Heritage tourism continues to gain momentum amongst travellers, who increasingly seek authentic local experiences around the world.
In fact, it is estimated that around 20% of tourist trips worldwide incorporate some form of cultural, heritage, or historical activity, according to tourism organisation reports.
And when it comes to tradition, Spain’s soul lies in celebrating its 3,000-year history and heritage, where ancient traditions bridge the gap for curious travellers to embrace authentic local experiences, offering genuine immersion in local life.
While the famous La Tomatina tomato fight, or the sculptural infernos of Las Fallas, are some of Spain’s most renowned cultural celebrations, a Spanish travel expert shares that this only scratches the surface of what this culturally fascinating country has to offer.
According to Lindsay Gregory, the Founder of Spanish luxury rental provider the Luxury Villa Collection (theluxuryvillacollection.com)
Gregory has immersed herself in Spanish life for more than 20 years, having lived and worked in destinations across the country throughout her life. Now, her travel company specialises in luxury stays across Spain, with an emphasis on connecting travellers with its culture and authentic local experiences, forming a core part of its ethos since it was founded in 2012.
Rebecca Nayler, the Luxury Villa Collection’s Guest Experience Manager, has lived in Spain for 13 years. With extensive knowledge of life in Spain, alongside Lindsay, she has experience in uncovering the country’s best authentic experiences in local destinations.
Together, Gregory and Nayler have shared their personal insights on some of the lesser-known events that would enrich any visit to Spain, for travellers to have experiences beyond the mainstream events on the country’s calendar.
The Jerez Horse Fair, a 13th Century Festival Celebrating the Bond Between Locals and Their Prized Horses – Feria del Caballo, Jerez
While ferias are a cornerstone of Andalucia’s cultural identity, surprisingly, many remain under the radar to global travellers, despite offering an authentic opportunity to unravel breathtaking local traditions and festivities. One of these is the Feria del Caballo in Jerez.
This historical Andalucian city puts on a magnificent display of colour and horsemanship each May. The annual Feria de Caballo places the fine “Andalucian” pure breed (Raza Pura Española) on centre stage, showing the profound bond between the locals of Jerez and their prized horses, which have been a core part of the region’s identity for centuries.
Nayler shares: “While Seville’s Feria de Abril has had its moment in the international spotlight for its spectacular pageantry and flamenco dresses, it’s less publicised ferias like the Feria del Caballo that often deliver more authentic and welcoming experiences.
“Seville’s feria can be difficult to access, with many casetas being private or by invitation only. So, tourists may find themselves wandering around with little to do, or going to public casetas, which are often overcrowded and have average food”, she adds.
That’s why Nayler recommends the more intimate and accessible Feria del Jerez, with some of its most notable aspects being its fairgrounds with 200 beautifully decorated casetas, daily horse parades with hundreds of riders in traditional attire, and magnificent Andalusian horses.
Visitors can also anticipate savouring traditional Andalucian cuisine, sherry, and seeing live flamenco performances, all contributing to showcasing Andalusia’s distinctive cultural identity.
Annual Tuna Festivals With Traditions Dating Back 3,000 Years – Cadiz
Dating back 3,000 years to the Phoenician times, the annual almadraba tuna catch sees entire villages of fishermen working together with great care and skill to fish the highly prized red tuna using the ancient almadraba method. In celebration of the event, local towns find creative ways to showcase the culinary delights of this spectacular local product.
“In May, bluefin tuna pass by the Atlantic coast of Cadiz to lay their eggs in the Mediterranean. Now, the ancient fishing practice has evolved into one of Spain’s most distinctive culinary events and traditions, and a tiny number of lucky visitors can get on board to experience first-hand this living heritage.” Gregory shares.
The annual ‘Ruta de Atun’ (tuna route) sees bars and restaurants in local beachside towns come up with creative tapas and tuna-based dishes that visitors can sample during a set route, and where chefs compete for the accolade of ‘best dish’.
“Participating restaurants and bars will craft innovative and traditional tuna dishes from the year’s catch, often competing to create the best tapa. You’ll even find live demonstrations of how to butcher tuna, a skill known as ‘ronqueo’, and cooking workshops to learn how to make delicious tuna dishes.”
