Exciting August In Spain: Fiestas, Trade Fairs And New Accommodations

FIESTA:


Albarino Wine Festival (Cambados)
Sommeliers and romantics will enjoy sipping on delicious white wine at a coastal vineyard, and enjoying stunning sunset views at the Albarino Wine Festival in Cambados. From August 2nd to August 5th, the charming Galician town celebrates its 60th wine festival, an annual event highly regarded by gourmets and wine lovers from all over the world. The participants praise the aroma and the firmness of the grape harvest, and enjoy the local 'wine of the sea.' The festival features over 50 wineries, and offers thousands of Europe's best wine bottles. Activities include wine-tasting sessions and courses, concerts, street performers, open-air parties and more. Cambados is easily accessible by car from Santiago de Compostela (just an hour drive), or from Pontevedra (just a 30 -minute drive).


La Tomatina (Bunol)
One of the most electrifying events in Spain this summer, the world-famous tomato fight in the Valencian town of Bunol has been a tradition since 1945. This year's "La Tomatina" will be held on August 29th. Accompanied by a week of festivities, Bunol attracts tens of thousands of people from all over the world, anxious to take part in the traditional throwing of ripe tomatoes at one another. The festival also features music, parades, dancing, fireworks, and a paella cooking contest on the night before the tomato fight. Located less than an hour away from Valencia, Bunol is easily accessible by car or train.


Semana Grande (San Sebastian)
The city of San Sebastian transforms itself for a week of traditional games, regattas, "pelota" matches, fireworks, music, theatre performances, bullfights in the Illumbe Bullring, and other cultural and sporting events of the "Grand Week." From August 11th to August 18th, the Basques prove - as they do every year - their ability to throw a magnificent party, turning their city into one of the most dynamic places in the northern Spain. San Sebastian boasts a rich architectural legacy and a cosmopolitan flair, complete with expressionist bridges and romantic alleys throughout the city. The city's renowned culinary heritage is represented with three Michelin-rated restaurants as well as numerous traditional eateries.




Fiesta de las Piraguas (Asturias)
A highly anticipated event among the international canoeing community, Fiesta de las Piraguas in Asturias attracts thousands of canoeists from all over the world with its annual competition. The competition is scheduled to take place on August 4th, and will start in the village of Arriondas and finish in the village of Ribadesella, Asturias. Whether a participant or a spectator, you are guaranteed to enjoy the merriment of the festival. The 12-mile river race features locals in colorful dresses and costumes, as well as decorated vehicles cheering on the participants. The post-race celebration features a picnic filled with delicious local fare and cider, as well as music, dancing, and celebrations that last all night. A tradition since 1930, the event is declared a Festivity of International Tourist Interest.


Santander International Festival
From August 1st to August 24th, one of Spain's oldest and longest music festivals turns the city of Santander, Cantabria, into the heart of global music and art. Giving the travelers a rare opportunity to enjoy historic landmarks as stages for performing arts from around the world, the festival features theatre and ballet shows in the royal gardens, operas in palaces, recitals in famous churches, and dance performances in old caves. Since 1948, the festival organizers have been offering a contemporary program that honors the traditional cultural and artistic heritage of the world. Just an hour drive from Bilbao, the S