7 Best Performing Arts in Castile–Leon and Castile–La Mancha, Spain

This festival, held in the last weekend of October since 1963, celebrates the annual saffron harvest, one of La Mancha’s longest-standing traditions. Watch a saffron-plucking contest, savor locally made Manchego cheeses, and marvel at folk dance spectacles—all with a backdrop of Don Quixote–style windmills.

For approximately two weeks between March and early May, depending on the year, Spain’s prized cherry-growing region, the Jerte Valley, turns pink and white as more than a million cherry trees bloom in unison. Throughout the area, a series of live concerts, street markets, and gastronomic presentations accompany nature’s show.

Trujillo’s cheese festival, in early May, brings together Spain’s finest cheese makers with hundreds of varieties to taste and buy (don’t pass up Pascualete, named the best cheese in Spain by the World Cheese Awards). The event is understandably popular with foodies.

In Mérida, the highlight of the cultural calendar is this annual festival held in the restored Roman amphitheater from early July through mid-August. It features opera as well as classical drama and celebrated its 67th year in 2021.

On December 7, the city is filled with bonfires celebrating the Virgen de la Concepción. Watch out for the locals play-fighting with torches made out of brooms—or if you’re feeling dare devilish, join in.

This 732-seat theater, 40 yards from Plaza Mayor, is a renovated 19th-century building erected over an 18th-century convent. It hosts classic and modern performances of opera, dance, and flamenco as well as film festivals.

The World of Music, Arts, and Dance draws crowds of around 75,000 in early May. Main stages are set up in the magical surroundings of this ancient city’s plazas for free concerts, and other events include shows staged in the Gran Teatro, children’s events, and a grand procession.