Calendar for the month of July 2023 - Spain

The month of July is a highly anticipated time in Spain , since it is the month in which a large number of events, festivals and popular parties are celebrated throughout the country. The July calendar offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy.

July 1: San Fermin - Pamplona

The Sanfermines are one of the most emblematic and well-known festivities in Spain. They are held in the city of Pamplona , in the Navarra region, from July 6 to 14. This festival has its origins in a religious celebration in honor of San Fermín, the patron saint of Navarra .

The most prominent event of the Sanfermines is the running of the bulls, known as " los encierros de San Fermín ". Every morning, at 8:00 am, fighting bulls are released in the streets of Pamplona and the runners, dressed in white with a red scarf around their necks, run ahead of them in an exciting course of approximately 800 meters. This tradition has attracted visitors from all over the world who seek to live the unique experience of running with the bulls.

In addition to the running of the bulls, the Sanfermines offer a wide variety of activities to enjoy. During the day, the streets of Pamplona are filled with music, dances, parades and troupes. Traditional sports competitions are also held, such as horse racing and the regattas on the river Arga . At night, the party continues with open-air concerts, fireworks and lively festivals in the city squares.

July 6: Festival of the Cave - Nerja

The Cave Festival is held in the town of Nerja , located on the Costa del Sol, in the province of Malaga . This festival takes place in the Nerja cave, an impressive underground cavity that is home to unique geological formations and exceptional acoustics.

During the festival, the cave is transformed into a natural setting for concerts and music and dance performances. The artists interpret musical pieces of different genres, from classical music and flamenco to contemporary music. The combination of the natural beauty of the cave with live music creates a unique and magical experience for attendees.

The Nerja cave is one of the most important natural treasures in Spain and has impressive rooms, such as the Salón de la Cascada and the Colonnade . In addition to the concerts, visitors can take guided tours to explore the different galleries and admire the stalactite and stalagmite formations that have been created over thousands of years. The Festival de la Cueva attracts music and nature lovers from far and wide and has become a prominent cultural event on the Costa del Sol . Every year, national and international artists come together in this special place to offer memorable performances.

July 16: Virgen del Carmen - Spanish coast

The Virgen del Carmen is a venerated figure in the Catholic tradition as the patron saint and protector of sailors and fishermen. On July 16, the festival of the Virgen del Carmen is celebrated in many coastal towns in Spain .

During this day, the images of the Virgin are taken out in a procession and carried on decorated boats across the sea. Sailors and fishermen pay homage to the Virgin and make offerings in her honor. It is common to see how the boats enter the sea and carry out a maritime procession, followed by other festively decorated boats and vessels. In addition, flowers are thrown into the sea as a symbol of gratitude and protection for sailors and fishermen .

This festivity is especially emotional in towns with strong seafaring ties, where it is celebrated with great fervor and community participation. Some of the towns best known for their celebrations of the Virgen del Carmen include coastal towns in Andalusia , such as Almuñécar and Málaga , as well as towns in the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands.

July 24: Benicàssim International Festival - Benicàssim

The Benicàssim International Festival ( FIB ) is one of the most prominent and popular music festivals in Spain. It is held annually in the coastal town of Benicàssim, located in the province of Castellón, in the Valencian Community.

The FIB is a multi-day event that brings together a large number of national and international artists from different musical genres. From indie and rock to electronic and pop, the festival offers a diverse line-up that attracts music fans from around the world.

During the festival, several outdoor stages are set up where concerts and live performances take place. In addition to music, the FIB also offers a wide range of complementary activities, such as art shows, exhibitions, open-air cinema and a camping area for attendees. The festive atmosphere, the musical diversity and the location on the Mediterranean coast make the FIB a unique experience for lovers of live music. The festival has gained international recognition and attracts thousands of people every year.

July 25: Santiago Apóstol - Galicia

On July 25, the feast of Santiago Apóstol, the patron saint of Galicia and one of the most important saints in Spain, is celebrated. This date is especially significant in Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia and one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world.

The Camino de Santiago, also known as the French Way , is a pilgrimage route that culminates in the city of Santiago de Compostela. On July 25, thousands of pilgrims from different parts of the world arrive in the city to celebrate the festival of Santiago Apóstol and receive the traditional Compostela, a certificate that accredits completion of the Camino.

During this festivity, the city is filled with celebrations and special activities. In the Plaza del Obradoiro, in front of the majestic Cathedral of Santiago, a solemn mass is held in honor of Santiago Apóstol. There are also parades, concerts, fireworks displays and cultural events that attract pilgrims as well as residents and visitors to the city.

July 31: International Descent of the Sella - Asturias

The International Descent of the Sella is a canoeing competition that takes place on the Sella River, in the Asturias region. This sporting event is held on the first Saturday of August, but the preparations and festivities beforehand start already in the month of July. During the International Descent of the Sella, thousands of participants jump into the river in canoes and kayaks to cover a 20-kilometer stretch between the towns of Arriondas and Ribadesella. Competitors, both professional and amateur, navigate rapids and enjoy the impressive natural landscape that surrounds the Sella River.

In addition to the competition itself, the Descent of the Sella has become a popular festival that attracts a large number of spectators and tourists. Throughout the route, the banks of the river are filled with lively people, who cheer and applaud the participants. Numerous complementary activities are also organized, such as concerts, festivals, fireworks shows and gastronomic events that celebrate Asturian culture.

If you have the opportunity to visit Spain in July, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy one of these unique celebrations.