AN EXCITING LINE-UP OF EVENTS AND FESTIVALS AWAIT IN SPAIN

The second half of the year features a spectacular celebration of culture and rich tradition

Spain, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions, is host to an incredible array of events and festivals throughout the year, and there’s still lots to come in 2023. From exhilarating street parties to colourful parades, the country’s festivities will captivate locals and visitors alike. Here’s what’s still in store:

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing World Championships (20 July to 6 August 2023)

Windsurfing and kitesurfing fans and enthusiasts shouldn’t miss this annual event, which has been running for 30+ years. Held on Fuerteventura, the second largest of the Canary Islands, these championships are recognised as one of the world’s leading events for professional windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Navia Estuary Swim (5-6 August 2023)

Every August, Navia, a coastal village in Asturias, holds its Estuary Swim, a prestigious international event that attracts swimmers from all over the world. The competition was held for the first time in 1958 and is usually in the first fortnight of August, coinciding with the fiestas in honour of Nuestra Señora de la Barca and San Roque.

La Tomatina, Valencia (30 August 2023)

Known as the world's largest food fight, La Tomatina brings together thousands of participants in Bunol, Valencia. This unique event allows attendees to engage in a friendly tomato battle, creating a sea of red amidst an atmosphere of excitement and joy.

San Sebastian International Film Festival (15-23 September 2023)

Recognised as one of the most prestigious film festivals globally, San Sebastian International Film Festival showcases a diverse selection of international films, attracting renowned filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts from around the world.

Fiesta de la Merce (22-25 September 2023)

Barcelona's largest street festival, Fiesta de la Merce, honours the patron saint of the city, La Merce. The festival features parades, concerts, fireworks, and a wide range of cultural activities that highlight the charming Catalan heritage.

'Castells' Human Towers Competition (October 2023)

Tarragona celebrates the tradition of the 'castells' in spectacular fashion. This famous event involves people creating human towers up to a height of between six and ten tiers. The main 'colles castelleres' (the associations or clubs of Catalonia's 'castelleres' or castle-makers) can be seen in the Tàrraco Arena Plaza (the old bullring) in the longest, most competitive and thrilling of these feats. The 'castells' (human castles) have been awarded the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity designation.

The above festivals are just a small glimpse into the examples of Spanish culture and heritage that will be on display in the second half of 2023. For more information and updates on Spain’s festivals, visit www.spain.info/en/ or for inspiration, follow @spain on Instagram.

Ends

Media Contacts:  

Chet Francisco Ramos

charityann.francisco@tourspain.es

+65 6737 3008

Rachel Jones  

rachel@thisishelm.com.au   

+61 (0) 422 085 502  

About Spain Tourism Board

The Spain Tourism Board promotes Spain as a one-of-a-kind leisure and business destination in the markets of South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand. We support the travel industry by providing market intelligence, networking opportunities, product updates and training. We work in collaboration with the private sector and the autonomous regions in Spain. In addition to activities targeted to travel trade professionals, we market to consumers through social media information, a customer-oriented website, videos and online content in order to give them a glimpse into the experience of visiting Spain.