August isn’t over yet and the best in entertainment that Spain has to offer is still to come. Here is a breakdown of the biggest events in August for each of our five cities in Spain. I hope you enjoy the festivities

BARCELONA: Festa Major de Grácia (15^th – 21^st August)

The week long festival is a firm favourite in Barcelona. Famous for the elaborate colourful decorations that can be found throughout the streets of Gracia, Festa major Gracia also offers all types of music from classical jazz to hard rock as well as: exhibitions, workshops, sporting activities, street markets, parades, dramatic performances and many activities specifically for children. Definitely one event that is not to be missed so if you haven’t made it yet this week, make sure you attend the weekend’s festivities. A programme can be found on the official website: http://festamajordegracia.cat/

MADRID: Verbenas – Celebrations of the Neighbourhood Saints (Various Dates)

August in Madrid is all about celebrating some of the more typical districts of Madrid. For example, on August 7, it’s San Cayetano’s day (Cascorro neighbourhood’s patron saint) and on August 10, San Lorenzo is celebrated (Lavapiés neighbourhood’s patron saint). The Fiestas de San Lorenzo, San Cayetano and the Virgen de la Paloma are marked with processions, open-air dancing and street side concerts in the park of the Vistillas and vicinity. Verbenas are traditionally very colourful street festivals held in the old neighbourhoods of La Latina and Lavapiés.

MALAGA: Málaga Feria (13^th – 20^th August)

The Malageñas commemorate the re-conquest of the city by Isabella and Ferdinand in 1487 with a yearly week long celebration full of flamenco, fireworks and ‘fino’. There’s much castanet clicking and dancing in the street (look out for the traditional dance of Andalucia, the Sevillanas). Go down to Marques de Larios plaza to admire the decorative lanterns and lights and pop into a ‘casetas’ for a gossip with the locals and to fill up on fino (a traditional sherry like drink) and tapas. The funfair will provide much entertainment and laughs for both children and adults and music plays throughout the night.

SEVILLA: Exaltacion del Rio Guadalquivir (24^th – 27^th August)

Every year during August the Exaltacion del Rio Guadalquivie takes place in Sanlúcar de Barrameda in Cadiz. Cadiz is a coastal town around an hour and a half from Sevilla. Beginning in 1955 as a game to extol the beauty of the river Guadalquivir with flowers, the festival now consists of a collection of different celebrations, e.g. the “Fiesta del Mantón de Manila” (Feast of the Manila shawl) and the Fiesta Rociera. Also to mention are the famous horse races which take place on the beach on the 25^th, 26^th and 27^th of August. This will be the 166^th edition of this famous traditional race.

VALENCIA: Tomantina (31st of August)

By far the most well-known event that takes place in Spain in August and the most popular with tourists. Located 30 miles from Valencia is the city of Buñol, home to the biggest vegetable fight in the world! On the last Wednesday of every August up to 40,000 people flock to Buñol to throw around 90,000 pounds of tomatoes!  This doesn’t take place for any religious or political reason, it’s just one big fun messy activity. To attract even more tourists to the event the city now celebrates it’s week long patron saint festival at this time, meaning you can enjoy a weeks worth of Spanish festivities around your food fight. Here’s a video if you are finding to imagine the craziness that is Tomantina. If you’re attending this year on the 31^st of August, don’t forget to pack some old clothes that are ready for the bin!