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Ten brilliantly fun things to do in Spain this July

Rory Jones
Rory Jones - [email protected]
Ten brilliantly fun things to do in Spain this July
The procession of 'Big Heads' is one of the highlights of Pamplona's San Fermin fiesta in July. Photo: AFP

With summer in full swing, Spain's events calendar is jam-packed with everything from beachside music festivals to bull runs through city streets. Take a look at The Local’s pick of unmissable events in Spain this July:

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Madrid Pride, June 28th-July 7th


Photo: AFP

Europe’s biggest Pride celebration this year marks 40 years since the city’s first authorised LGBT demonstration. More than two million people are expected to take to the streets of the capital for the climactic parade, while other highlights include the Mr. Gay Pride Spain final, the famed stiletto race and a performance from The Weather Girls.

READ ALSO: The ultimate guide to Madrid Pride 2018

San Fermín Bull Running Festival, July 7th-14th


Photo: Ville Miettinen/Flickr

At Pamplona’s annual week-long party that was immortalised in Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises,  every day begins with a herd of bulls hurtling through the narrow streets after hundreds of red and white clad daredevils. After a goring or two, there are concerts, bullfights and much drinking until the early hours. 

READ ALSO: How to survive running with the bulls in Pamplona 

PHotoEspaña, June 6th-August 26th


Photo: PHotoEspaña

Madrid’s PHotoEspaña celebrates its 20th anniversary with a diverse range of exhibitions - highlights include the Magnum showcase ‘Players’, a retrospective of lensman to the stars Cecil Beaton and Spanish film legend Pedro Almodóvar’s first photographic effort.

IN PICS: The 10 best exhibitions at PHotoEspaña 2018

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid, July 5th-8th


Photo: mbfwmadrid.ifema.es

The cream of Spanish design takes to the international stage from July 5th-8th in this showcase which brings some of the biggest names in fashion to Madrid.

Moors and Christians Festival, July 24th-31st


Photo: Heather Ramsden/Flickr

These festivals commemorating the conflicts between Moors and Christians during the Reconquista are held all over Spain, but one of the best takes place in Villajoyosa, where Moors and Christians is the most important event of the year. Expect reenactments, concerts, dances and firework displays.

MadBeach, July 1st-August 31st


Photo: MadBeach/Madrid City Hall

With temperatures in the capital already hitting highs of 37C, Madrid’s first artificial beach couldn’t come at a better time. MadBeach will open on the Plaza de Colón on July 1st and will host beach bars, hammocks, volleyball courts and a wave pool.

READ MORE: Madrid creates urban beach in the heart of the city

Music festivals

Cordoba Guitar Festival, July 4th-14th


Photo: guitarracordoba.es

As well as performances from skilled musicians from around the world, Cordoba Guitar Festival offers classes and workshops that teach various playing styles such as classical, flamenco and medieval.

Bilbao BBK Live, July 12th-14th

Gorillaz, Florence and the Machine and Childish Gambino headline the ever-popular Basque Country festival. Meanwhile ‘festival-within-a-festival’ Basoa takes place in the forest, with underground dance music heroes Optimo and Hunee leading the party.

Benicassim, July 19th-22nd


Photo: AFP

Sun, sea and great music abound on the Costa del Azahar at one of Spain’s biggest summer music festivals. The Killers, Pet Shop Boys and Liam Gallagher headline the main stage.

READ ALSO: The eight best music festivals in Spain this summer

Sport

Windsurfing World Championship of Sotavento, July 26th-August 4th


Photo: pwaworldtour.com

Some of the world’s most skilled windsurfers gather at Sotavento beach on Fuertaventura for ten days of competition in an area infamous for its harsh winds.

READ ALSO: 15 books to read in Spain this summer

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