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
¡Atención! Hoy ha comenzado la venta de entradas para @TitirimundiSego. Te explicamos como puedes conseguirlas: https://t.co/FElDR9z3jG pic.twitter.com/KXveetSYMm
— Segovia a1clik (@a1clikcom) April 6, 2017
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
Music
#Womad #Caceres!
World music, free shows and concerts, in a beautiful World Heritage City.@WOMAD_Caceres #Spain pic.twitter.com/1cwKolQnt7— Spain (@spain) April 28, 2017
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.