Food Lovers' Guide: Where to Eat and Feast During Festivals in Oliva

If you’re a foodie looking to explore the rich flavors of Spanish cuisine, there’s no better way to experience it than by diving into the local festivals and celebrations. From traditional dishes served during famous events like Fallas and Moors and Christians to the festive street markets offering local delicacies, Spain’s festivals are as much about food as they are about culture.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the best times of the year to visit Oliva and its surroundings, highlighting the culinary treats you can expect from January to December. Whether you’re sampling churros at Christmas markets or feasting on paella during a medieval festival, there’s something here to satisfy every craving.

January: San Antonio Abad & Three Kings

Start the year off with a bang at the San Antonio Abad Festival, where medieval markets spring to life in Oliva’s Raval neighborhood. Among the knight battles and historical reenactments, you’ll find a wealth of street food stalls offering traditional treats like churros dipped in hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts. The blessing of animals is a central part of the celebration, and afterward, visitors indulge in local snacks from food vendors scattered around the town.

For a sweeter start to the year, don’t miss the Three Kings Parade on January 6th, where parades fill the streets, and candy and cakes are handed out to children. Keep an eye out for roscón de reyes, a traditional sweet bread ring often filled with cream and topped with candied fruit.

February: Porrats and Street Markets

February is marked by the Porrat festivals, which feature a delightful combination of history, religion, and food. These markets, traditionally held to honor saints, showcase local culinary delights. You’ll find stalls offering turrón (a type of nougat), buñuelos (fried dough balls), and local cheeses, all perfect for savoring while wandering the lively market streets.

March: Fallas – A Foodie’s Dream

When it comes to Fallas, the food is as vibrant as the celebrations themselves. Every year in March, Oliva and nearby Valencia light up with enormous papier-mâché sculptures, but it’s the food stalls that really steal the show. During this time, you'll find plenty of street vendors selling paella, churros, and buñuelos. Be sure to try fartons—a sweet pastry served with horchata, a traditional Valencian drink made from tiger nuts.

April: Semana Santa and Traditional Pastries

In April, Oliva’s Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions take over the streets, offering visitors a more solemn, reflective experience. However, the processions are often accompanied by local markets selling religious-themed pastries and sweets, such as monas de Pascua, a sweet cake topped with a hard-boiled egg. The Easter season is also the perfect time to indulge in torrijas, a type of Spanish-style French toast soaked in milk, eggs, and sugar.

May: Medieval Market in Oliva

In May, Oliva’s Medieval Market is a food lover’s paradise. As you stroll through the market, you’ll encounter artisanal food stalls selling everything from freshly baked breads to jamón ibérico (Spanish cured ham) and queso manchego (cheese). Wash it all down with vino de la tierra, the local wine served by medieval-clad vendors. This is a great time to try empanadas stuffed with meat or fish, and be sure to leave room for pasteles de boniato (sweet potato pastries).

June: Night of San Juan Beach Feast

The Night of San Juan, celebrated on June 23rd, is a magical time to be on the beaches of Valencia or Alicante. As bonfires light up the coast, you’ll find beachside stalls offering grilled sardines, paella, and rosquilletas (savory breadsticks often served with dips or cheese). Many people bring picnics to the beach, making it the perfect time to experience communal dining under the stars.

July: Moors and Christians

The Moors and Christians festival in Oliva is a major event, and it’s the food stalls that keep the crowds going throughout the lively parades and reenactments. Look for traditional dishes like gazpacho manchego, a hearty dish made with game meat, flatbread, and garlic. There’s also no shortage of tapas, from patatas bravas to chorizo al vino, all served alongside copious amounts of sangria.

August: La Tomatina

If you’re visiting in August, why not take a short trip to Buñol for La Tomatina? While this tomato-throwing festival is all about fun, you can also expect a food experience afterward, with vendors selling tapas and bocadillos (Spanish sandwiches) to refuel the crowds. It's the perfect time to try a jamón serrano or tortilla española sandwich after the chaos of the event.

September: Harvest Festivals

September brings with it local harvest festivals, where the focus is on celebrating the season’s produce. You’ll find stalls selling grapes, figs, and freshly pressed olive oil, which are the true stars of the season. This is a fantastic time to try a coca de llanda, a traditional Spanish cake, often flavored with lemon or orange zest.

October: International Festival of Pyrotechnics

The International Festival of Pyrotechnics in Valencia is a feast for the eyes—and the stomach. As fireworks light up the October skies, you’ll find vendors serving festival favorites like calamares a la romana (fried squid rings), croquetas, and bocadillos de lomo (pork sandwiches). Pair it with a glass of tinto de verano, a popular summer drink made from red wine and lemon soda.

December: Christmas Markets

Finally, no foodie’s guide to Spain would be complete without mentioning the Christmas markets. In December, Oliva and surrounding towns like Valencia and Denia transform into festive wonderlands. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and churros, or enjoy a turrón (nougat) made with almonds. The markets also offer savory delights like jamón sandwiches and roasted chestnuts.

Plan Your Culinary Adventure

With so many incredible food festivals and events happening throughout the year, it’s hard to choose just one. Whether you’re drawn to the traditional flavors of Fallas or the festive delights of the Christmas markets, Oliva and its surrounding towns offer something for every palate. Ready to feast your way through Spain’s best festivals? Book your stay at Oliva Rentals and experience the flavors of Spain firsthand.