Spanish word

festival

Pronunciation

IPA/festiˈβal/

Meaning

  • masculine nounfestival

Example

Vamos al festival este fin de semana.

Let's go to the festival this weekend.

Illustration for festival (festival)

More examples

El festival de música empezó anoche.

The music festival started last night.

Core concept

Organized public celebration with stages, food stalls, and scheduled cultural performances.

Common phrases

  • festival de música

    music festival

  • festival de cine

    film festival

  • festival tradicional

    traditional festival

Similar words

fiesta: Close-knit party among friends or family centered on socializing, food, and dancing.
feria: Market-style fair with rows of stalls, vendors, and entertainment for browsing and buying.
evento: Specific-purpose event organized for a theme, workshop, or public program.
celebración: Ceremonial or joyful gathering held to mark an occasion or accomplishment.

Definition in Spanish

Evento público organizado que reúne música, espectáculos, comida y actividades culturales para celebrar o entretener.

Word origin

It derives from Latin festivus 'festive' and entered Spanish via Old French and Italian, originally referring to celebrations and feasts.

Usage tips

  • Festival in Spanish commonly denotes an organized event, often multi-day and programmatic, while fiesta refers to a smaller or more informal local party.

Other meanings

  • celebrationnoun

Opposites

  • solemnidadsolemnitynoun
  • seriedadseriousnessnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word