February in Spain comes alive with lively festivals which fill the streets with parades, costumes and music. Whilst the renowned Carnivals of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas and Cádiz are iconic, many other unique celebrations also take place such as the Bodas de Isabel de Segura in Teruel and the the Moros y Cristianos festival in Bocairent. The Almond Blossom Festival in Gran Canaria marks the beginning of spring in the Canary Islands whilst Lalín in Galicia hosts the best of the month’s food fairs. If you’re planning a trip to Spain in February, here are some of the top festivals to look out for.
What’s On in Spain in February?
Carnival in Spain
Carnival celebrations take place in many parts of Spain, generally including a mix of street parades, music, elaborate costumes and partying. Whilst each region brings its unique flavour to this festival, the top destinations are as follows:
Carnival in Tenerife
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is recognised as a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest which is the world’s 2nd largest Carnival celebration after the one in Rio de Janeiro. Every year the festival’s theme changes which inspires dazzling costumes and parade floats. The festival begins with an opening parade, followed by a week of non-stop music, dancing and competitions. One highlight is the election of the Carnival Queen, where participants showcase elaborate, feathered and sequinned ensembles weighing up to 100kg. The grand Coso Apoteosis parade marks the climax, featuring a kaleidoscope of colour and spectacle. The celebration concludes with the satirical Burial of the Sardine, a mock funeral procession symbolising the end of excess before Lent.
Carnival in Gran Canaria
Also in the Canary Islands, the Carnival celebrations of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria are renowned for their diversity and innovation. The Drag Queen Gala is a standout event, where performers challenge convention with extraordinary costumes and bold acts. The daytime parades, such as the Cabalgata, transform the streets into a vibrant sea of samba, while night-time parties keep the rhythm alive. The Burial of the Sardine here is equally theatrical, with fireworks illuminating the sombre yet playful farewell.
Carnival in Cádiz
Cádiz brings its own flair to Carnival with its sharp wit and musical artistry. The chirigotas, groups performing satirical songs, take centre stage, often addressing current events with biting humour. Alongside these performances are the coros (choruses) and comparsas, offering more melodious, theatrical takes on Carnival themes. The city’s narrow streets fill with laughter, impromptu singing and locals dressed in creative costumes. The finale, a grand parade through the historic centre, is a reminder of the importance of fiestas to the Andalucían way of life.
Carnival in Badajoz
In the Extremaduran city of Badajoz, Carnival is a community affair. The Comparsas parade showcases large dance troupes in eye-catching outfits, accompanied by live music. This is followed by the Saturday of Carnival, featuring the city’s inhabitants decked out in their creative best for a lively costume contest. The floats parade and the burning of the Sardine, complete with a fireworks display, make this celebration one of Spain’s most unmissable Carnivals.
Festival Flamenco de Jerez
Widely considered as the cradle of flamenco, Jerez de la Frontera hosts an annual festival which is a pilgrimage for aficionados of this very Spanish artform. Running over two weeks, the Festival Flamenco de Jerez combines traditional and contemporary flamenco performances in historic venues like the Villamarta Theatre. Dance workshops attract students from around the world whilst evening recitals showcase world-class talents. Whether you’re captivated by the soulful cante (singing), mesmerised by intricate baile (dance), or moved by the guitarra, this festival immerses you in the profound artistry of flamenco.
Feria del Cocido (Lalín)
The town of Lalín in Galicia celebrates its love for cocido, a hearty stew of meats, chickpeas and vegetables, with a festival that doubles as a gastronomic feast and a cultural event. Held on the Sunday before Lent, the Feria del Cocido includes tastings, cooking demonstrations and food markets brimming with local produce. Traditional Galician bagpipe music accompanies the festivities whilst the streets come alive with parades featuring giant puppets and folkloric dance troupes.
Moors and Christians Festival (Bocairent)
The Moors and Christians Festival in Bocairent is a historical pageant commemorating the battles between Muslim and Christian forces during Spain’s Reconquista. Over several days, the town becomes a stage for elaborate parades, mock battles and firework displays. Participants don ornate costumes, with Christians clad in armour and Moors in flowing robes, as they recreate dramatic moments from history. The highlight is the Entrà, a spectacular procession accompanied by traditional Valencian music.
Bodas de Isabel de Segura (Teruel)
This festival re-enacts the tragic love story of Isabel de Segura and Diego de Marcilla, Teruel’s own Romeo and Juliet. Over four days, the town transforms into a medieval wonderland, with markets, jousts and street performances. Actors in period costume recount the tale through a series of theatrical vignettes, culminating in Diego’s death and Isabel’s sorrowful farewell. The festival draws thousands, who come not only for the drama but also to soak in the charm of Teruel’s UNESCO-listed Mudejar architecture.
Almond Blossom Festival (Tejeda)
In Tejeda, Gran Canaria, February heralds the blooming of almond trees, celebrated with the Almond Blossom Festival. This charming event is a showcase of Canarian traditions, featuring folk music, dancing and artisanal crafts. Local delicacies such as bienmesabe (a dessert made from almonds and honey) take centre stage whilst the village’s scenic beauty, with its flowering almond orchards and mountain vistas, provides the perfect backdrop.
Santa Águeda Festival (Segovia)
Women take centre stage during this celebration, becoming the rulers of the town for a day. The festival dates back to 1227, when Moorish forces occupied the Alcázar of Segovia. According to tradition, the women of Zamarramala distracted the Moors with their dances while the men recaptured the fortress. This historic feat is commemorated with a lively procession featuring dances and music, culminating in a spirited performance by the Águedas at the town’s entrance.
La Endiablada (Almonacid del Marquesado)
La Endiablada is an ancient festival celebrated in the tiny village of Almonacid del Marquesado (Cuenca). Held annually on 2nd and 3rd February, the festival honours the Christian feasts of Candelaria and San Blas whilst blending pagan traditions from Celtic and Roman origins. The celebration features devil-like dancers (diablos) in colourful costumes adorned with cowbells and clubs, symbolizing ancient shepherd customs and warrior traditions. La Endiablada celebrates Almonacid del Marquesado’s rich cultural heritage through processions, dances, mystery plays and sharing of traditional local cuisine.
Spain in February offers a variety of experiences, from the raucous energy of Carnival to the soulful rhythms of flamenco and the serene beauty of almond blossoms. The blend of history, culture and celebration makes this an interesting time to visit major holiday destinations as well as some off-the-beaten-track destination. Whether you’re seeking the warmth of the Canary Islands, the charm of small-town Spain or the lively fiestas of Andalucía, February promises an unforgettable Spanish adventure.
