What's on in Spain: September 2016
From Roman battle re-enactments, to flamenco street festivals to celebrating wine, there are lots of great events happening in Spain this September.
Fiestas
Carthaginians and Romans Festival, Cartagena, Murcia (September 16th - 25th)
Photo: Spain.info
Originally from Lebanon, the Cathaginians fled to the Mediterranean after they were invaded and became seafaring traders. It was too bad that the Romans also fancied a bit of maritime trade - as well as conquering more and more land - and this fiesta in Cartagena involves re-enactments of the warfare, eventually to be won by the Romans.
Fiestas de la Mare de Deu de la Salut Algemesí, Valencia (September 7th -8th)
Photo: Juanjo Ripollés / Flickr
This festival dates back to the Middle Ages and more than 1400 people participate in the main event - a parade of giants, featuring King James I of Aragon, his wife and many figures from the bible. as with any Valencia festival, paella is a main component and be sure to try some of the local seafood varieties.
Fiesta De La Mercé, Barcelona (September 22nd - 25th)
Photo: Miquel González / Flickr
Free music concerts are held for this festival which is held in honour of the city’s patron saint, Our Lady of Mercy. Expect the usual Catalan partying - sardana-dancing, fireworks and human towers galore.
Culture
Bosch: The 5th Centenary Exhibition, Madrid, until September 25th
Part of the Last Judgment, a 1450 painting by Bosch. Photo: rocor/Flickr.
The Prado is commemorating the 500th anniversary of the death of Dutch artist Hieronymus Bosch with a comprehensive exhibition that has been so popular it has been extended until Sept 25th. It features some of his most exceptional paintings – including The Triptych of the Temptations of Saint Anthony – and others on loan from leading museums such as the Louvre
San Sebastián International Film Festival, Basque Country (September 16th - 24th)
Photo credits: Urko Dorronsoro / Flickr
In late September San Sebastian proudly host their world famous film festival. It will be opening with 150 Milligrams, directed by Emmanuelle Bercot, and closes with another French production, the world premiere of The Odyssey, writer-director Jérome Salle’s biopic of oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. Both Sigourney Weaver and Ethan Hawkes are to be honoured with the Donostia award for lifetime achievement.
La Bienal Flamenco festival, Seville (September 8th to October 2nd)
'Flamenco will be everywhere' Photo: Labienal.com
Flamenco will take over the streets, plazas and dark corners of Seville throughout September as the Andalusian capital stages La Bienal, a month long celebration of the traditional dance and music.
Expect open air flash mobs in market places as well as well-known performers in venues across the city.
Wine
Rioja and the five senses festival, Logroño (September 3rd -16th)
Events are held in vinyards across La Rioja. Photo: AFP
We all know and love the wine from Spain's most famous grape-growing region but now is the chance to appreciate it using all your senses.
For a fortnight, wineries across La Rioja throw open their doors to a series of concerts, tasting events, talks and tours all designed to add to the enjoyment of a glass of wine.
Theatre
International Mime Festival, Sueca in Valencia. (September 14th - 18th)
Photo: Mimsueca.com
The only festival in Spain dedicated exclusively to gestural theatre, it is considered one of the three most important in Europe. With events for wannabe clowns to performances in mime, pantomime, clowning and circus techniques, there is lots of fun for all the family.
Sport
La Vuelta, cycling race across Spain (Ends in Madrid September 11th)
Photo: AFP
Participants in Spain's most important cycling race cover more than 3,200 kms in 21 stages across the plains, mountains and lowlands of Spain. Spectators turn out in crowds to cheer the cyclists on as they pass through towns along the route ending in Madrid with a big celebration.
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See Also
Fiestas
Carthaginians and Romans Festival, Cartagena, Murcia (September 16th - 25th)
Photo: Spain.info
Originally from Lebanon, the Cathaginians fled to the Mediterranean after they were invaded and became seafaring traders. It was too bad that the Romans also fancied a bit of maritime trade - as well as conquering more and more land - and this fiesta in Cartagena involves re-enactments of the warfare, eventually to be won by the Romans.
Fiestas de la Mare de Deu de la Salut Algemesí, Valencia (September 7th -8th)
Photo: Juanjo Ripollés / Flickr
This festival dates back to the Middle Ages and more than 1400 people participate in the main event - a parade of giants, featuring King James I of Aragon, his wife and many figures from the bible. as with any Valencia festival, paella is a main component and be sure to try some of the local seafood varieties.
Fiesta De La Mercé, Barcelona (September 22nd - 25th)
Photo: Miquel González / Flickr
Free music concerts are held for this festival which is held in honour of the city’s patron saint, Our Lady of Mercy. Expect the usual Catalan partying - sardana-dancing, fireworks and human towers galore.
Culture
Bosch: The 5th Centenary Exhibition, Madrid, until September 25th
Part of the Last Judgment, a 1450 painting by Bosch. Photo: rocor/Flickr.
The Prado is commemorating the 500th anniversary of the death of Dutch artist Hieronymus Bosch with a comprehensive exhibition that has been so popular it has been extended until Sept 25th. It features some of his most exceptional paintings – including The Triptych of the Temptations of Saint Anthony – and others on loan from leading museums such as the Louvre
San Sebastián International Film Festival, Basque Country (September 16th - 24th)
Photo credits: Urko Dorronsoro / Flickr
Events are held in vinyards across La Rioja. Photo: AFP
We all know and love the wine from Spain's most famous grape-growing region but now is the chance to appreciate it using all your senses.
For a fortnight, wineries across La Rioja throw open their doors to a series of concerts, tasting events, talks and tours all designed to add to the enjoyment of a glass of wine.
International Mime Festival, Sueca in Valencia. (September 14th - 18th)
Photo: Mimsueca.com
The only festival in Spain dedicated exclusively to gestural theatre, it is considered one of the three most important in Europe. With events for wannabe clowns to performances in mime, pantomime, clowning and circus techniques, there is lots of fun for all the family.
Sport
La Vuelta, cycling race across Spain (Ends in Madrid September 11th)
Photo: AFP
Participants in Spain's most important cycling race cover more than 3,200 kms in 21 stages across the plains, mountains and lowlands of Spain. Spectators turn out in crowds to cheer the cyclists on as they pass through towns along the route ending in Madrid with a big celebration.
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