Festivals

There's much more to this area's festival scene than the world-famous San Fermín and its running of the bulls in Pamplona. From music and dance festivals to colorful religious processions and quirky food fairs, here are a few favorites.

Antxua Eguna. Join Getaria locals in early May as they ring in anchovy season with gallons of Txakoli and mountains of grilled fresh fish. Getaria, Basque Country, 20808.

Aste Nagusia. The "Big Week," a nine-day event celebrating Basque culture, is held in Bilbao in mid-August with a fine series of street concerts, bullfights, and fireworks displays. Bilbao, Basque Country.

Bilbao BBK Live. One of Spain's hottest pop and rock music festivals, BBK Live draws more than 100,000 fans each year with its lineup of big-name artists. In 2019, headliners included The Strokes, Rosalía, Weezer, and Liam Gallagher. Those with an aversion to mud and noisy campgrounds will appreciate the "glamping" accommodation option. Bilbao, Basque Country. www.bilbaobbklive.com.

Fiesta de la Virgen Blanca. This weeklong festival (August 4–9) celebrates Vitoria's patron saint with bullfights and street parties. The festivities begin with the arrival of Celedón, a well-dressed dummy that "flies" over the main square holding an umbrella. Vitoria, Basque Country.

Heineken Jazzaldia. Drawing many of the world's top performers, this late-July festival in San Sebastián attracts an international crowd of jazz devotees. Headliners in 2019 included Diana Krall, Jamie Cullum, Neneh Cherry, and Joan Baez. San Sebastián, Basque Country. www.heinekenjazzaldia.com.

La Tamborrada. Every January 19 and 20, more than 100 platoons of donostiarras (San Sebastián natives) dress up as chefs and Napoleonic soldiers and bang drums as they parade through the streets. The tradition was born out of a mockery of Napoleon's troops, who would march around the city in a similar fashion. Today it's San Sebastián's biggest street party. San Sebastián, Basque Country.

San Fermín. Pamplona's main event, immortalized by Ernest Hemingway in his 1926 novel The Sun Also Rises, is best known for its running of the bulls, a tradition that's dangerous for humans and ultimately lethal for the animals involved. Ethics aside, a huge part of the festival is consumed by nontaurine activities such as processions, live music acts, and fireworks. Held each year July 6–14, every day begins at 8 am with a herd of fighting bulls let loose to run through the narrow streets to the bullring alongside daredevils testing their speed and agility in the face of possible injury or death. The atmosphere is electric, and hotel rooms overlooking the course come at a price. Recent years have seen a disturbing increase in sex crimes; it's advisable for travelers, especially women, to take commonsense precautions, including being aware of your surroundings and not walking alone at night. Pamplona, Navarre. www.sanfermin.com.

San Sebastián Film Festival. Glitterati descend on the city for its international film fest in the second half of September. Exact dates vary, so check the website for details. San Sebastián, Basque Country. www.sansebastianfestival.com.