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Seven marvellous things to do in May in Spain

With longer and warmer days, May is the month when Spaniards take to the streets to throw fiesta after fiesta.

Published: 3 May 2017 17:02 CEST
Seven marvellous things to do in May in Spain
Photo: a_taiga/Depositphotos

Festivals

Feria de Abril, Seville, April 30th to May 6th

Photo: AFP

It may be called the April but becuase Easter fell late in 2017, Seville's main annual event stretches into the first week of May. With more than one thousand casetas – private tents that become the venues for dining, drinking and most importantly dancing – as well as a huge funfair, daily bullfights and horseback parades, it's a must -do at least once in your life. 

READ MORE All the fun of the fair: A guiri's guide to Spain's ferias

Patios de Córdoba (Córdoba courtyards festival), Córdoba, May 2nd-14th

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Photo: philipus/Depositphotos

The citizens of Cordoba will be competing for the prize of who has the most lush courtyard, decorating their patios with bright flowers, leafy green plants, fountains and more. The tradition dates back to 1921 with the town hall organizing a competition, along with music, dancing and wine.

Feria de Jerez (also known as the “Horse Fair”), Jerez de la Frontera, May 13th- 20th


Photo: AFP

Originally a livestock fair, the wonderful feria of Jerez is much more open than its more famous cousin – that held in Sevilla – as the casetas (temporary structures) are public so anyone can walk in and enjoy the food, drink and the dancing. Expect endless glasses of fino and dancing until dawn.

Titirimundi International Puppet Theatre Festival, Segovia, May 10th-15th

For five days in May, the medieval city of Segovia is transformed in this annual event for puppet enthusiasts. International puppet theatre groups stage performances across the city from traditional puppetry, to street theatre to acrobatics. Fun for all the family.

Fiestas de San Isidro, Madrid, May 12th-15th


Photo: nito103/Depositphotos

San Isidro is the patron saint of Madrid and May 15th is a public holiday for Isidro in the capital, though the celebrations usually kick off the week before and last until the Sunday after. Locals dress up in the typical chulapo and goyesco costumes, and dance to the traditional chotis in squares across old Madrid. It’s also the start of the prestigious bullfighting season at Las Ventas.

Music

WOMAD Festival (World of Music, Arts and Dance), Cáceres, May 11th-14th
 

Cáceres in Extremadura offers one of the world’s more unique music festivals as it is set within the historical walled city. And the three-day festival – which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year – is completely free! 

Sport

Mutua Madrid Open, Madrid, May 5th-14th

Photo: AFP

A chance for tennis fans to see Rafa Nadal play on his home turf (clay) in this Masters competition. Held in the Caja Mágica, the tournament attracts all the big names from the tennis circuit.

Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Sunday May 14th


Photo: Josep Lago/AFP.

The Formula 1 race held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is one of the oldest in the world and celebrated its centenary in 2013. A must for petrol heads.