Spain, the country of fiestas and festivals! Every village, no matter how small, has their own, unique celebrations. But which ones are not to be missed there!!
1. The Holy Week (Semana Santa)
Holy Week, which takes place during Easter, is a week full of processions and other religious festivals. Even if I am not a religious person anyway, this is an event we recommend you visit at least once. The most important churches of the confraternities spend months in advance to practice their processions, which brings a solemn and stimulating experience. Dozens of men and women walk through the streets, carrying the statue of the patron saint of their church, alongside hundreds of candles. This event, albeit strange, is one of the best events throughout Spain: whole families bring chairs and snacks, and settled on the sidewalk to watch the impressive processions.
2. Carnival
Let's forget the solemnity for a bit and have fun! Colourful and rhythmic carnival is the most extravagant party in all of Spain, but the celebrations in Tenerife and Cadiz take the crown. In Tenerife, the carnival capital of Europe, they dedicate the entire month of February to carnival celebrations. The island is filled with fun, colour, glitter and glamour, and the numerous contests, parades and parties offer plenty of entertainment. It's an event that attracts visitors from all over the world who are looking for an authentic carnival experience.
Imagine a carnival with an authentic Andalusian spirit... That's the carnival of Cadiz, a party that converts the city into a place pulsing with music, energy and fun. Don't miss out on this unique fiesta, celebrated every year in February.
3. The Fallas of Valencia
By mid-March, an explosive festival takes place in the city of Valencia! Forget everything you've seen before, because no other place in the world is celebrating a fascinating Fallas event. For a whole week, giant and colorful statues and figures fill the squares and streets of the city. They are often satirical and political events or pop-cultural references that have occurred throughout the year, but each of them is impressive. Walking on the Fallas Road is one of the most interesting ways to explore the city.
Every day at 2 pm, you can enjoy spectacular shows with music and fireworks, but the real highlight of the festival is the last night, when the statues are burnt during a light show.
4. La Tomatina
Do you already want to throw a tomato on someone? At Tomatina in Buñol, you can! This crazy tradition began 70 years ago, and now, every Wednesday of August, thousands of people toss tomatoes to each other when the funniest event of the year. Tomatina is actually part of a larger celebration; It marks the end of a week of fashion shows, parties, fairs and street markets. It's so original and so fun that people visit Spain just to attend. The number of participants is limited to 20,000, which seems a lot, but the tickets are sold out in a flash. So, if you want to get mad at Buñol, make sure you have the tickets well in advance!
5. World Pride 2017 in Madrid
Madrid is the capital of the LGBT International 2017, hosting a wide range of events for LGBT people, their families and friends. The main event of the year is the World Pride Parade, which holds a celebration of equality, culture, diversity and tolerance from 23 June to 2 July. Although the organization has maintained most of the World Pride events as there will be many national and international artists, water fighting, cultural events, sports competitions, fashion shows and much more. The next edition of World Pride will take place in a different city, but Madrid will host their celebrations each year in July, which will not be as spectacular as World Pride.
6. The April Fair of Seville
The appearance can be misleading, but also the names: April's Fair in Seville was actually held in early May! The fair starts with the traditional lighting at the entrance of the show at midnight, and next week the city is full of fun, colors and the best of Andalusian art like flamenco. In addition to the fair and all the entertainment, this is the best time of year to discover Seville itself. The whole city is rich in authentic Spanish and festive atmosphere. When the night falls, you can go out and enjoy the spontaneous flamenco performances that appear in every corner. It's an experience that can not be described in words, we have to live to know how it looks!
7. The Feria del Caballo in Jerez
What can you expect during the Caballo Feria in Jerez? Joyful celebrations, flamenco shows, the best of Andalusian cuisine and of course: many horses!
During a week in May, this small town becomes a feast for the senses. Celebrations begin with the lighting of the main entrance of the fair. There are horse shows and market more than 250 cabins, each serving the most delicious tapas. Take a stroll and enjoy one of the many flamenco shows.
Everyone is dressed for the occasion. The women wear the typical flamenco dress and men wear traditional costumes called the corsage trajes. But in the end, the most important thing is to come out and fully enjoy this cultural tradition
8. The August Fair in Malaga
The August Fair of Malaga is a week full of fun activities and events in the heart of the Costa del Sol. This is the best place and the time of year to relax and enjoy your vacation. The Malaga fair is one of the best summer events. In mid-August, the center will host the feria de dia, the most traditional street market, traditional music and dances. The night of the party takes place just outside the city, with attractions, food stalls and dance tents.
9. The Fiesta Mayor de Gracia in Barcelona
During the summer, every famous Barcelona neighborhood has its typical evenings, but none as special, fun and creative as Fiestas de Gracia in August. The emblematic neighborhood of Gracia turns into a spectacular place full of art and color. Its streets compete for winning the first prize for the best and most extravagant decoration, offering visitors and passers-by a really beautiful landscape. With each corner you turn on, you will be transported to a different world.
And if the furniture is not enough, Fiestas de Gracia, you can also enjoy saltimbanchi, correfocs (fireworks display), exhibitions, fashion shows, markets and the ... the night, fun continues with so many concerts that you Places Gracia.
10. 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. It's a magical night filled with old customs and superstition. Many people will jump over the fires and in the waves at midnight, believing it will bring them good luck. In some parts of Spain, like Galicia, food is also an important element, especially sardines cooked in the ashes of the bonfires. In other places like Barcelona and Valencia, everyone will be looking for a vantage point to have a good view of the spectacular fireworks shows at midnight.
11. The Wine Battle of Haro
June 29 in the early morning, more than 10,000 people gathered in the main square of Haro (La Rioja) for the most beautiful event in the city: the battle of the wines! The battle uniform is the typical costume of La Rioja, white shirt and trousers with a red-knit handkerchief. But when the rocket that marks the beginning of the battle is activated, there will be no one who holds his clothes! Wine is thrown everywhere and the whole city is red
There are 40,000 litres of wine reserved for the festival, and until every single drop has been thrown the band doesn't stop playing. Fun is guaranteed at this messy, hilarious event!
12. The Semana Grande of Bilbao
In mid-August, Bilbao prepares for his biggest event of the year, Aste Nagusis or Semana Grande. This party lasts 9 days, with concerts, exhibitions, theater performances and many other entertainment that take place throughout the city. One of the strong points is fireworks racing that illuminate the sky every night. On the last day of the festival, there will be no fireworks. The closing ceremony is a scene, while marijaia (the Semana Grande mascot) down the valley that floats on a boat is in flames, and then returns when the next edition will take place.
In spain for every preferences there is a festival, from solemn rituals to wacky celebrations! We´ve just included 12 of the very best events, but there are many more to be discovered.
If you liked please follow me & mention in comments which one is your favourite fest out of these 12!
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