Insights

Spain in summer is often boxed into bullfights, beaches, and sangria sunsets, but if you peel back the glossy travel posters, there’s a deeper rhythm to the season. All across the country, local communities celebrate centuries-old summer rituals, some ancient and some absurd, all unforgettable.

Whether you're building your Spain travel itinerary or just curious about Spanish festivals in the country's hidden soul, here are seven summer traditions that prove Spain is more than its stereotypes.

 1. El Colacho – Castrillo de Murcia, Burgos

A tradition where costumed devils leap over rows of infants lying on cushions in the street. Locals in the village of Castillo De Murcia celebrate “El Colacho,” meant to cleanse babies of sin. This ritual blends religion, folklore, and a little chaos. It’s one of the wildest and must-see Spanish festivals for adventurous culture lovers.

 2. La Patum – Berga, Catalonia

In Catalonia’s Berga, La Patum brings together mythical creatures, dancers, and drummers in an explosion of heritage. With fire-breathing dragons moving through the parade, this celebration is deeply rooted in identity and has earned UNESCO recognition, making it a defining experience in Spain's heritage tourism.

 3. The Battle of Wine – Haro, La Rioja

Wine tourism in Spain is done differently. Trade your glass for a water gun! In Haro, thousands dress in white and climb the hills to douse each other in red wine. There’s no competition—just community spirit and a lot of laundry afterward. It’s joyous, sticky, and uniquely Spanish!

 4. Romería Vikinga – Catoira, Galicia

Once a year, the town of Catoira turns into a battleground as locals re-enact Viking landings on the Galician coast. They row replica long ships and storm the shores in full costume. It’s historical, theatrical, and oddly moving. An ideal pick for travelers seeking Spain's offbeat destinations that still tell real stories.

 5. Sardine Send-Off – San Juan, Alicante

After days of firework-filled festivities for San Juan, locals in Alicante hold a fake funeral for a giant paper sardine. People dress in black, sob loudly, and then set the sardine ablaze on the beach. Here, satire meets ceremony, making it a top contender among hidden gems in Spain for those craving humor and tradition in one package.

6. Fiesta del Agua – Villagarcía de Arousa, Galicia

Holi in Spain? Every August, the streets of this Galician town become a splash zone as residents drench each other with buckets, hoses, and water guns after a religious procession. It’s a joyful chaos, deeply rooted in local tradition. Spain’s cultural experiences! This celebration is as wet and wild as it is welcoming for travelers.

7. Valencia’s Fire Night – Nit del Foc

To close its fireworks festival season, Valencia lights up the sky with “La Nit del Foc.” This epic show is the grand finale of a weeklong celebration that brings the city alive with sound and color. It’s bold, loud, and impossible to forget—an essential stop for anyone chasing Spanish festivals 2025 with a visual punch.

Travel Better with BLS International

Intend on discovering these hidden gems of Spain? Make sure your paperwork doesn’t slow you down. BLS International offers expert assistance with visa processing, ensuring your journey into Spain’s most authentic traditions is smooth from the start. Whether you’re traveling solo, seeking adventure, or following a passion for Spain cultural experiences, we make the entry process easy with our streamlined support.

Spain’s summer is so much more than beaches and bullrings. Its local traditions, from devil-jumping to wine wars, offer an unmatched look at how culture lives and breathes in the streets. Let your Spain travel itinerary include the stories no one tells and the festivals few outsiders find.

With the right mindset and the right visa support from BLS International, you’ll experience a Spain that’s raw, real, and deeply unforgettable.