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In Spain, practically each month has something different to offer the traveller. The spring and autumn are the most attractive times to visit the cities and the ‘pueblos blancos’. From mid June to mid September the climate is more suited to lazy sunbathing and leisurely lunches followed by a well-earned siesta under the shade of a leafy olive tree. For those looking to explore, the best months to travel are often November to March, a perfect time for a short break to escape the bleak skies of a northern European winter.
January
Once the fiestas on the 6th January are over the mood is generally subdued following the frivolities of Christmas and the New Year, the perfect time to enjoy an invigorating city break.
February
Spring comes early in Spain. The almond blossom, particularly in Mallorca, makes a perfect backdrop for a Valentine’s Day break with the mild weather making it ideal for romantic alfresco lunches.
March
Traditionally 1st March is the Día de Los Baleares, when a colourful street fair takes place in Palma, the atmospheric capital of Mallorca. One would normally expect a reasonable amount of sunshine – an ideal time for sightseeing.
April
Semana Santa, and the Fería in Seville; warm sunshine and April showers makes this a popular month for visitors looking for more than just the beach. Spring is the busiest time of the year to visit the cities; and early booking is essential.
May
The wild flowers and rolling hills make May a perfect month for walkers and photographers with long sunny days followed by cooler nights. Not to be missed are the Fería de Los Patios in Córdoba and the Fería de Los Caballos in Jerez.
June
Sunflower fields outnumber the poppy fields, farmers harvest their summer crop and the sun is at its strongest.
July & August
Almost guaranteed sunshine and hot weather – the perfect beach weather. September The sea is at its warmest and the sun is gentler. This is a popular month for those who can travel outside of peak season. Sporadic storms help dispel the heat haze which is replaced by crisp blue skies.
October
A popular month for those wishing to spend time touring around or visiting the cities. The fiesta Día de Hispanidad on the 12th October celebrates both Columbus discovering the New World and the expulsion of the Moors from Spain.
November
On the 1st of the month the Fiesta Día de Todos Los Santos is celebrated. Warm days and cool nights make it another good month for touring around.
December
Fiestas are held on the 6th, 8th, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve making December a fun-filled month. On Christmas Day families dress up in their finery and go out for a paseo bidding each other seasonal greetings.
Public holidays & fiestas
Spain celebrates a fiesta or national holiday every month of the year, this normally affects the opening hours of banks, museums, shops etc. Most will close, some will just open for restricted hours. The Spanish embrace their fiestas and traditions with all of the family enjoying the festivities until the early hours of the morning – grandparents and grandchildren included!
We have compiled a list of some of the more important fiestas programmed for 2007, however please note that these can be changed – often at the last minute!
| 5 January |
Fiesta de Los Reyes. On the evening of the 5th of January, three men dress as kings and ride through the streets, scattering sweets to the crowds of children. January 6 is a public holiday. |
| 15 – 27 February |
Carnival is celebrated either the weekend before or after Shrove Tuesday. Many larger towns stage a parade, and there is usually a ‘Carnival Queen’ contest. Cádiz hosts the liveliest and most dazzling carnival in mainland Spain. |
| 24 February - 11 March |
This internationally acclaimed flamenco festival in Jerez is one of the most important in the world. The Villamarta Theatre and other smaller venues play host to singers, dancers and guitar players as well as dance courses, concerts and exhibitions. |
| 28 February |
Día de Andalucía, public holiday in Andalucía only. |
| 1 March |
Día de Los Baleares, public holiday in Mallorca only, normally there are celebrations in the capital - Palma |
| 1 – 18 April |
Semana Santa is celebrated in the week running up to Easter Sunday (8th April).
The best days are Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Saturday. The Easter week processions compete with one another in luxury and splendour. The most outstanding Easter week processions are those of the cities of Córdoba, Granada and, of course, Seville. The spectacle is also worth seeing in any town or village, particularly Medina Sidonia, Jerez and Ronda. |
| 24 – 29 April |
Fería de Sevilla; from around midday until early evening Seville’s ‘society’ parade around the fairgrounds in carriages or on horseback. |
| 1 May |
May Day (falls on the 1st May not the first Monday in May as in the UK) |
| 29 April – 1 May |
Los Cruces in Córdoba. The crosses (Cruces) from distinct areas of the city compete for the prize of the best florally decorated cross. |
| 1 – 20 May |
Fiesta de Los Patios in Córdoba. Proud owners compete for the prize awarded to the most beautifully decorated patio.tal – Palma. |
| 3 May |
Celebration of Los Cruces in Granada, Plaza Nueva is closed off to all traffic – restricting access to our featured hotels in the Albaícin. |
| 6 – 13 May |
May Horse Fair in Jerez. Some of the world’s finest horses and riders compete in the endurance, coach–driving and dressage competitions. |
| 24 June |
Fiesta de San Juan – celebrated with fireworks, bonfires, grilled sardines and dancing on the beach. |
| 2 – 5 September |
Annual fiesta in Fornalutx – Mallorca. |
| 3 – 5 September |
Bullfights in Ronda’s famous old bullring. Visitors and residents flock to the historic mountain town to enjoy the pageantry of olden times. |
| 24 December |
Christmas Eve – many restaurants and bars are closed as families enjoy dinner together at home. |
| 25 December |
Christmas Day – families ‘take a paseo’, enjoying the outside fresh air and time together relaxing. |
| 31 December |
New Year’s Eve – celebrated with a lavish meal accompanied by plenty of wine and champagne. |
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