops and tastings, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the culinary culture of the region. Paella is not just a dish but a symbol of Valencia’s rich agricultural heritage, with recipes passed down through generations. In the Basque Country, the Tamborrada in San Sebastián is a unique festival that combines music and food. Every January 20th, the city comes alive with the sound of drums as locals dressed as chefs and soldiers march through the streets. The festival pays homage to the city’s culinary traditions, with restaurants serving up classic Basque dishes like bacalao al pil pil (codfish) and txangurro (spider crab). The Tamborrada is a celebration of San Sebastián’s status as a gastronomic capital, where food is as much a part of the city’s identity as its picturesque coastline. Further south, in Andalusia, the Feria de Abril in Seville is a weeklong celebration of Andalusian culture, with food playing a starring role. The festival takes place two weeks after Easter and features a vibrant mix of flamenco dancing, horse parades, and bullfights. But the real highlight is the culinary offering, with casetas (private tents) serving traditional dishes like pescaito frito (fried fish), jamón ibérico (Iberian ham), and gazpacho (chilled tomato soup). Visitors can also try rebujito, a refreshing cocktail made from sherry and soda, which is the drink of choice during the festivities. The Feria de Abril is a sensory overload, with the sights, sounds, and flavours of Seville coming together in a joyful celebration of life. In the northwestern region of Asturias, the Fiesta de la Sidra Natural in Gijón is a homage to the region’s famous cider. Held every August, the festival is a chance for locals and visitors to sample the best Asturian ciders, poured in the traditional way, known as escanciado. This involves pouring the cider from a height to aerate it, enhancing its flavour and aroma. The festival also includes competitions for the best cider pourer and the largest cider drinker, as well as traditional Asturian music and dancing. Cider is an integral part of Asturian culture, and this festival is a celebration of the region’s unique heritage. In the heart of Spain’s wine country, the Haro Wine Festival in La Rioja is a mustvisit for wine lovers. Held every June, the festival culminates in a wine battle, where participants douse each other with red wine. The event is a joyous celebration of La Rioja’s winemaking traditions, with local bodegas (wineries) opening their doors for tastings and tours. Visitors can sample some of the region’s finest wines, including the iconic Rioja Reserva and Crianza, while enjoying traditional dishes like patatas a la riojana (potato stew) and chuletillas al sarmiento (grilled lamb chops). The Haro Wine Festival is a unique blend of tradition and fun, where wine takes centre stage in a colourful display of local culture.