Offering an opportunity to savour this high-quality catch straight from the sea, which is considered to be some of the finest fish in the world, these festivals honour local fishing communities and offer a rare glimpse into authentic cultural practices that have remained unchanged since ancient times.
The Biggest Waterfight in Spain – Fiesta del Agua, Lanjarón
While cities like Seville draw crowds for their grand fairs, some of the most charming ferias in Spain happen in its smaller towns, offering a more intimate – and often more fun – experience.
One example is the Fiesta del Agua. Taking place in late June each year in the charming town of Lanjarón, Nayler shares that the celebration takes place in honour of St. John, during which locals and visitors alike unleash a massive water fight that floods the streets.
“The festival is a nod to Lanjarón’s famed natural spring water, which is bottled and sold all across the country. If you’re looking to cool off from the heat in the early summer season, this is a fun festival to do so!”
Locals are armed with hoses and water pistols, creating a joyful and friendly celebration held during the night, which is known as the biggest water fight in Spain.
Jumping Over Bonfires and Swimming in the Sea to Wash Away Bad Luck – Noche de San Juan, Andalusian Coast
Taking place across the Andalucian coastline on June 23rd each year, especially in Malaga, Cadiz, and Catalonia, the Noche de San Juan marks the summer solstice with bonfires on the beach.
“It’s a fiery display that sees in the summer season, where locals jump over fires on the shoreline and take midnight swims as a way to wash away any bad luck and welcome positive vibes for the summer season,” explains Nayler.
With the Andalucian coastline offering some of the most beautiful shores in the entire country, this laid-back midsummer celebration blends pagan tradition with coastal celebrations, bonfires, and fireworks that Spaniards know how to do best. It signals the end of the school year and the beginning of the long, hot summer ahead.
A Magical Nightime Festival with 20,000 Candles Illuminating Local Streets – Luna Mora, Guaro
Taking place in the charming village of Guaro, near Marbella, the Fiesta de la Luna Mora – or the ‘Moorish moon’ candlelight festival – is a particularly moving event, where over 20,000 candles illuminate the streets, transforming this traditional white village into a glowing maze of cobblestone streets, offering a magical atmosphere to visitors.
“Locals light candles on their balconies and in alleyways, too; it’s like every corner of Guaro is aglow”, adds Nayler.
The magical setting sets the scene to experience the local Moorish-Andalucian culture, with Arabic music concerts, flamenco performances, theatre shows, and poetry readings taking place. Gregory shares: “I was privileged to have seen the late, great Paco de Lucia, one of Spain’s most accomplished Flamenco guitarists, play at the auditorium in the town shortly before he passed away. It’s an evening I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
“It’s like stepping into another era, and it is truly a beautiful experience for those hoping to embrace a more magical festival in a traditional town that lies off the beaten track for many tourists.”
A “Festival of Villages” Deeply Rooted in Local Communities and Cultural Identities – La Feria de los Pueblos, Fuengirola
Just outside the town centre of historic Fuengirola in Malaga, the annual Feria de los Pueblos is a celebration that many travellers don’t venture to, despite it being a vibrant display of cultures from all over the world, immersed in the heart of Spain.
“This beautiful ‘festival of villages’ is where generations of families display their distinct cultural identities through preserved traditions that they share with visitors, revealing facets of Spain’s rich cultural mosaic.
“Each country is represented by its own ‘caseta’, a permanent booth in the town offering native food, drinks, music, and dancing – a truly immersive experience for those wanting to dip in and out of different cultures for a whole day”, shares Nayler.
During her recent visit, Nayler experienced the distinctive cultural expressions and flavours of Argentina, Greece, Mexico, and Jamaica in one single location. Born in 1994, the celebration had just eight countries participating, but now, over 30 countries from all continents take part in the festival that happens in May each year.
“There’s a colourful parade with over 1,000 participants in traditional costumes, and plenty of music and dancing until the early hours. It’s a true insight into just how multi-cultural Andalucia really is, and so much fun!”
The Luxury Villa Collection is a boutique travel agency offering a hand-selected portfolio of beautiful private homes in Spain. Its team of knowledgeable and local experts organise cultural experiences across Spanish regions, offering discerning travellers unique and memorable stays.
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