Seeking a European arts festival with an edge? The Spanish region of Valencia hosts some stand-out events each year, covering a diverse array of acts to suit all tastes. From throwing tomatoes to burning large figurines, discover what to expect at three of the top Valencian festivals to attend in 2024.
La Tomatina Festival
On the last Wednesday of August each year, the small village of Buñol hosts a rather peculiar event. You may have already guessed it from the title but the festival is all about tomatoes – more specifically throwing them.
The battle that is La Tomatina typically starts at noon and takes an hour. During this time, you’ll see trucks full of tomatoes driving through the streets, and locals throwing them from their balconies.
If you’re visiting Valencia during this time, it’s highly recommended you attend the festival. The distance to Buñol is only around half an hour by car from Valencia’s city centre. Most major UK airports fly to Valencia and this usually will take 2h 30m.
If you’re considering parking at the airport before flying, ensure you do this in advance due to larger crowds during this time. You’ll find cheap Manchester Airport car parking options online as well as other airports like Gatwick, Heathrow, and Luton.
Benicàssim International Festival
One of the biggest and most popular festivals in Spain, and across Europe, Benicàssim International Festival draws more than 150,000 guests each year. With major artists from genres such as electronic, dance, indie, and pop across multiple stages, it sure packs a punch.
The festival is held in the Valencia region and is expected to take place from 18th to 20th July 2024. While the lineup has yet to be announced, previous acts have included The Killers, Martin Garrix, Zara Larsson, and Bastille.
Beyond the concerts, the festival offers guests a beachfront setting filled with art installations, food stalls, and non-stop parties.
Las Fallas Festival
Similar to Bonfire Night in the UK, Las Fallas is one of the most popular events in Spain, in which communities in Valencia create giant mannequins and then burn them. The festival is held each year in commemoration of Saint Joseph and its five main days are celebrated from 15th to 19th March.
The whole city is transformed during this time, with plenty of decorations, fireworks, music, and drinking (this is the only time you’re allowed to do this in the street).
The Fallas, one of the main attractions, are huge cartoon-like figures, specially crafted each year to fit the theme. Locals tend to work on these wooden puppets for quite some time and it’s these that eventually are consecutively set alight.
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