As the sun bathes Spain in golden light, August 2025 promises a lively calendar of festivals and events that invite visitors to join locals in celebrating the country’s rich culture. From food fights to beach horse races, the month offers a range of experiences across Spain’s cities and towns, each with its own distinct flavour. Travellers can expect warm days, festive crowds, and a chance to engage with traditions that bring communities together
- In the small town of Buñol, near Valencia, La Tomatina transforms the streets into a sea of red on 27 August. This world-famous tomato-throwing festival sees thousands of participants hurling over 150,000 kilograms of tomatoes at each other in a chaotic yet joyful hour-long battle. The event kicks off with the palo jabón, where brave souls attempt to climb a greased pole to claim a ham, signalling the start of the tomato fight. Originating in 1945 from a spontaneous food skirmish, La Tomatina draws global crowds, so booking tickets early is wise. Visitors should come prepared for a messy, fun-filled day and wear clothes they don’t mind discarding
- Down in Andalucía, the Feria de Málaga runs from 16 to 23 August, offering a week-long celebration of the region’s heritage. The city’s historic centre comes alive with music, flamenco dancing, and tapas stalls during the Feria del Centro, while the Feria del Real on the outskirts hosts amusement rides, live performances, and marquees known as casetas. This fair, rooted in the 1487 Catholic reconquest of Málaga, blends history with modern merriment, inviting visitors to sample local cuisine and join in traditional dances under the warm August sky
- In the Basque Country, Bilbao’s Semana Grande, or Aste Nagusia, takes place from 16 to 24 August. This nine-day festival honours Basque culture with nightly fireworks, concerts, and street theatre. The iconic Marijaia, a giant puppet, leads daily parades, while txosnas—festival tents—offer drinks, pintxos, and live music. Visitors can also watch traditional Basque sports like stone lifting and tug-of-war, providing a glimpse into the region’s unique traditions. Nearby, San Sebastián hosts its own version of Semana Grande, mixing Basque music, sports, and community gatherings
- On the beaches of Sanlúcar de Barrameda in Andalucía, horse races gallop along the shoreline at low tide on 5–7 and 19–21 August. Dating back to 1845, when fishermen raced their horses informally, this event now attracts top jockeys and spectators who gather to watch thoroughbreds race against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. The sight of horses thundering across the sand at sunset offers a striking experience for those exploring southern Spain
- Barcelona’s Gràcia Festival, running from 15 to 21 August, turns the neighbourhood’s streets into a gallery of colourful decorations as residents compete for the best-dressed street. Visitors can wander through imaginative displays, enjoy live music, and marvel at the Catalan tradition of castellers—human towers built with precision and teamwork. This free event draws large crowds, so early exploration of the decorated streets is recommended to avoid the busiest times
- For music lovers, the coastal town of Villena hosts the Leyendas del Rock festival from 6 to 9 August, featuring heavy metal bands like WASP and Powerwolf. Meanwhile, Cullera’s Medusa Festival, from 7 to 11 August, brings electronic music to the beach with artists such as Armin van Buuren and Hardwell. Both events offer a lively atmosphere for fans looking to combine music with Spain’s summer warmth
- In Asturias, the Aquasella Festival runs from 14 to 17 August near Arriondas, set against the scenic Picos de Europa mountains. This electronic music event features top DJs and camping options, allowing visitors to dance under the stars in a stunning natural setting. For a different pace, the International Descent of the River Sella, held on 3 August in Arriondas, sees kayakers and canoeists racing down the river, accompanied by shoreside festivities that welcome spectators to join the fun
- Flamenco enthusiasts can head to La Unión in Murcia for the Festival del Cante de las Minas, a renowned celebration of this traditional art form held in early August. Performances showcase singers, dancers, and guitarists, offering a deep connection to Spain’s cultural heritage. Meanwhile, in Madrid, the Verbena de la Paloma festival from 12 to 15 August brings street parties, music, and traditional chotis dancing to the capital, coinciding with the national holiday of the Assumption of Mary
August also sees smaller local fiestas across Spain, often tied to patron saints or harvests. In the Rioja region, towns host wine-themed celebrations with grape stomping and tastings of local Txakoli and Rioja wines. These events, while less known internationally, offer an authentic taste of Spanish community life, with music, food, and dancing spilling into the streets
Visitors should note that 15 August is a national holiday for the Assumption of Mary, with closures of banks and some sights, particularly in Madrid, where the Verbena de la Paloma peaks. Weather in August varies by region—expect hot temperatures of 28–35°C along the Mediterranean coast, with milder conditions of 22–27°C in northern areas like Bilbao. Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and planning around holiday closures will ensure a smooth trip
