Discover Spain's Spring Fiestas & Contemporary Fairs

Whether you're interested in Spain's historic and cultural legacy, or looking to see the hottest industry trends, this spring is guaranteed to have an itinerary just for you - from ebullient fiestas honoring traditions that are centuries old, to modern trade shows demonstrating the latest in art, fashion and culinary expertise.
Madrid will hold several not-to-be-missed fairs for foodies, game lovers and fashionistas. The capital's Trade Fair Institution, IFEMA, boasts a 30-year history of staging magnificent events, and this spring will be no exception.


From March 5th through 8th, all those interested in gastronomy can visit Salon de Gourmets International. The 25-year-old International Fine Food and Beverage event positioned Spain as a gastronomy pioneer in Europe. Sample the cuisine, browse tens of thousands of culinary products and meet the stars of the food and beverage industry.

From March 11th through 13th, the 29th edition of the International Footwear and Leather Goods Fair (Modacalzado+Iberpiel) will introduce you to the latest trends in footwear and leather goods for the upcoming fashion season.

From March 28th through 30th, the 32nd Spanish gaming and gambling trade show, Fer-Interazar, will showcase the latest in electronic games, gambling equipment, leisure centers and amusement arcades.


For those visiting Barcelona, two fairs are a must-see for foodies and art lovers.

From March 24th through April 1st, 2012 Salo d'Art Antic i Modern will introduce you to Barcelona's quality, diversity and value as an international art capital. Attendees will take a fascinating journey through the history of artistic creation: including thousands of exciting and singular works of classical and contemporary treasures, medieval sculptures, as well as modernist, art nouveau and art deco pieces.

From March 26th through 29th, Alimentaria 2012 will tempt you with the finest in food innovation. Recognized as one of the most important food and drink trade shows in the world, Alimentaria will offer participants specialized programs, including a "Chef of the Year" competition, a fish conference and a freshly-cut and ready-to-eat products exhibition.


No spring visit to Spain would be complete without one of its world-famous fiestas. Enjoy a variety of celebrations throughout the country, from commemorating the discovery of America to honoring the country's rich Jewish heritage and medieval past.

On March 5th and 6th, the town of Baiona, in Pontevedra, Galicia, will celebrate the arrival of "La Pinta," one of Christopher Columbus's three ships, bringing the news of the discovery of America. Musicians, minstrels, jugglers and artisans provide free entertainment for visitors, while vendors sell one-of-a-kind crafts from the 15th-century.

From March 9th to 11th, the city of Toledo celebrates Purim with special events in the Jewish Quarter, including guided tours of synagogues and food-tasting events featuring traditional cuisine of the local Sephardic community. An ideal opportunity to discover Spain's Sephardic legacy, visitors can also attend Sephardic music concerts, exhibitions on the city's Hebrew past and customary Jewish celebrations on Purim, like public recitations of the Scroll of Esther.

From March 14th to 19th, Valencia welcomes spring with its San Jose Fallas festival. Custom-made cardboard statues, called ninots, are displayed around the city as part of an art, ingenuity and good taste competition. All of the statues (except for the selected winner) are then devoured by fire in a unique spectacle on the night of March 19th. Open-air celebrations, parades, and bullfights complete the festive program.

From January 21st to April 1st, the town of Burgo de Osma in the province of Soria, hosts Matanza del Cerdo. Families come together around a table for a traditional pig slaughter,