Spain is a vibrant country full of culture and tradition. Every year the people of Spain celebrate their heritage through a series of festivals that bring thousands of locals and visitors together to party, eat, and drink. While there are countless celebrations, here are some of the top festivals that should not be missed.

15–19 March: Las Fallas Festival, Valencia

In the city of Valencia, the month of March is eagerly anticipated each year. Las Fallas Festival is filled with creativity, pyrotechnics, and fun. Locals prepare all year, creating large sculptures that fill the streets and turn roads into open-air museums. Fireworks and sparklers light up the night sky, filling the air with smoke. At the end of the night, the sculptures and decorations are burned in massive bonfires.

Early April: Holy Week (Semana Santa), Seville

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is celebrated across Spain, but the most spectacular observance is in Seville. Here, ornately decorated floats and statues parade through the streets all week. From Thursday to Easter Sunday, roads close for processions that take over the afternoons. While it may be crowded, experiencing Semana Santa in Seville is unforgettable.

Mid-May: Fiesta de San Isidro, Madrid

Madrid’s largest festival, Fiesta de San Isidro, fills the capital with dancing, parades, and more than 200 concerts over four days in May. Other activities include poetry readings, sporting events, and folklore performances. The entire city comes alive in a burst of culture and energy.

23 June: Night of San Juan

The Summer Equinox in Spain is celebrated with bonfires and beaches. People flock to the coast for a night of food, fire, and drinking. Tradition calls for jumping over bonfires to cleanse body and soul, followed by midnight swims to wash away evil spirits and bring good luck for the year ahead. The celebrations last until sunrise and are particularly lively in Barcelona.

6–14 July: Running of the Bulls (Fiesta de San Fermín), Pamplona

Perhaps Spain’s most famous festival, the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona is a global icon. Each year, bulls are released into the streets, and locals and daring tourists run alongside them. At night, the streets transform into venues for parties, food, and drink. This thrilling festival is one to witness at least once in a lifetime.

30 August: La Tomatina, Buñol

La Tomatina is one of Spain’s most unusual and beloved festivals: a giant tomato fight. Thousands gather in Buñol to throw ripe tomatoes in the streets until everything — and everyone — is splattered red. The tradition dates back to 1944 and has grown in size every year. The tomatoes are said to have a purifying effect on participants and even benefit the skin.

These are just a few of Spain’s most celebrated festivals, but there are many more. If you are planning a trip, check to see if your stay overlaps with a festival — it’s one of the best ways to experience Spain’s traditions firsthand.