10 Unusual Spanish Festivals You Have to See to Believe

Spain doesn’t do festivals like the rest of us. Where some countries light a firework or two, Spain sets the rulebook ablaze—literally. From devils leaping over infants to horses trotting through fire, this is a country where tradition, religion, and total madness collide in the best way possible.

Let’s dive into ten of the most bizarre, brilliant, and totally bonkers festivals that make Spain one of the most festive places on Earth.

1. El Colacho – Baby Jumping Exorcism

Every June in Castrillo de Murcia, red-and-yellow devils sprint down the street and leap over rows of babies. It’s not a prank. This 400-year-old tradition, rooted in Catholic and pagan ritual, is meant to cleanse the infants of sin and bad luck.

• When: Corpus Christi (usually June)
• Where: Castrillo de Murcia, near Burgos
• Tip: Arrive early. Crowds flood the narrow streets. And no—you can’t jump the babies.

Can tourists watch? Yes, respectfully. But participation is strictly local.

2. La Tomatina – The World’s Messiest Fight

In Buñol each August, over 100 tons of ripe tomatoes are hurled through the streets. It’s chaotic, it’s squishy, and it’s outrageously fun.

• When: Last Wednesday of August
• Where: Buñol, Valencia
• Ticket tip: Book early—numbers are capped.

Pro packing tip: Bring goggles and old clothes. You’ll thank us later.

3. Running of the Bulls – Adrenaline in Pamplona

You’ve seen it in films. Every July, daredevils sprint through Pamplona’s narrow streets, chased by thundering bulls. Known as San Fermín, it’s as dangerous as it sounds.

• When: 6–14 July
• Where: Pamplona, Navarre
• Advice: Spectating is safer than sprinting. And yes, people do get hurt.

4. Las Luminarias – Horses Through Fire

Imagine galloping through flames. That’s exactly what happens in San Bartolomé de Pinares. Horses leap over bonfires as part of a purification rite dating back centuries.

• When: Night of 16 January
• Where: San Bartolomé de Pinares, Ávila

Why? To protect the animals and bless them for the year ahead.

5. Patum de Berga – Catalonia’s Pyrotechnic Parade

This explosive week-long festival is so epic, it’s UNESCO-recognised. Expect giants, devils, and fireworks bursting in tight-packed squares.

• When: Corpus Christi
• Where: Berga, Catalonia

Local lore: It symbolises the fight between good and evil—brought to life in a dizzying display.

6. Cascamorras – The Great Paint & Mud Battle

Two towns. One statue. And a fight to claim it—via paint and mud. The Cascamorras festival sees locals coat themselves head to toe in greasy paint and chase down rivals.

• When: 6 September
• Where: Guadix and Baza, Granada

Don’t wear white. Seriously.

7. Toros de Fuego – Flaming Bulls (Kind of)

Bull running, but make it fiery. In many Spanish towns, bulls (or bull-shaped carts) are fitted with fireworks and paraded through town.

• When: Various summer festivals
• Where: Towns across Valencia and Catalonia

Tourist tip: It’s safer than it sounds—but still wear sturdy shoes.

8. Day of the Geese – Avian Tug-of-War

In Lekeitio, Basque Country, young men try to decapitate a goose suspended over water while being dunked repeatedly. Animal rights activists have challenged it, but a synthetic goose is now often used.

• When: 5 September
• Where: Lekeitio, Basque Country

Yes, this is a real thing.

9. Goat-Throwing Festival – A Dark Past

Once held in Manganeses de la Polvorosa, this banned tradition involved tossing a goat from a church tower. Outrage eventually led to its cancellation, (THANK GOD) but it remains a curious (and controversial) chapter in Spain’s history.

• Status: Cancelled
• Legacy: Locals now celebrate with symbolic effigies.

10. La Batalla del Vino – Battle of the Wine

In Haro, Rioja, you’ll find a purple-soaked celebration where revellers hurl litres of red wineThe 8 Best Mulled Wine Wines in 2022 at each other. Wear white—only to watch it turn burgundy.

• When: 29 June
• Where: Haro, La Rioja

Bring a change of clothes—and maybe a straw.

Final Thoughts: Which Would You Dare Attend?

So, what’ll it be—dodging bulls, getting pelted with tomatoes, or watching flying devils leap over babies? Spanish festivals are more than parties. They’re raw, real, and rooted in centuries of tradition.

Let us know which festival you’d brave! Or better yet—start planning your next Spanish summer with one of these unforgettable fiestas.

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