Music and theatre festivals to mark on your calendar

Festivals mean much more than just culture and spectacle –they're also a unique opportunity to enjoy a fantastic atmosphere in an ever more international setting. If you're studying in Spain, or are planning to do so, don't hesitate to take advantage of the numerous festivals that take place all over the country. And because all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, here we suggest some of the most important music and theatre festivals so you can choose your favourite and make sure you don't miss this opportunity.

You'll find numerous and very varied music festivals all over Spain. Most of them take place in the summer months, and definitely make the perfect excuse for a holiday. Let the music begin!

Primavera Sound, in Barcelona. This festival held between May and June since 2001 focuses on pop, rock and underground trends in electronic music. The line-up combines independent artists with other more established international stars such as the Pixies, Neil Young, Arcade Fire and New Order. https://www.primaverasound.com/

Sónar, in Barcelona. One of the most important electronic music festivals worldwide. It has been held each June since 1994 in two different formats: Sónar by Day and Sónar by Night. Sónar has also gone beyond the boundaries of Barcelona, and organised events in a number of cities around the world like London, Tokyo, New York, Cape Town and Oakland among many others. Top bands like The Chemical Brothers, Duran, Fatboyslim, Lana del Rey and Steve Aoki have taken part in previous editions. https://sonar.es/en

Mulafest, in Madrid. Funk, electronic and dance music festival that also features exhibitions of the latest urban trends. Previous editions have included groups such as 2manydjs, Jon Hopkins and Rhye, along with a space for trends such as tattoos, graffiti and the world of skaters and BMX. It takes place in June or July. http://www.mulafest.com/

BBK Live Every July Bilbao plays host to this prestigious pop music festival. Held since 2007, it has featured headline artists and groups like Metallica, Pearl Jam, Coldplay, The Cure and Muse. http://www.bilbaobbklive.com

FIB, Benicàssim International Festival, in Castellón (Region of Valencia). Every summer since 1995, Benicàssim has hosted FIB, one of the best-known festivals of pop, rock, indie and electronic music –among other genres– in Spain and Europe. Oasis, Florence and the machine, The Killers, Pixies, The Prodigy and The Strokes are some of the bands that have performed at this festival. http://fiberfib.com/

Rototom Sunsplash, European Reggae Festival, in Benicàssim in August (Castellón, Region of Valencia). Considered the most important reggae festival on the continent, it has received several awards from the UNESCO as an event celebrating peace and an activity that links cultures. Jimmy Cliff, Rita and Damian Marley, Toots&The Maytals and Calle 13 are just a few of the artists that have taken part in this festival. http://www.rototomsunsplash.com/

San Sebastián International Jazz Festival, Jazzaldía: Founded in 1966, this is the oldest jazz festival in Spain. It takes place in July in over ten venues around the city of San Sebastián. Its more than 100 performances include both free and paying concerts. Ray Charles, B.B. King, Van Morrison, and more recently Jamie Cullum and Zaz have taken part in this historic festival. http://heinekenjazzaldia.com/en/

You may also be interested in:

Contempopranea, a festival on the indie scene, takes place in June in Badajoz, and in July in Albuquerque. http://www.contempopranea.com/

International Celtic Music Festival in Ortigueira (A Coruña, Galicia). Every July Ortigueira hosts this festival that has the designation of “international tourist interest". http://www.festivaldeortigueira.com/

Barcelona Beach Festival: Electronic music festival held in July on the Forum beach http://bcnbeachfestival.com/

Low Festival Benidorm, in Castellón (Region of Valencia). Dedicated to indie, pop, rock and electronic music. It takes place in Benidorm every July. http://lowfestival.es/

Arenal Sound, in Burriana (Castellón, in the Region of Valencia). Indie, rock, pop and electronic musical festival organised on the El Arenal beach in July or August. http://www.arenalsound.com/

Here we propose a small selection of theatre festivals held each year in Spain. These are only a view from a long list, but one of them is sure to grab your attention. Don't miss out and book your seat. Enjoy!

International Classical Theatre Festival in Almagro (Ciudad Real). Since its first edition in 1979, this festival has been dedicated to the heritage of Spanish Baroque and Golden Age theatre. It takes place in July, and the performances also include street and children's theatre, workshops, exhibitions and a crafts fair, among other activities. www.festivaldealmagro.com/

Classical theatre festival in Mérida (Badajoz). This is the oldest classical theatre festival in Spain (1933) and one of the most famous. It takes place between July and August in the historic Roman theatre of Mérida, which dates from the first century B.C. It mainly focuses on theatre with Greek and Latin roots, but is also open to the performing arts, music performances and film seasons. www.festivaldemerida.es

Titirimundi, International puppet theatre festival in Segovia. Every May since 1985 the city of Segovia has hosted Titirimundi, a competition to enchant lovers of hand and string puppets that takes place in both enclosed venues and in the city's streets. In addition to featuring hundreds of public performances from companies from different countries, there are also workshops, exhibitions and courses on the world of puppetry. www.titirimundi.es

Grec in Barcelona. This festival is held in summer and features theatre, dance, circus and music. Its name refers to the main festival venue, the Grec theatre in Montjuïc, built in 1929. Classic and contemporary, conventional and avant-garde, this festival is a landmark event where you can enjoy the work of some of the most recent creators from close-up. http://lameva.barcelona.cat/grec/en

Veranos de la Villa (Madrid). This festival is held in summer in Madrid, and offers a wide variety of open-air cultural activities ranging from concerts, theatre, dance and zarzuela, through to film and opera. A quality programme for all ages and tastes, which has gone from strength to strength since its first edition and is now an active part of the life of the city over the summer months. www.veranosdelavilla.com

Castell de Peralada Festival (Girona). Since 1985 this festival has been held in the setting of the Peralada castle, and features music, theatre and numerous multidisciplinary shows. It takes place in summer. World-class artists such as Montserrat Caballé, Josep Carreras, Paco de Lucía and Mikhail Baryshnikov have taken part in some of its editions. www.festivalperalada.com/en/

Visit this website for many more:

http://www.spain.info/en/consultas/agenda/festivales-de-teatro-en-espana.html