August Festivals in Spain
There is no doubt that August is one of the most entertaining months for you to be in Spain as far as festivals and fiestas go so fun and enjoyment are guaranteed.
There is no better time to see Spain's rich culture in action than in the month of August because the country loves to celebrate and there are plenty of festivals, ferias and fiestas to enjoy
There is something for everyone in Spain in August, from the Tomatina tomato fight in Bunol to the Semana Grande event in Bilbao.
The Tomatina in Bunol is one of the most well-known celebrations in Spain. On the final Wednesday in August each year, thousands of people assemble to throw tomatoes at one another in this event. According to legend, the festival began in 1945 after some young people got into a food fight following a parade.
The Semana Grande in Bilbao is another celebrated festival in Spain. August marks the week-long festival, which includes a number of activities like concerts, parades, and fireworks. A fantastic way to see Bilbao's exciting nightlife, the festival honours the city's culture and heritage.
Consider the Feria de Malaga in Malaga if you're searching for a more traditional and exciting festival. Traditional Andalusian music, dance, and cuisine are included in this week-long festival in August. The event is a lot of fun and a terrific chance to learn about Andalusia's culture.
No matter what you're looking for in a festival, you're sure to find it in Spain during August. With so many different festivals to choose from, you're sure to have a memorable time celebrating Spanish culture.
Popular August Festivals
La Tomatina
Huge tomato fight in the streets of Buñol near Valencia on the last Wednesday of August. Participants pelt each other with ripe tomatoes.
FerÃa de Malaga
Weeklong fair in Malaga featuring parades, flamenco, fireworks and partying in traditional Andalusian dress.
Festa Major de Gracia
Barcelona's streets are colourfully decorated for this lively festival with outdoor concerts and performances.
Festes de la Mare de Déu de la Salut
-AlgemesÃ's important religious festival honours the Virgin Mary with colourful parades, music and huge fireworks displays.
Festa Major de Santa Tecla
Major street party in Tarragona with human towers, fire runs, concerts, dancing and cultural events lasting several days.
Semana Grande de Bilbao
Bilbao's biggest festival has bull running, rowing regattas, fireworks, concerts in the city centre and crowded pintxos bars.
La Vela de Santa MarÃa
Fiesta in Alicante with ninots parades, cultural events and colourful harbour fireworks on the 13th-14th of August.
Semana Grande de San Sebastian
Music, cultural events, contests, bull running and partying in San Sebastian during its biggest annual festival.
Festa Major de Sants
Lively neighborhood festival in Barcelona with castellers human towers, correfoc fire runs, music, theater and cultural activities.
Sonorama Ribera
Major indie/alternative music festival held mid-August in Aranda de Duero showcasing national and international bands.
La Virgen del Buen Suceso
Religious pilgrimage and festival in PotosÃ, Cáceres climaxing on the 21st of August with famous bull running.
Fiestas de San Roque
Large festival in Garachico, Tenerife honouring Saint Roch with lively parades, cultural events, food and concerts.
La Tomatina Valencia
Bunol in Valencia is home to La Tomatina the famous tomato festival.
Tons of ripe tomatoes are thrown by locals historically from warring towns and villages – followed by music and dancing.
Each year the party gets bigger and better and is celebrated on the last Wednesday of August.
Many thousands of people now make their way from all over Spain and abroad to battle it out in the world's largest food fight.
Around one hundred tons of ripe tomatoes are used in this unique street festival.
The population of the small town of Bunol ( pronounced Bunyol ) is normally around 9.000 inhabitants, this increases to around 60,000 during festival time.
There is a limit to the number of places available for the actual tomato throwing spectacle so if you are thinking of participating make sure you book early.
Malaga Annual Fair
Now one of the largest festivals in Spain, the Feria de Malaga lasts for one week and is recognised as one the best July festivals in Andalucia with events held throughout the city.
The festival rages all day and night on a large purpose-built park located close to the exhibition centre and just 15 minutes from Malaga International airport.
The Malaga fair is usually held during the middle of the month and features music, shows, dancing, horses, fireworks and daily processions through the historic the center of the city.
