Experience the magic of Andalucia’s vibrant festivals! Dive into a world of music, tradition, and celebration with this guide to the best cultural events in southern Spain worth planning your trip around.
By Liza S. | Updated 8 Jan 2025 | Andalucia | Events |
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The Horse Fair in Jerez
If there’s one thing Andalucia knows how to do, it’s throw a party—and its festivals are next-level amazing! From over-the-top parades and flamenco dancing to centuries-old traditions, these celebrations are your golden ticket to experiencing the real heart and soul of southern Spain.
Whether you’re dreaming of twinkling Christmas lights in Malaga, colourful flower-filled patios in Córdoba, or the all-night fun of Seville’s Feria de Abril, there’s a festival here for every kind of traveller.
And let’s be honest—there’s no better way to soak up the culture, music, and food of southern Spain than by diving headfirst into its most iconic events.
So, grab your calendar, start dreaming, and let me show you the spectacular festivals in southern Spain that are worth planning your next trip around!
Here are the 7 best festivals in Andalucia that you have to experience:
Read on to discover what makes each of these Andalucian festivals special!
Cadiz Carnival
When: Typically in mid-February
2025 Date: 27 February to 9 March 2025
If you love a good laugh, over-the-top costumes, and non-stop fun, then the Carnival of Cádiz is calling your name! This is Andalucia’s answer to Mardi Gras, and let me tell you—it’s every bit as wild and wonderful as it sounds.
Cádiz’s carnival dates back to the 16th century, when trade with Venice inspired the city to create its own version of the Italian festivities. Fast forward to today, and it’s a uniquely Andalucian party that blends music, satire, and endless creativity.
What can you expect? Think elaborate costumes (the sillier, the better!), street performances, and something called chirigotas—witty singing groups that perform hilarious, satirical songs about everything from politics to pop culture.
The Grand Parade is the main event, where locals and visitors alike come together for a dazzling display of colour and energy.
Want to make the most of it? First off, join in the fun by dressing up—you don’t need to go all-out, but a fun mask or wig will do. Wander through the old town’s squares and streets to catch impromptu performances, and don’t miss the chirigotas finals if you’re lucky enough to snag a ticket.
Oh, and the food? Unmissable. Grab a plate of fried fish (pescaito frito) or some freshly shucked oysters from one of the many street stalls.
Carnival in Cádiz isn’t just a festival; it’s a hilarious, heartwarming celebration of life that’ll leave you smiling for weeks.
Learn more about Cadiz Carnival
Semana Santa Procession
When: Typically in March
2025 Date: 13 to 19 March 2025
Semana Santa in Andalucia is something you have to see to believe.
It’s not just a festival; it’s a deeply moving, centuries-old tradition that turns the streets into open-air theatres of devotion and artistry. Think ornate processions, soulful music, and an atmosphere that’s equal parts solemn and celebratory.
This isn’t your average religious event.
Each day of Holy Week, brotherhoods (hermandades) carry massive, handcrafted floats—complete with lifelike statues of the Virgin Mary or Christ—through the streets. These floats are masterpieces, often adorned with fresh flowers and candles, and the level of detail will leave you in awe.
If you’re wondering where to go, Seville is the grand dame of Semana Santa, with its larger-than-life processions and spine-tingling saeta singers.
Malaga offers a more glamorous vibe, with celebrities occasionally joining in. For something more intimate, head to Granada, where the processions wind through its narrow, cobblestone streets.
Top Tips for Enjoying Semana Santa:
Even if you’re not religious, the passion and artistry of Semana Santa will leave you deeply moved—and maybe even planning a return trip for next year.
Learn more about Semana Santa in Andalucia
The Seville Fair
When:2 weeks after Semana Santa, usually in April
2025 Date: 6 to 11 May 2025
If you thought Seville’s energy couldn’t get any livelier, wait until you experience the Feria de Abril!
This week-long extravaganza is Andalucia’s ultimate party, where flamenco flair meets horse-drawn elegance, and the city feels like one big celebration of its traditions.
The Feria started back in 1847 as a humble livestock fair, but these days, it’s a dazzling showcase of Seville’s culture.
