Spanish Festivals That International Students Must Experience

Here are some of the traditional festivals in Spain as a International student that you should experience when you study in the country:

Pamplona Bull Run

The Bull Run in Pamplona sure is one of the most action-packed festivals in the country. It is a controversial yet popular festival that is a favorite of those adventurous and with foolhardy souls.

Actually, the bull runs are a part of a larger festival called San Fermín, which is held for a week every early July. It was in 1591 where the first official documented San Fermín was celebrated. The rest of the festival is less nerve-racking, which is good for those with weak hearts. The bull run itself is considered unethical by many because it is dangerous.

La Tomatina

If you’re in for a food fight, take part in the biggest one in the world. Celebrated in the tiny town of Buñol, La Tomatina is a festival like no other. Tomatoes are thrown at each other at this festival. Although it can be very messy, thousands of people can say that it is worth the fun.

The festival first started in 1945, when spectators threw tomatoes from a nearby fruit stand at each other disrupting a parade. Since then, it has become a tradition and is celebrated every last Wednesday of August yearly.

If you want to participate, you must buy a ticket that includes travel to Buñol from the larger cities.

Semana Santa

Spain is a very religious country. You may have heard or experienced Holy Week, but wait until you celebrate it on a Spanish level. In this season, processions occur in the streets every day in the week until Easter day where brotherhoods parade floats depicting the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ.

Spain’s Semana Santa involves processions, floats, costumes, and somber music played by live bands on Easter. If you want to catch processions, those in Seville and Malaga are some of the most famous ones.

Feria de Sevilla

Experience the most iconic festival in Seville filled with a colorful extravaganza of sherry, flamenco, and horses. The Feria de Sevilla is an annual fair in April where families create bonds with each other through meals, rides, and music.

Have your eyes be captivated by the lavishly costumed participants and colorful events. At night, you wouldn’t want to miss having alcohol while dancing to parties. 

Spain is offering diverse study opportunities for international students. Read our other articles here at MSM Unify to learn more about them.