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How to Say "festival" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “festival” is “festival” — use 'festival' for organized public celebrations, especially those focused on specific arts or themes like film, music, or culture..

English → Spanish

festival

/fes-tee-VAHL//festiˈβal/

nounA2general
Use 'festival' for organized public celebrations, especially those focused on specific arts or themes like film, music, or culture.
A simple storybook illustration of a lively outdoor music festival. A performer is on a large stage, and a diverse crowd of tiny, colorful people are gathered below, cheering.

Examples

El festival de cine de San Sebastián es muy famoso.

The San Sebastián film festival is very famous.

Este verano asistiremos al festival de música electrónica.

This summer we will attend the electronic music festival.

Hubo un festival gastronómico con comida de todo el mundo.

There was a food festival with cuisine from all over the world.

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though 'festival' ends in -al, it is always a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' before it (el festival, un festival).

Misusing Gender

Mistake: “Saying 'La festival' (The festival).”

Correction: The correct form is 'El festival' because the word is masculine.

fiesta

/fyes-tah//ˈfjesta/

nounA2general
Use 'fiesta' for a public celebration that is often traditional, religious, or a more general party or gathering.
A vibrant, colorful public street festival scene with people dancing under strings of decorative paper banners (papel picado) and falling confetti.

Examples

La Fiesta de San Fermín en Pamplona es mundialmente famosa.

The Festival of San Fermín in Pamplona is world-famous.

El primero de mayo es fiesta en muchos países.

The first of May is a holiday in many countries.

Cada pueblo tiene su propia fiesta patronal para celebrar a su santo.

Each town has its own patron saint's festival to celebrate its saint.

Festival vs. Fiesta

The most common mistake is using 'festival' for all types of celebrations. Remember that 'fiesta' is typically used for more traditional or religious events, or simply a party, while 'festival' is more common for modern, organized events like film or music festivals.

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