Spain is one country of many traditions, has a great cutural heritage and an awesome gastronomy, but what also makes Spain very famous worldwide, is the capacity to create an infinte number of parties, events and festivals. That’s why if you are aound here, you should take a look at the festivals below to have fun as an authentic Spaniard.
February: Carnival
They may not have pancake day, but Spaniards know how to let their hair down before the frugality of Lent. Carnival fever sweeps across the nation as people prepare their costumes ready for a big party.
Carnival is particularly famous in Tenerife and Cadiz, though it also has a strong tradition in the gay district of Chueca in Madrid and in Sitges, near Barcelona. Ciudad Rodrigo, near Salamanca, also has a popular carnival, though it is quite unlike that seen in other cities.
March: Fallas de Valencia
Around the middle of March, an explosive party takes place in Valencia city! Forget everything you have seen before, because in no other place of the world do they celebrate an event that is more fascinating than the Fallas, which has actually been declared an event of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Semana Santa
Semana Santa or Holy Week , which takes place during Easter, is an entire week filled with processions and other religious celebrations. Even if you are not a religious person in any way, it’s an event that you should visit at least once, the most impressive festivities are always expected during the Semanta Santa in Seville and the Holy Week in Malaga.
Feria de Sevilla (April Fair of Seville)
One of the most amazing events taking place in 2018 is without a doubt the wonderful Feria de Abrilwhich starts on the 14th of April. The fair starts with the traditional lighting of the entrance to the fair grounds at midnight, and for the following week the city is filled with entertainment, colours, and the best of Andalusian art such as flamenco.
La Noche de San Juan (Saint John’s Eve)
There is one night in Spain that is very special to everyone: the night of June 23rd, Saint John’s Eve. It marks the start of summer, and it’s celebrated at the beach with bonfires and fireworks, but if you are in Madrid you can celebrate it as well in Parque de La Cornissa in La Latina.
Haro Wine Festival
For the last three centuries, revellers have gathered in the town of Haro, La Rioja, every June 29th for “La Batalla del Vino” – literally, the Battle of Wine. Dressed all in white with red neckerchiefs, thousands of participants gather at the Hermitage of San Felices de Bilibio for a mass to celebrate the feast day of San Pedro. Then they douse each other in vino.
Gay Pride
Stiletto races, Mr Gay Pride contest and live street performances are all part of one of the biggest and best gay pride events in Europe culminating on the 7th July with a colossal parade through the capital.
San Fermines, Pamplona
Probably the biggest event in Spain, The Pamplona Bull Run is a week-long bull running and bullfighting festival. Every morning at 8am, the city’s brave and the world’s foolhardy run ahead of a group of angry bulls. The rest of us look on in amazement.
Semana Grande de Bilbao
Once a rocket is shot into the sky (known as the txupinazo), the festivals mascot, Marijaia, makes her grand entrance onto the balcony. What follows next is the culmination of events that forms the biggest party of the year, known as Aste Nagusia or Semana Grande.
La Tomatina (Tomato Fight)
The small town of Buñol, 40km from Valencia, probably offers one of Spain’s funniest festivals. Each summer, 40,000 people take part in the world’s biggest food fight, throwing tomatoes at each other to create one huge mess. Held the last Wednesday of August, participants are now required to buy tickets in advance.
La Mercé (Barcelona)
Barcelona La Mercè lasts for around 5 days and is a festival held in honour of Mare de Deu de la Mercè, the Patron Saint of Barcelona. The festival, which officially first took place in 1902, bids goodbye to the summer with a bang and welcomes in the cooler months of autumn.
Fiestas del Pilar (Zaragoza)
The Pilar Festival (Fiestas del Pilar) is celebrated every year on the 12th of October. During the week leading up to this official date Zaragoza comes alive with music, parades, flowers and theatre in honour of the Virgin of Pilar.
