Best Region:
Basque CountryWhy?:
It’s bulls and jazz in Basque country in July, with a number of encierros (bull runs), the most important being the Pamplona Bull Run at the San Fermin Festival (July 7-14) with others in Zumaia (in the first week July) and in Tudela from July 24 until July 28.
Jazz aficionados can enjoy the Getxo International Jazz Festival in the first week of July, one in Vitoria in the third week of the month, one in San Sebastian in the middle of July and one on San Ignacio Loyola Day (July 31).More on Pamplona Bull Run:
See my advice on the Pamplona bull run as well as my article on planning your journey to the Pamplona Bull Run. This Pamplona Survival Kit will come in handy too and you might like to look at my pictures of the Pamplona Bull Run 2006.
Actually running with the bulls is not recommended. However, if you insist on running, read my tips on running with the bulls first.
Other Festivities in July:
- July & August - Segovia is alive with festivities throughout the month, with a series of flamenco shows.
- Throughout July - Spanish Classical Drama Festival, Almagro, Castilla-La Mancha.
- Throughout July - Drama festival in Merida, Extremadura.
- First two weeks - Bous a la Mar (Toros en el Mar), bull run to the water's edge in Denia, near Valencia.
- July 3-11 - International Guitar Festival in Cordoba. For more information, read this article
- July 14 - more rampaging bulls in La Puebla de Montalban, in the mountains near Toledo.
- Middle of month - Alvila, near Madrid, hosts a large festival of bullfighting and music.
- July 21-23 (approx) Benicassim Rock & Pop Festival one of the biggest music festivals in Europe. On the mainstream side of the alternative music scene, featuring some of the biggest bands from the UK, the US and the rest of Europe.
- July 22-23 - stilt dancing at the Danza de los Zancos, La Rioja, Anguiano, Rioja.
- July 24 - the Casabermeja Flamenco festival. The festival has been declared of National Tourist Interest for the quality of its music.
- July 25 - Apostle's festival in Santiago de Compostela.