Although the main party is held on the outskirts of the city we would highly recommend you visit all the events held around the old quarter in central Malaga.
During this week-long festival, the people of Malaga commemorate the re-conquest of this city by Ferdinand and Isabella in the year 1487.
The Big Week - Basque Country
Held each year in Bilbao and San Sebastian the festival - known as Aste Negusia -Â in the Basque language, is great fun with street parades, fireworks and theatre performances.
The ugly face and strong man competitions plus lots of other events guarantee great fun throughout the festival.
» Semana Grande festival website
Gracia Festival - Festa Major de Gracia Barcelona
The Festa Major de Gracia is a firm favourite for the residents and visitors of Barcelona during August.  Famous for its offerings of all types of music ranging from classical Spanish, jazz and rock.
Alongside the music come workshops, exhibitions, street markets, sporting activities, parades, dramatic performances, and many other activities that are specifically designed for kids.
Feria de Benahavis – Andalucia
The feria de Benahavis pays tribute to the town's patron Saint the Virgen del Rosario usually held around the second weekend of August. Â Benahavis is located in the foothills behind Marbella on the Costa del Sol.
A picturesque village in a  stunning setting, especially during festival time where the whole village comes to life with street processions, parties, dance, live music, great wine, and even better food.
Octopus Festival Galicia
The octopus festival takes place in mid-august all around the province of Galicia. One of the best though is held in the town of O Carballiño.
The festival has been declared of National Tourist Interest which first started back in 1962 with a group of friends getting together to cook and enjoy this famous local dish.
Tens of thousands of visitors now visit the town each year to take part in a huge cook-out in the beautiful Galician countryside.
The party is accompanied by bagpipers, drummers, and folkloric and regional music.
San Lorenzo Festival Madrid
Held in Madrid each year this unique festival, also known as the Fiesta de Lavapies held in the neighbourhood of the same name.
Held in honour of Saint Lorenzo, the fair is usually held between the 9th and the 11th of August offering lots of activities and entertainment for all the family.
Visitors are also treated to firework displays, street processions, music, dance and competitions are just some of the fun things you will see at the Lavapies festival in Madrid.
Cuellar Bull Run - Segovia
One of the oldest bull-running festivals of its kind, the Spanish granted this unique fair National Treasure status.
Usually held on the last Sunday in August each year the festival also features local music, traditional dance, concerts, local gastronomy and lots of other village fun.
National Holiday – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – 15th August
This festival is not unique to Spain as it is celebrated throughout the world. It is held on the 15th of August and is a national holiday in Spain. A number of towns will hold colourful processions and fireworks displays.
La Feria de Antequera –  Andalucia
The Antequera is a historic city located in the heart of the province of Malaga in Andalucia and is home to Fiesta de la Recoleccion and popular flamenco festivals during August.
The Royal Feria is one of the oldest in Spain and includes a Romeria. Locals dress up in traditional costumes and make the pilgrimage in dressed-up old wagons, on horseback or simply walking the route.
» Antequera.es
Verbena de la Paloma Madrid
Celebrated during the first half of August, usually around the 12th in the Latina quarter of  La Paloma in Madrid.
Even the intense August heat doesn’t stop the streets from filling up with people enjoying the music and dance.
There is a great summer atmosphere for this popular festival with street parties, parades, food and drink and lots of music.
A helpful tip is to try and find a good place with plenty of shade and stay well hydrated as the heat can be very stifling in Madrid during August.
Best Festivals in Spain - Month by Month
National Holidays in Spain
Jan 1st - Â New Years Day - Ano Nuevo
Jan 6th - 12th night, The Three Kings  - Dia de los Reyes
Mar 19th -Â Fathers Day - San Jose
Variable -Â Good Friday - Viernes Santo
May 1st -Â Labour Day - Dia del Trabajador
Aug 15th - Â Assumption -Â Dia del Asuncion
Oct 12th -Â Spanish National Day - Dia de la Hispanidad
Nov 1st - Â All Saints Day - Todos los Santos
Dec 6th - Â Constitution Day - Dia de la Constitucion<
Dec 8th - Â Immaculate Conception - Imaculada Concepcion
Dec 25th -Â Christmas Day - Navidad