Picture this: rows of colourful striped tents (casetas) lit up like a fairytale, women in vibrant flamenco dresses, men on horseback in traditional suits, and the sound of guitars and clapping echoing into the night.
Most casetas are private, but don’t worry—there are public ones where everyone’s welcome.
Inside, it’s all about dancing Sevillanas (a type of flamenco), sipping on rebujito (a refreshing mix of sherry and soda), and feasting on local treats like tortilla de camarones.
The fairgrounds, or Real de la Feria, also have a huge amusement park area with rides, games, and plenty of fun for families. By day, you’ll see horse parades with riders and carriages showing off their finest, while the evenings are all about music, dancing, and soaking up the lively atmosphere.
Tips for Enjoying the Seville Fair:
Feria de Abril is pure joy, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in the magic. You’ll leave with sore feet, a full belly, and a heart bursting with Andalucian spirit!
Learn more about Feria de Abril
Colourful patio in Cordoba
When: May
2025 Date: 5 to 18 May 2025
If you’re a sucker for stunning flowers, charming courtyards, and a relaxed, feel-good vibe (me!), Córdoba’s Patio Festival (Festival de los Patios) is your dream event.
Every May, locals throw open the doors to their private patios, revealing hidden oases bursting with vibrant blooms, colourful ceramics, and the sweet scent of jasmine.
This festival started in 1921 as a competition to celebrate Córdoba’s unique courtyard culture.
Why courtyards? The city’s scorching summers inspired these shady, plant-filled spaces, and over time, they became works of art. During the festival, these patios are lovingly decorated with geraniums, carnations, and bougainvillaea, creating a floral wonderland.
Wander through the old town’s neighbourhoods, like Alcázar Viejo and Santa Marina, to discover these hidden gems.
Each patio is unique—some are cosy and rustic, while others feel like grand botanical masterpieces. You’ll also find live music, flamenco performances, and workshops adding to the festive buzz.
Top Tips for Enjoying the Patio Festival:
Pair your patio-hopping with a visit to Córdoba’s iconic Mezquita and some local tapas, and you’ve got yourself a visit to remember. The Patio Festival isn’t just beautiful—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and Córdoba’s unique way of life.
Learn more about Cordoba’s Patio Festival
Feria del Caballo
When: Typically in May
2025 Date: 17 to 24 May 2025
If you’re a fan of horses, flamenco, or sherry (and who isn’t?), then the Jerez Horse Fair (Feria del Caballo) is the festival for you.
Held in the birthplace of flamenco and Andalucia’s sherry capital, this event is an elegant mix of equestrian shows, traditional music, and all-around Andalucian charm.
The fair dates back to the 13th century, originally a livestock market. Today, it’s a week-long celebration of Jerez’s equestrian heritage and Andalucian culture.
Picture this: immaculately groomed horses trotting through the fairgrounds, riders in traditional Andalusian attire, and carriages straight out of a period drama.
During the day, you’ll see stunning horse parades and competitions. At night, the fairgrounds come alive with illuminated casetas (colourful tents) filled with music, dancing, and, of course, sherry. This is where you’ll find locals sipping fino, dancing Sevillanas, and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Top Tips for Enjoying Feria del Caballo:
Combine your visit with a tour of a sherry bodega or a flamenco show in Jerez, and you’ve got the perfect cultural day.
The Jerez Horse Fair is a feast for the senses and a celebration of Andalucia’s rich traditions, all in one unforgettable event.
Learn more about Feria del Caballo
Romeria del Rocio
When: 50 days after Easter, typically May/June
2025 Date: 6 to 9 June 2025
Get ready for one of the most extraordinary pilgrimages in Spain—the Romería del Rocío!
This is no ordinary religious event; it’s a lively mix of devotion, folklore, and a countryside fiesta that draws over a million people each year to the tiny village of El Rocío.
Dating back to the 13th century, the pilgrimage honours the Virgen del Rocío, a sacred figure deeply cherished in Andalucia.
Pilgrims travel on foot, horseback, or in brightly decorated wagons from towns and cities across the region, singing traditional songs and creating an incredible sense of community along the way.
