Octubre-Fiesta, or What to do in Spain in October

If you’re in Germany in October, it’s no mystery that the number one local event involves heading to a beer garden and drinking copious amounts of the foamy stuff. But what if you happen to be in Spain? If so, you can consider yourself lucky, because Spain rocks no matter what time of year you’re there, and in October especially, there’s a lot going on, no matter what part of the country you’re in.

Fiesta de la Exaltación del Marisco, October 1-12, O Grove

Starting at the top of the month and the top of the country, O Grove and the Galicia Region surrounding it are known for having some of the best seafood on the planet. If you’re lucky enough to be there during the first half of October, do not miss the Fiesta de la Exaltación del Marisco. Whether discovering the pleasure of the fish stew called caldeirada, eating clams from terracotta dishes or scraping out the pink meat of the local crab known as the nécora, you’re sure to go away satisfied. And what to do when you’ve had your fill? After a much-needed seafood nap, you can enjoy the traditional Galician-Portuguese folklore dancing and the sounds of the Celtic bagpipe unique to the region. And don’t miss the mussel and turbot contests at the port. The festival attracts upwards of 200,000 people, so be sure to book your O Grove hotel.

Bienal de Flamenco, September 15 – October 9, Sevilla.

Heading down to Andalucía, we find the birthplace of that Spanish-Arabic fusion dance known as Flamenco. Since 1930, the Bienal de Flamenco Festival has been held every two years, giving you a chance to see and hear the best artists in the world. Fantastic singing (cante), guitar (toque) and of course dancing (baile) are on display in a number of venues, both indoor and outdoor, including Paseo de Colon., Teatro Lope de Vega and Plaza de America. Past performers have included Diego Clavel, La Tobala, Nano de Jerez y Concha Vargas, the Canta Jerez with El Capullo and El Torta. When you want to take a break from all the excitement, you can slip into the city’s magnificent Cathedral, and for a real break, you can slip into your Sevilla hotel room.

Virgen del Pilar Festival, October 12, Zaragoza

The beautiful medieval city of Zaragoza takes its Patron Saint most seriously. Except for the week of October 12, when they cut loose and have fun, filling the streets with exciting activities, great music and great food. Witness thousands of locals dressed in regional costume as they offer flowers to the Virgin. When the sun goes down the spectacular Rosario de Cristal religious procession winds through the city’s ancient streets, and throughout the festival, you can browse the grand Aragonese market in the Plaza de los Sitios. In between all the concerts, street performances, fireworks and food, you can even try to get a little shuteye in your Zaragoza hotel.

Barcelona International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, October 15-24, Barcelona.

Catalunya’s stunning capital city of Barcelona is known for presenting different points of view, and the Barcelona International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival continues that tradition. Set at the city’s Filmoteca de Catalunya, the festival features a variety of full-length features, shorts and documentaries pertinent to the homosexual community. Once you’ve paid for your ticket to Barcelona, the rest is easy, as each screening costs only €2.70, with a pass for 10 screenings going for a ridiculously cheap €18. Between screenings you can explore famous streets full of Modernist buildings, Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces and the medieval streets and walkways of the Cuitat Vella. Many Barcelona hotels.

Fires de Sant Narcis, October 23-November 1, Girona

For something more traditional, head 85 kilometres to the city of Girona where you can experience a festival you won’t forget. For one week, the wide avenues of the Parc de la Devesa become a giant fairground, complete with rides and a Ferris wheel. Plaça Independencia loads up with stalls selling books and homemade food like cured meats, sausages, honey and cake.  But the real party is on October 29, the day of the actual festival, when a huge party is thrown in honor of St Narcissus, Girona’s patron saint. That day the city comes alive with dancing, concerts and street parties. In La Copa, an area set at the north end of the park, a stage is set up for live music. But for a once-in-a-lifetime treat, head to the bottom of the Cathedral steps. There a human castle is formed of people standing atop one another’s shoulders, and then the whole “castle” walks up the steps! And don’t miss the Trobada de Gegants on the last day, where large papier mache figures are paraded through the streets. You can either visit the festival from Barcelona or choose from many Girona hotel rooms.