Best July Festivals in Spain
July is a month of celebration and joy in Spain, with many festivals and fiestas taking place across the country.
From the running of the bulls in Pamplona to the colourful Feria de Julio in Valencia, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
This month is also known for its traditional patron saint celebrations, where towns and cities come alive with music, dance, and fireworks.
Along with these traditional events, modern music festivals, such as the Bilbao BBK Live, attract international musicians and thousands of visitors.
Join us as we explore some of the most exciting festivals and fiestas held in Spain during July, including the San Fermines in Pamplona, the Cordoba Guitar Festival and the Cider Festival of Asturias.
The San Fermines Festival Pamplona
One of the most well-known festivals in Spain and worldwide is the San Fermines Festival, which takes place annually in Pamplona, Navarre.
Saint Fermin, the city's patron saint, is honoured during the festival. Thousands of people travel worldwide to attend the San Fermines Festival, which takes place from July 6 to July 14.
The festival's most well-known feature is the Running of the Bulls, a daily event where bulls are let loose into the streets, and runners attempt to outrun them.
This exciting but risky event has come to represent the San Fermines festival and draws lots of thrill-seekers.
The festival is also known for its traditional clothing, with men wearing white shirts and pants, red bandanas and sashes, and women wearing white dresses with red belts and scarves. The festival also features music, dancing, parades, fireworks displays, and religious processions.
San Fermines is a beloved tradition in Spain, with many families and groups of friends attending together each year. It is a time of celebration and camaraderie, where people from all walks of life come together to enjoy the unique customs and culture of the festival.
Virgen del Carmen Festivities of Andalucia
The Festivals del Carmen, also known as the Virgen del Carmen festivals, are vibrant and traditional celebrations held in various coastal towns and villages in Andalucia, Spain.
These festivals honour the Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of fishermen and sailors.
For many, it is one of the summer highlights as it holds great cultural significance for many locals.
The Festivals del Carmen typically occur in July, generally on the 16th of July.
One of the most famous locations where you can experience these festivals is in the province of Malaga, particularly in the towns and villages of Mijas, Marbella, Torremolinos, and Estepona.
During the festivals, beautifully adorned statues of the Virgen del Carmen are carried in a procession from the local church to the sea. The statue is placed on a beautifully decorated boat and taken for a sail along the coastline, accompanied by a flotilla of fishing boats and pleasure crafts.
This incredible maritime procession is a sight to behold, with colourful banners, flowers, and traditional music filling the air.
The festivals also feature lively street parades, where locals and visitors gather to watch traditional dances, music performances, and cultural displays.
The streets come alive with flamenco music, the aroma of delicious local cuisine fills the air, and the atmosphere is electric with excitement and celebration.
One of the highlights of the Festivals del Carmen is the fireworks display that illuminates the night sky.
The fireworks symbolise the blessings and protection the Virgen del Carmen bestowed upon the fishermen and sailors.
Although the Virgen del Carmen fiestas are traditionally popular in Andalucia, they are held in various forms in other parts of Spain, including the Canary Islands.
International Music and Dance Festival in Granada – Variable dates
Every July, Granada welcomes visitors to enjoy the city's cultural, historical and gastronomic delights.
Visitors are treated to the sounds of the local folklore music and dance while enjoying the beautiful environment of Granada.
This fused combination of great music and historical ambience has made the International Music and Dance Festival in Granada one of Spain's largest of its kind.
Cordoba’s Guitar Festival – Variable dates
If you love music the Cordoba Guitar Festival is a must-visit for you, held in Cordoba for the past 33 years it features a large selection of Flamenco artists, ancient, modern and jazz musicians, dancers and groups.
Shows take place all over the city, including such historic and illustrious venues including the Grand Theatre, the Castle of the Christian Monarchs, Plaza Capuchinos, the Corredera Square, the Royal Stables, the Congress Palace, the Potro Inn or the Plaza de Tierra Andaluza.
The Cordoba Guitar Festival is one of the year's cultural highlights in Cordoba, becoming increasingly popular in the last 10 years.
The Stilt Dancers - Rioja
The Danza de Los Zancos ( Stilt Dancers ) festival is held from the 21st to the 23rd of July each year in the town of Anguiano in Rioja, northern Spain.
The highlight of the festival is seeing eight local young men descending the steep cobbled streets of the town on 50cm high stilts whilst spinning around.
This curious festival is held twice a year, in July and at the end of September.
Cider Festival Asturias
The region of Asturias in Northern Spain is not only a green and picturesque region, but it is also the home of that renowned apple drink, Cider.
One of the best cider festivals is held in the town of Nava, Asturias, during the second week of July.
Visitors to the festival enjoy folkloric music, dance, bagpipers and live music during the small hours.
This is a perfect place to learn everything there is to know about Cider, there is a contest to find the best pourers which is great fun to watch.
International Jazz Festival at Getxo – Variable dates in late July
The Biscayan town of Getxo hosts numerous concerts during July. Here, Jazz lovers from around the world congregate in the city to enjoy live music.
Getxo's town centre is converted into staging areas where numerous concerts and festival competitions can be hosted.
The International Jazz Festival in Getxo hosts some top jazz artists, so check the schedule, as many concerts are available throughout the month.