This guide gathers Spain’s most relevant events for February, designed to help you plan your trip or build your itinerary around the month’s calendar. The list focuses on events with broad appeal, but remember that Spain is a festive country, there are celebrations in every pueblo that may not appear here. Some dates vary by year, and many parties are strictly local. If you know of an event that isn’t listed, let us know so we can update the page.
Carnivals and street parties
February is the peak season for carnivals. Even in the middle of winter, the tradition of street parties remains strong across various regions, featuring parades, music, satire, and local customs that vary significantly from place to place and last for several days. The list below gathers some of the country’s most representative carnivals.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival
Where: Tenerife
When: February 11 to 22.
More info
It is the biggest carnival in Spain, with queen galas and street parades. The street party is massive, and the weather in the Canary Islands helps, as it is much warmer than on the peninsula.
Cadiz Carnival
Where: Cádiz – Andalusia
When: February 12 to 22.
More info
The priority here is laughter. Declared of International Tourist Interest, the event is famous for the chirigotas, groups that take to the streets singing political and social satire. Don’t expect luxury, expect creativity. It is a crowded, noisy, and very authentic party.
Águilas Carnival
Where: Águilas – Murcia
When: January 31 to February 28.
More info
One of the longest festivals in the country and also of International Tourist Interest. The highlight is the rivalry between Don Carnal and Doña Cuaresma and the Suelta de la Mussona, a street theater performance where a beast tries to scare passersby.
Badajoz Carnival
Where: Badajoz – Extremadura
When: February 13 to 22.
More info
Considered one of the best in Europe for popular participation. Here, it’s not just about watching, it’s about joining in. The whole city dresses up and parades in large organized groups (comparsas). If the goal is to see people on the streets and enjoy an unpretentious party, this is the right destination.
Verín Carnival (Entroido)
Where: Verín – Galicia
When: February 11 to 22.
More info
Carnival in the north follows a different logic. In Verín, the central figure is the Cigarrón, a masked character with bells on his waist who runs after people with a whip. It is an ancestral festival, declared of National Tourist Interest.
Carnaval del Toro (Bull Carnival)
Where: Ciudad Rodrigo, Salamanca
When: February 13 to 17.
More info
A unique mix of carnival and bullfighting culture. In addition to dances and costumes, there are encierros (bull runs) and bullfights in the Plaza Mayor, which is transformed into an arena for the festival.
Major events and festivals
February also hosts major events and festivals that attract international crowds, especially in tourist cities. Here are some of the main events of the month.
Llum BCN (Light Arts Festival)
Where: Barcelona (Poblenou)
When: February 6 to 8.
More info
The tech district of Poblenou turns into an open-air gallery with giant light installations and digital art. The event draws over 200,000 people, with closed streets, food trucks, and a futuristic nightlife atmosphere set amongst industrial and modern buildings.
Inverfest
Where: Madrid
When: Various dates.
More info
The capital keeps its concert agenda hot even in winter. Inverfest and the major arenas bring big names that could easily headline summer music festivals.
Festival de Jerez
Where: Jerez de la Frontera
When: February 20 to March 7.
More info
The world reference for professional flamenco and Spanish dance. It serves as a luxury showcase for major productions, attracting aficionados from Japan to the USA. The shows focus on technique and the elite of dance, far removed from tourist clichés.
Benidorm Fest
Where: Benidorm, Alicante
When: February 10, 12, and 14.
More info
This is the media event of the month. It is the festival that chooses who will represent Spain in Eurovision. It has a TV-show vibe, with giant screens on the streets, club parties, and big crowds. If you are into pop culture and a gay-friendly atmosphere, this is the place to be. The Final (on the 14th) is crazy.
Rockin’ Race Jamboree
Where: Torremolinos, Málaga
When: February 4 to 8.
More info
This is a gem, one of Europe’s biggest Rockabilly and retro culture festivals. The city is invaded by thousands of people dressed in 50s style, along with classic cars and quiffs. It features over 40 international bands.
Chinese New Year (Year of the Horse)
Where: Madrid (Usera District)
When: Expected Sunday, February 22.
More info
The real party happens in Usera, in Madrid’s “Chinatown.” The district is decked out with red lanterns and street food stalls. The highlight is the Grand Parade on Avenida Marcelo Usera, featuring dragons, lions, and imperial costumes.
Traditional and village festivals
In Spain, there is always a party somewhere. The countryside is packed with local traditions that would be impossible to list on a single page. We have selected the most famous events we know, but keep in mind that almost every pueblo has its own celebration at this time of year.
La Endiablada (The Devils’ Festival) – Cuenca | February 2 & 3: Hundreds of devils with giant cowbells on their backs jump through the streets of Almonacid del Marquesado in a deafening and visually striking ritual.
Botillo Exaltation Festival – León | February 7: A massive gastronomic gala in Bembibre dedicated exclusively to celebrating the botillo, the king of cured meats in the El Bierzo region.
Cocido Fair (Stew Fair) – Pontevedra | February 8: A gastronomic celebration in Lalín dedicated to the most traditional dish of the Galician winter.
Almond Blossom Festival – Gran Canaria | February 6 to 8: A nature celebration in Tejeda marking the early arrival of spring in the Canary Islands, featuring folklore and almond products.
Moors and Christians – Valencia | February 6 to 10: The medieval town of Bocairent serves as a backdrop for period parades and gunpowder battles that recreate the region’s history.
The Wedding of Isabel de Segura – Aragón | February 19 to 22: A massive historical reenactment in Teruel where the whole city dresses in 13th-century costumes to stage a romantic legend.
The Arrival of La Pinta – Pontevedra | February 27 to March 1: A medieval festival by the sea in Baiona celebrating the news of the discovery of America, featuring theater and a period market.
The Slaughter Days (Jornadas de la Matanza) – Soria | Weekends in February: A gastronomic ritual in El Burgo de Osma recovering the ancient tradition of the pig slaughter, featuring 22-course banquets.