The highlight? When everyone converges in El Rocío on Pentecost weekend.
The village transforms into a sea of flamenco dresses, hats, and Andalusian horses. It’s an explosion of colour, music, and celebration. At the heart of it all is the salto de la reja, when the Virgin’s statue is carried in a dramatic procession through the village.
For the full experience, join one of the pilgrimage groups (hermandades)—many welcome visitors. Be sure to pack comfy shoes, sunscreen, and water if you’re walking part of the route.
The main event can get crowded, so arrive early and be prepared for a bit of organised chaos.
Even if you’re not religious, the energy and camaraderie of the Romería are unforgettable. It’s Andalucia at its most passionate, blending faith and festivity like nowhere else.
Learn more about Romeria del Rocio
Christmas Lights in Malaga
When: Typically from late November to early January
2025 Date: Currently unconfirmed - the 2024 dates were 29 Nov 2024 to 4 Jan 2025
Málaga doesn’t just do Christmas—it owns it with its jaw-dropping light displays!
The Málaga Christmas Lights are some of the most spectacular in Europe, turning Calle Larios, the city’s main shopping street, into a glittering wonderland of festive magic.
Every year, a new theme transforms the street with millions of lights, synchronised music shows, and a vibe that’s pure holiday joy. Think intricate arches of light, sparkling tunnels, and dazzling displays that draw locals and visitors alike to marvel and snap the perfect Instagram shot.
The nightly light-and-music shows are the main event, but there’s plenty more to soak up.
Wander through Málaga’s Christmas market at Paseo del Parque for handcrafted gifts and local treats, or lace up your skates at the city’s pop-up ice rink. Feeling peckish? Stop by one of the food stalls for roasted chestnuts or turrón (Spanish nougat).
Top Tips to Enjoy the Christmas Lights in Málaga:
Whether you’re a Christmas fanatic or just looking for an excuse to escape the winter blues, Malaga’s Christmas Lights are guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit.
It’s the perfect way to end the year on a sparkling high note in Andalucia!
Learn more about the Málaga Christmas Lights
Andalucia’s festivals aren’t just events—they’re unforgettable experiences that immerse you in the region’s vibrant culture, traditions, and sense of community.
Whether you’re soaking up the magic of Malaga’s Christmas lights, dancing until dawn at Seville’s Feria de Abril, or marvelling at Córdoba’s flower-filled patios, there’s no better way to connect with Andalucia’s heart and soul.
Timing your trip around one of these celebrations will give you memories to treasure and stories to tell for years to come.
Which Andalucian festival will you experience first? Share this guide with your travel buddies, and let the planning begin—there’s no better way to fall in love with southern Spain than by joining the fiesta!
Andalucia really has a packed festival and event calendar! Check out more events and festivals in the region here.
Here are more festival highlights in Andalucia:
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Travelling to/around Spain and need some help? Here are my favourite travel resources.
I usually use Booking.com to look for hotels or apartment rentals. Lots of choice & you can unlock more discounts with their Genius loyalty programme!
To research transportation options around Spain, I like using Omio. It’s an easy way to compare different modes of transport and prices in one place. To search train routes, schedules, and prices, I recommend using Trainline.
Renting a car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore Andalucia at your own pace. Click here to compare car rental prices. (You’ll be surprised at how affordable it is in Spain!)
Looking for tours & activities in Andalucia? I usually use Get Your Guide to get tickets and book tours. Viator also has a huge catalog of activities and tours across many cities in Spain. Our Viator Shop has my top recommendations, all in one place!
Guruwalk is my favourite platform to find the best free walking tours in a city.
For last-minute holiday deals, check out Expedia UK.
For money transfers or spending overseas in foreign currency, Wise is my favourite borderless banking service. I love their debit card that's without fees and always use it when I travel.
Travel insurance is a must to protect against emergencies and unexpected incidents. I personally use SafetyWing and you can get a no-obligation quote from SafetyWing here.
For an easy way to stay connected on the road, get an eSim from Airalo. It's affordable and, best of all, you'll be connected the moment you arrive!
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