Following our Festivals in Spain post, we'd like to take a look at some lesser-known local festivals throughout the country. With so many regional celebrations, it's difficult to choose only a few. Check out some of our top picks below!
Los Patios, Cordoba
A tradition that began in 1918, the annual Courtyard Festival and Contest allows the public to catch a glimpse of the beautiful courtyards in the homes of Cordoba's residents. Many home owners in Cordoba’s traditional neighborhoods participate in the contest and open their doors to passersby, giving them the chance to enjoy the architectural treasures that are typical in "Patios". During the festival, locals and visitors are welcome to revel in courtyards of incomparable beauty, packed with flowers, fountains, and trees.
Uva Festival, Ronda
The Uva Festival is a celebration of eclectic music and visual arts dedicated to contemporary culture. The incredible venue, Descalzos Viejos, dates back to the 15th century and was originally used as a monastery. Since then, it has been converted into a vineyard with incredible views facing Ronda’s iconic cliffs. In such a small, intimate space, the event feels more like a private garden party than a festival! As if you needed another reason to head to the stunning city of Ronda!
Battle of Wine, La Rioja
This Wine Festival takes place in the small town of Haro in the La Rioja region of northern Spain. It is held every year in the summer and involves a Battle of Wine where participants pour wine on each other from buckets. The festival takes place on the day of the patron saint, San Pedro, on June 29. Beginning at 9:00 am, the day starts with a procession where everyone carries jugs, buckets, and really any type of container filled with red wine! The procession winds through the town and leads to the Hermitage of San Felices de Bilibio where mass is celebrated. Afterwards, the free-for-all begins, with everyone in the street tossing wine on each other until everyone is completely soaked from head to toe!
Medieval Fair, Ibiza
May is great time to visit Ibiza, with fewer tourists and the opportunity to experience a local festival - the Ibiza Medieval Fair. Celebrated every year in the second weekend of May, Ibiza commemorates its World Heritage status within the walls of the fortified old town of Dalt Vila. This annual event is a tribute to the multicultural legacy left on the island throughout the centuries by Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Christians. The town is sent back to the Middle Ages with colorful decorations, participants dressed up in traditional clothing, and streets full of delicious food and drink, various exhibitions, and music.
Saint George's Day, Catalonia
Saint Valentine, move aside. This festival celebrates romance AND a general love for literature. Celebrated since 1436, Catalans honor the patron Saint George by buying roses for their loved ones. Roses symbolize love and friendship and are said to have grown on the spot where blood was shed by a wicked dragon killed by Saint George to save a princess. Coinciding with the anniversary of the death of both Cervantes and Shakespeare, books are sold in stands that are set up on all major city streets. Traditionally, men buy roses for woman and women buy books for men, but with so many great books on display, everyone will be doing some reading before the day is over.
Contact Adler & Marlow for help planning your trip to experience any of these lesser-known holidays and festivals!