2024 Dates for your diary

There are some great events and festivals to be enjoyed throughout the winter months. Usually incorporating music, parades and of course food, experiencing these festivals that occur out of peak season can give you a really authentic taste of the country you’re visiting. Here is a small selection of some of the biggest and best things to enjoy in 2024.

Los Reyes Magos (Three Kings’ Day)

5 - 6 January

Step aside Santa! Los Reyes Magos National fiesta celebrates the Three Kings (Three Wise Men) who leave children presents during the night of 5 January. Locals enjoy processions and feasts to celebrate.

6 January is a national holiday in Spain and the majority of services, shops etc. will be closed except on motorways.

Carnival in Alicante

10 - 13 February

Thousands of people come to Alicante dressed in their most original or traditional costumes to enjoy the street parties and colourful parades.

Carnival in Portugal

13 February

Throughout the country people celebrate the end of winter with music, dancing, food and colourful parades.

Las Fallas in Valencia

15 - 19 March

Las Fallas is a fun festival welcoming Spring. Ninots (giant, wooden and papier-mâché sculptures) are placed in the city’s streets and squares before being set alight on the last night of the festival.

Semana Santa (Holy week)

Spain and Portugal

24 - 31 March

Easter is one of the most important holidays for the Spanish and Portuguese. Semana Santa or Holy Week is celebrated with processions and brass bands. It’s an occasion for social gatherings and ritual and a celebration of some deeply held traditions.