Spain In May: Contemporary Fairs And Colorful Fiestas

Boasting a mix of the most celebrated cultural traditions with an enviable cosmopolitan ambiance, Spain invites you to enjoy its May fairs and fiestas, and experience the vibrant energy as the country prepares to welcome the summer months. Spring is in full swing, love is in the air, and the upcoming itineraries are guaranteed to appeal to a variety of traveler tastes.

Barcelona
-From May 3rd through May 6th, Barcelona welcomes its 30th International Comicon (Salon del Comic) at Fira's Montjuic exhibition center. One of Europe's biggest comic festivals, last year's edition welcomed over 100,000 visitors and 143 exhibitors. A must-see for all comic enthusiasts and beyond, the festival attracts the leading comic artists, entertainers, and creative minds, often becoming front page news throughout Europe.

-Barcelona Bridal Week (Noviaespana 2012) lights up the city from May 11th through 13th, and features five days of bridal collections from local and international designers. An absolute must for brides, grooms, wedding and event planners, as well as those interested in fashion, beauty, and elegance. This year's event features 200 top-level brands from over 50 countries worldwide, becoming the ultimate bridal hotspot.

-From May 24th to 26th, Swab International Contemporary Art Fair brings together over 70 galleries from all over the world. Founded in 2006, the event features works by younger, emerging, contemporary art stars dedicated to making the world better through contemporary art.

Madrid
Organized by IFEMA from May 3rd until May 6th, the Madrid International Bridal Fashion Show (Madrid Novias) brings together the best ideas and the latest trends for brides, grooms, as well as wedding parties and first communion celebrations. A recognized leader in bridal and formalwear, the event features top fashion and accessories designers from Spain.

Cultural Festivals and Fiestas
-The May flowers have bloomed, and the annual Cordoba Patios Festival invites you to join the festivities from May 2nd to May 13th. Founded nearly a century ago in 1918, the festival offers a visual feast of floral arrangements, colorful mosaics, and ceramic decorations, filling the air with the smell of jasmine and orange blossom, Cordoba's signature scents. Cordoba is less than a two-hour train ride from Madrid on the high-speed AVE, making it a perfect day or weekend trip.

-Declared an international interest celebration, the world-famous Feria del Caballo (Horse Fair), welcomes equestrians, animal lovers, and history buffs alike to Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia. From May 7th to 13th, the event that originated in the medieval times as an annual livestock trade today pays homage to the beautiful animals with a vibrant celebration. From carnival rides for kids to delicious regional cuisine, sherry wine and dancing for grown-ups - Feria del Caballo is one of the most memorable celebrations in the country.

-From May 11th to May 13th, the city of Ibiza (Balearic Islands) takes you back in time during its Medieval Festival. Dalt Vila, the Old Town-a designated UNESCO World Heritage site-offers a perfect backdrop to the historically-themed festivities. Complete with music, singing, dancing, acrobats, performers, and a medieval market, your journey to the Middle Ages will become an unforgettable experience.

-From May 17th to May 27th, the town of Tarragona, celebrates its Roman history with the Tarraco Viva festival. Tarragona's Roman remnants come alive with traditional gladiator battles, circus performances, acrobatics, gymnastics, music, archaeological wonders and cultural rituals. Just 60 miles away from Barcelona, Tarragona's Roman Festival is a rare opportunity to experience Roman heritage today.

Parador de San Marcos
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