Festivals in Spain in October
Spain in October is alive with celebration. The weather is mild, the summer crowds have gone, and the month is filled with music, food, and cultural traditions.
Quick Overview: The best festivals in Spain in October include the O Grove Seafood Festival in Galicia, Cazuelica and Wine Week in Pamplona, the Fiestas del Pilar in Zaragoza, and the Granada International Jazz Festival. Other highlights include Sitges Film Festival, San Sebastián’s Fantasy & Horror Film Festival, and traditional chestnut feasts known as Magostos.
Read on for details, dates, and insider tips for each event.
O Grove Seafood Festival, Galicia
Where: O Grove, Pontevedra, Galicia
When: Early to mid-October
Why Go: Celebrate Galicia’s fishing heritage with affordable seafood tastings and lively cultural events.
The fishing town of O Grove becomes Spain’s “seafood capital” every October. Visitors feast on freshly caught clams, scallops, mussels, and octopus, while the harbour fills with music, dance, and sporting contests.
Traveller Tip: Visit the local fish market in the morning to see the day’s catch before it appears on festival plates.
‘Cazuelica’ and Wine Week, Pamplona
Where: Pamplona, Navarre
When: Early to mid-October
Why Go: Taste miniature dishes of Navarre cuisine, paired with local wines.
Pamplona’s October food festival showcases regional flavours in bite-sized portions served in traditional earthenware bowls. Dishes range from garlic cod to slow-cooked lamb, paired with wines chosen to complement the flavours.
Traveller Tip: Pick up a festival passport (pase de cazuelica) to sample across multiple venues and collect stamps—locals compare their favourite pairings this way.
Fiestas del Pilar, Zaragoza
Where: Zaragoza, Aragon
When: Early to mid-October (highlight on 12 October)
Why Go: One of Spain’s grandest festivals, blending devotion, flowers, parades, and lantern-lit processions.
Zaragoza’s Fiestas del Pilar are dedicated to the Virgin of the Pillar. For nine days, the city hosts theatre, concerts, parades, craft markets, and fireworks. The most striking moment is 12 October, when thousands in traditional dress present flowers in Plaza del Pilar.
Traveller Tip: Book accommodation months in advance—the city’s old town is packed during festival week.
Granada International Jazz Festival
Where: Granada, Andalusia
When: Late October into November
Why Go: Hear world-class jazz in historic venues and lively bars across Granada.
The Granada International Jazz Festival is one of Europe’s longest-running jazz celebrations. Concerts are staged in the Teatro Isabel la Católica, while intimate jam sessions take place in local clubs. Travellers can mix evenings of music with explorations of the Alhambra and Andalusian tapas.
Traveller Tip: Buy headline tickets in advance, but leave space for spontaneous club sessions—they’re often festival highlights.
Other October Festivals in Spain
Sitges International Film Festival (Catalonia)
A world-famous fantasy and horror film festival.
San Sebastián Horror and Fantasy Film Festival (Basque Country)
Screenings, exhibitions, and theatre performances.
Magosto Chestnut Festivals (Galicia & northern Spain)
Locals roast chestnuts over bonfires with wine and music.
Barcelona Beer Festival (late Sept–Oct)
Showcasing craft brewers from across Spain and beyond.
Planning Tips for Spain’s October Festivals
- Weather: Expect sunny afternoons with cooler evenings—pack layers.
- Transport: Trains and buses sell out quickly near festival dates; book early.
- Accommodation: Reserve hotels in advance, especially for Zaragoza and Galicia.
- Respect Traditions: Many festivals have religious roots—be mindful when photographing or joining in.
Quick Answer: Best October Festivals in Spain
- O Grove Seafood Festival (Galicia) – seafood and Galician traditions.
- Cazuelica & Wine Week (Pamplona) – regional food and wine tastings.
- Fiestas del Pilar (Zaragoza) – flowers, parades, devotion, and music.
- Granada International Jazz Festival (Andalusia) – international jazz in historic settings.
- Other highlights: Sitges Film Festival, San Sebastián Fantasy & Horror Film Festival, and Magosto chestnut celebrations.
Final Thoughts
October is one of the most rewarding times to experience Spain. From seafood feasts on the Atlantic coast to flower-filled processions in Zaragoza and the smooth sounds of jazz in Granada, these festivals offer a window into Spain’s traditions, flavours, and spirit of celebration.
If you’re planning a trip, why not build your itinerary around one of these events? It’s the easiest way to experience Spain as the locals do—through food, music, and community.
Ready to plan your October trip to Spain?
Meet Your Europe Travel Expert, Philip
Awarded 2024 Outstanding Europe Destination Expert (QLD), I draw on my personal travel experiences across Europe to design seamless, tailor-made journeys for discerning Australian travellers. Read More
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