ANDSpain is famous for its colorful holidays, chic carnivals, large-scale festivals and other bright, original events! Especially for you, we have prepared a detailed calendar of holidays and festivals in Spain for the period from October 2019 to January 2020.
October
October 12 Double holiday in Spain: Feast of Our Lady of Pilar and National Day of Spain
The national holiday of Spain (Día de la Hispanidad) is considered a day of unity among speakers of Spanish-speaking culture. In 1987, this day was recognized as a National Holiday and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of Piar, patroness of all Hispanic peoples and the Spanish Civil Guard.
On the occasion of the holiday on October 12, Madrid will host the main military parade of all branches of the Spanish army, which is hosted by the king and his family, and an exciting air show. In many cities of the country there are dance celebrations and offerings of flowers to the monument to the Mother of God. After the Day of Flowers comes the Day of Fruits and various fruit offerings are brought to the monument to the Mother of God. Also, in honor of the Holy Virgin Pilar, a very colorful spectacle takes place on the streets of cities: a parade of life-size dolls.
October 19 – February 28 Barcelona Jazz Festival
This is one of the most famous jazz festivals in the world and one of the most important musical events in the Catalan capital, visited by more than 50 thousand people every year. More than twelve concert venues throughout the city will host jazz concerts of both famous and even cult names, as well as emerging musicians.
October 25 – 27 Saffron Festival in Toledo
The festival takes place in the small town of Consuegra, which is located in the heart of huge saffron plantations and is located 60 km from Toledo. At the end of October, the harvest season begins and its start turns into a holiday for both local residents and numerous tourists.
Saffron is considered the most expensive spice in the world, and it is in Consuegra, among the endless fields, that 90% of the highest quality saffron in the world is grown. The festival begins with the selection of the main lady of the holiday, and then there are three days of folklore performances. There are numerous cooking competitions, performances by local choirs, dance groups and demonstrations of traditional costumes.
28 October 30 November Jazz Festival in Madrid
The Madrid Jazz Festival is a very important event in the world of jazz culture. Famous representatives of this musical genre, young talents, as well as famous female composers of jazz music will take part in it.
The festival program includes about a hundred performances, a section dedicated to the blues, and related events related to the world of jazz, such as discussions, film screenings and exhibitions, organized by cultural figures and jazz critics from Madrid. A great opportunity to enjoy listening to jazz music at a festival that brings together different styles and cultures, and also introduces the public to young talented musicians.
November
November 1 All Saints Day
This holiday has a religious origin, when all known and unknown saints are venerated and has been celebrated in Spain for many years. There are no generally accepted standards for celebrating All Saints' Day; each region of Spain has its own.
November 1st Festival of Magosto
This is a traditional folk holiday and festival in Galicia, the main components of which are roasted chestnuts, new wine, chorizo and good company.
November 9th Feast of the Virgin of Almudena in Spain
In local Christian tradition, the Virgin of Almudena is considered the patroness of Madrid.
On this holiday in honor of the Virgin Mary of Almudena, a solemn service is held in the Cathedral of Almudena. Then a colorful procession begins from it, in which representatives of state and religious authorities participate. The procession moves to Plaza Mayor, where the main festive entertainment events, musical and theatrical performances then take place.
9 – 11 November Olive Festival
The Olive and Olive Oil Festival, which celebrates the end of the harvest in olive groves and everything associated with these unique fruits, takes place in the city of Baena, Andalusia. This festival is Europe's largest olive oil and olive festival.
November 30 – December 23 Christmas Fairs in Barcelona
Christmas markets in Barcelona always put guests in a festive mood!
The largest fair with more than two centuries of history, La fira de santa lucia, takes place annually in front of Barcelona Cathedral, which is located in the Gothic Quarter. It is here that you can not only get into the spirit of the upcoming holidays, but also learn a lot about the culture of Spain.
December
December 6th Spanish Constitution Day
This national holiday commemorates the 1978 referendum that established the current Spanish constitution.
On the occasion of this memorable date, an extensive cultural program will be held in Madrid. Also, in honor of the holiday, the national Congress of Deputies organizes an open day so that anyone can visit the Lower House of the Spanish Parliament.
December 25th Christmas
This is the most important winter holiday. Preparations for it begin in November. At Christmas, every Spanish city is surprisingly transformed. There is an atmosphere of friendliness and celebration all around. City streets, shop windows and cafes are gradually decorated with garlands, New Year's decorations, elegant trees and henbanes - models that demonstrate the biblical scene of the birth of Christ.
Also, Christmas markets begin their work, where you can buy Christmas tree decorations, toys and handmade gifts or taste roasted chestnuts and other local delicacies and delicacies.
The fairy-tale hero of the holiday is Papa Noel - an analogue of Santa Claus and Father Frost.
Spaniards usually celebrate Christmas in a homely, warm, cozy atmosphere with family and friends.
December 26th St. Stephen's Day
For Catalans, Saint Stephen is traditionally the patron saint of masons and the very first martyr in Christian history to give his life as a follower of Jesus Christ. This holiday is considered a day off throughout Catalonia.
January
January 1st New Year
On the New Year, all of Spain shines with numerous fireworks, garland lights and the smiles of those celebrating. Spaniards most often celebrate New Year's Eve on streets filled with celebrants, in bars and restaurants, at discos and folk festivals.
In Spain, there is a New Year's tradition of eating twelve varieties of grapes, one at each of the twelve strokes of the clock at midnight. New Year's grapes are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
January 6th Feast of the Three Kings
The name of the holiday is associated with three pagan magician kings, Caspar, Melchior and Belshazzar, who came with gifts to worship the newborn Jesus in Bethlehem. It is these characters who become the main characters of the celebration.
On January 5, on the eve of Epiphany, lush festive processions take place throughout the cities and large villages of Spain, the length of which can reach several kilometers. The procession is always closed by a carriage with three magician kings, who generously distribute sweets and toys to the children running behind them.
January 20 Tamborrada in San Sebastian
Tamborrada is the day of drummers and any percussion instruments. Residents of the city of San Sebastian dedicate the holiday to the patron saint of the city - Saint Sebastian.
Tamborrada begins at midnight on January 19 with the raising of the city's flag in Plaza de la Constitución. The musicians begin to play the March of San Sebastian. Then comes the turn of other compositions. Throughout the day, processions move around the city, in which mummers take part, playing drums or barrels, accompanied by a brass band. On the morning of January 20, a children's parade takes place in the streets of the city.
January 22nd Feast of St. Vincent in Valencia
On this holiday, Valencia traditionally hosts extensive public celebrations, costume processions and a large wine festival.
