entertainment and events in spain during april
Overview of april entertainment in spain
April in Spain is a vibrant month filled with diverse cultural events, festivals, and celebrations. From religious observances like Easter Sunday to unique traditions like the Burial of the Sardine and the Pilgrims of Les Useres, there's something for everyone. This guide highlights key entertainment options, including music festivals, sporting events, cultural festivals, and local celebrations across various regions of Spain. Explore Spain's rich heritage and enjoy the lively atmosphere during this fantastic time of year.
Religious observances & easter celebrations
Easter Sunday (April 20, 2014) marks a significant religious holiday. The Festival of the “Embolao” bull in Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz, is a unique Easter tradition featuring a bull with balls on its horns and an open-air dance. Domingo de Veleras, a pilgrimage from Montoro to the shrine of La Virgen de la Fuensanta, also takes place on Easter Sunday. Many towns host religious processions and special masses throughout the week leading up to Easter.
Unique cultural festivals and traditions
Sant Jordi (St. George's Day), April 23rd, is a Catalan tradition where men give women red roses and women give men books. Moros y Cristianos de Alcoy, celebrated from April 21st to 23rd, commemorates a 13th-century battle with a historical reenactment. The Fiesta del Bollu (Bollu Cake Festival) in Avilés (Asturias) takes place on April 24th and 25th. The Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine) in Murcia on April 18th is a lively parade with giants, big-heads, and samba groups.
Music & performing arts events
The Barcelona Guitar Festival showcases talented musicians. The Mora Olive Festival, held on April 27th, 28th, and 29th, 2013, is a celebratory fiesta in Mora, Toledo. The Madrid Marathon attracts thousands of runners. The “Alfredo Krauss” Opera Festival in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria runs from March to June. The Tarragona International Dixieland Festival (April 7th-13th, 2014) focuses on New Orleans-style jazz. Madrid Festimad, from April 28th to May 8th, features a diverse range of music acts.
Sporting events & competitions
Spain hosts several major sporting events in April. The Royal Palma Sailing Club’s Princesa Sofía Trophy (Olympic sailing, April 2nd-9th) is a World Cup series event. The Spanish Open Golf tournament draws top golfers. The European F3 Open and the Campeonato de España IberGT are held at the Jerez circuit on April 16th and 17th. The UCI Cycling Calendar includes the Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco and Clasica Ciclista San Sebastian.
Other notable events
The Itálica European Youth Festival of Greek and Roman Theatre (April 1st-4th) brings classical theatre to life. The Pilgrims of Les Useres (April 24th-29th) is a centuries-old silent pilgrimage to Sant Joan de Penyagolosa. The Palma de Mallorca International Boat Show (April 30th-May 8th) showcases the recreational boating industry. The Fiesta de la Santísima Vera Cruz in Caravaca de la Cruz (April 30th-May 4th) is a significant religious festival. The Running of the Bulls in Gaucín (April 24th) is a unique Andalusian tradition.