Top 2026 Events to Look Forward To in Spain and Portugal

If you’ve got a trip to the Iberian Peninsula on your bucket list this year, you’re in luck! 2026 is going to be an especially wonderful time to visit the region, particularly for travelers looking to experience the two countries’ diverse cultural, religious, and historic traditions firsthand. At Your Trip to Spain & Portugal, our expert travel agents craft customized itineraries designed to fit your unique travel style, so you can make the most of your international journey. Here are our top 2026 events in Spain and Portugal:

7. San Sebastián Tamborrada

Known for its incredible gastronomy and rich Basque culture, San Sebastián is one of those special places in Spain that many travelers visit time and time again. On January 20th, the streets come alive as this coastal city celebrates its patron saint with the annual Tamborrada Drum Parade. Led by the Sociedad Gaztelubide, this 24-hour cultural event features more than 147 drum companies performing amazing music integral to the region’s history and culture. 

6. Semana Santa & Feria de Abril

A visit to Spain in the Spring can grant you access to two of the country’s most incredible holy traditions. In late March and early April, travelers can enjoy Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Seville, Malaga, and Granada. The festival is a breathtaking display of devotion, with the most dramatic processions taking place on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, when mourners dressed in black lace carry candles through the streets. In Seville, Feria de Abril bursts with incredible flamenco, traditional music, and ornate carriages. Portugal also comes alive during this season! In Braga, enjoy fantastic processions and unique seasonal dishes prepared each day during the holiday, such as Folar de Pascoa, bacalhau, cabrito, and various sweets. 

5. Madeira Flower Festival & Festival de los Patios de Córdoba

Celebrate the beauty of Spring in the Iberian Peninsula in Madeira and Cordoba! In Funchal, the Madeira Flower Festival transforms the island with stunning floral carpets and costumes. Bursting with color, this festival celebrates the season, with the island’s flowers in full bloom, and carries a great cultural significance for locals. In Andalusia, the city of Córdoba really shows off what it’s famous for… its patios! For over 100 years in May, the city has held the annual Córdoba Patio Festival. In this competition, locals decorate their courtyards with incredible displays of hanging flowers, lush plants, colorful pots, antique furniture, and even kitchen utensils. With our custom luxury trips to Spain, you can enjoy the festivities as well as curated tapas tours, dinner with locals, and total cultural immersion with an expert guide.

4. Santo Antonio Festival & Festival of St. John

In June, Portugal is absolutely teeming with celebration. In Lisbon, the Santo Antonio Festival honors the city’s patron saint with lively street parties, local music, stunning decorations, and of course, grilled sardines! Less than two weeks later, the Festival of St. John takes over the city streets in one of Portugal’s biggest annual traditions! Combining pagan and Catholic customs, this festival is beloved by locals and visitors alike who enjoy partying in the streets, barbecues, launching paper balloons, bonfires, fireworks, and martelinhos.

3. Running of the Bulls

Likely the most famous event in all of Spain, Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls (El Encierro) is truly a staple of Iberia’s culture and history. The tradition takes place each July during the San Fermín Festival, and challenges thrill-seekers to outrun charging bulls through the city’s narrow streets. While some travelers choose to participate, many also attend as spectators. With our expert Spanish travel agents, you can secure VIP balcony seating to watch the event that Spain has become internationally famous for.

2. Aste Nagusia

In late August, Bilbao’s biggest celebration, Aste Nagusia, kicks off with nonstop events along the river and throughout the Old Quarter. This festival takes place for an entire nine days and is a vibrant celebration of Basque heritage! Travelers can enjoy incredible local concerts, fireworks, traditional sports, and even rocket launches every day of the festival. Enjoy a drink or local dish from the many txosnas lining the streets as you take in all the sights and sounds of the parades filled with Gigantes and Cabezudos. 

1. Gaudí Year

All year long in 2026, visitors can enjoy Barcelona’s special Gaudí Year, which commemorates the 100th anniversary of the artist’s death. The Sagrada Familia will be hosting special exhibitions and events, as well as the expected completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ, its tallest tower, making it a true milestone in Spain’s architectural history. Our curated art tours in Spain and Portugal offer wonderful insider access to some of Iberia’s most cherished museums, historic landmarks, and cultural institutions. 

Start Planning Your 2026 Trip to Spain & Portugal Today

Immerse yourself in the unforgettable culture, history, and tradition of the Iberian Peninsula on a bespoke personalized Spanish and Portuguese vacation! We’re here to help you craft your dream vacation, whether you’re planning a couples getaway, family trip, or looking for senior-friendly travel. Make 2026 your best travel year yet! Contact us today to start planning your luxury Portugal and Spain vacation!