Some of Spain’s most popular celebrations, fiestas and cultural happenings take place in August. The Albariño Wine Festival (Cambados) allows travelers to sip white wine at a coastal vineyard. From Aug. 2to 5, the Galician town of Cambados celebrates its 60th wine festival, an event highly regarded by gourmets and wine lovers from all over the world. The festival features over 50 wineries with such activities as wine-tasting sessions and courses, concerts, street performers, open-air parties and more. Cambados is easily accessible by car from Santiago de Compostela (an hour drive), or from Pontevedra (a 30-minute drive).

La Tomatina (Buñol) features the world-famous tomato fight in the Valencian town of Buñol that has been a tradition since 1945. This year’s “La Tomatina” will be held on Aug. 29. Accompanied by a week of festivities, Buñol attracts tens of thousands of people from all over the world, anxious to take part in the traditional throwing of ripe tomatoes at one another. The festival also features music, parades, dancing, fireworks, and a paella-cooking contest on the night before the tomato fight. Located less than an hour away from Valencia, Buñol is easily accessible by car or train.

Semana Grande (San Sebastián) features traditional games, regattas, “pelota” matches, fireworks, music, theater performances, bullfights in the Illumbe Bullring, and other cultural and sporting events of the “Grand Week.” From Aug. 11 to 18, the Basques prove -- as they do every year -- their ability to throw a magnificent party, turning their city into one of the most dynamic places in the northern Spain. The city’s culinary heritage is represented with three Michelin-rated restaurants as well as numerous traditional eateries.

The Fiesta de las Piraguas (Asturias) attracts thousands of canoeists from all over the world with its annual competition. The competition is scheduled to take place on Aug. 4, and will start in the village of Arriondas and finish in the village of Ribadesella, Asturias. The 12-mile river race features locals in colorful dresses and costumes, as well as decorated vehicles cheering on the participants. The post-race celebration features a picnic filled with local fare and cider, as well as music, dancing, and celebrations that last all night.

The Santander International Festival runs from Aug. 1 to 24, one of Spain’s oldest and longest music festivals turns the city of Santander, Cantabria, into the heart of global music and art. The festival features theatre and ballet shows in the royal gardens, operas in palaces, recitals in churches, and dance performances in old caves. Since 1948, the festival organizers have been offering a contemporary program that honors the traditional cultural and artistic heritage of the world. An hour drive from Bilbao, the Santander International Festival is a must-see event for music, art, and history connoisseurs.           

The Madrid International Fashion Fair SIMM runs from Sept. 1 to 3 at the IFEMA’s Feria de Madrid pavilion. Fashion industry insiders from all over the world will share their views on trends and styles. Spain’s leading trade event for the fashion and textile industry attracts thousands of people, and offers a wide variety of sartorial activities. Fashion shows featuring everything from street wear to cocktail dresses, workshops, networking opportunities, and beyond, will be part of this year’s event for industry professionals. While the trade show is open to insiders only, the entire city will be filled with opportunities to discover the latest offerings of the global fashion industry.