The best festivals in Spain (part 1)
One of the fun and unique aspects that Spain has to offer is the huge variety of traditional festivals which are celebrated year after year throughout the different regions of the country. Of course 2018 will be no different, these celebrations are already being organized and you can be a part of them! In this post we have compiled a list of the best festivals in Spain along with a review of each one so that you know what to expect and when they take place so that you can enjoy the experience. Keep reading and don’t forget to put the dates in your diary, we can assure you that these are events you won’t want to miss!
Las Fallas in Valencia
In March, the streets of Valencia are filled with happiness and color thanks to the celebrations of Las Fallas, bringing together tradition, art and love of the country. This international celebration consists of burning the bad before we enter Spring as a way of welcoming the new season; ´fallas´ literally means ´flames´, and the central theme of the celebration is the creation and burning of the ´ninots´, which are enormous sculptures that generally represent satirical scenes and are made of wood, cardboard, paper mache and plaster. Thousands of foreigners attend and take part in this renowned festival each year which takes place to honor San José and has been declared a World Heritage event. This is your year, don’t miss out! The celebrations take place from Tuesday the 13th of March to Monday the 19th of March 2018.
San Isidro
In May, Madrid celebrates the festival of San Isidro, patron saint of the city and the farmers. These celebrations are characterized by pilgrimages, open-air parties and various traditional shows where both adults and children dress up in typical Madrileño costumes (chulapos y chulapas).
San Isidro was possessed with the gift of easily being able to find water. In fact, the celebration of this festival during the month of May revolves around the relationship that exists between water and the saint. The pilgrimages takes place in the Meadow of San Isidro and the surrounding streets and it is custom that the chulapos and chulapas drink the Saint’s water which sprouts from a spring that is attached to the chapel of San Isidro.
When does the celebration of San Isidro take place? Tuesday the 15th of May 2018.
Los Sanfermines
The celebrations of San Fermín, popularly known as ´Sanfermines´ are a celebration in honor of San Fermín of Amiens which takes place each year in the Spanish city of Pamplona, the capital of Navarra. The festivities begin with the launching of the ´chupinazo´ (rocket fireworks) and end with a typical farewell song, and one of the most well known activities during this festival is the running of the bulls which is a 849-meter itinerary. If you plan on attending the celebrations remember to be very careful! This festival begins on Friday the 6th of July and runs through to Saturday the 14th of July 2018.
La Tomatina
La Tomatina is a festival that is celebrated in the Valencian community, specifically in Buñol, a city that is located in the east of Spain. During this celebration the participants throw tomatoes and form part of a battle that has no other purpose other than to have fun! This tradition which first began in 1945 normally lasts for an hour on the last Wednesday in August which is the week that these celebrations take place in this village.
When? Thursday 30th of August 2018
Which of these festivals would you like to go to? Or have you been to any before? Follow us on Facebook, share your previous experiences with us and let us know if you plan on attending any this year!
