Discovering Spain means immersing yourself in a unique culture with a strong identity par excellence. Composed of several autonomous regions, the country has a wide variety of celebrations and historically important dates. No matter what time of the year you visit Spain, you are sure to make many discoveries and take part in more or less original festivities that will make you feel the soul of Spanish culture. Check out some of the most famous fiestas in the country!
Celebrated worldwide, the New Year takes on a whole new dimension in Spain. Indeed, the latter has a unique tradition in the country. After celebrating New Year's Eve over a big meal, usually with family or friends, Spaniards usually gather in a large square, often the Plaza Ayuntamiento. A countdown is usually launched before the first stroke of midnight. Traditionally, Spaniards prepare 12 white grapes, one for each successive stroke of the bell they eat. This tradition dates back to the beginning of the 20th century and is said to have originated from an abundant grape harvest where winegrowers had the idea of offering the surplus production to the Spaniards.
The Epiphany and the Magi
In Spain, according to some households, the coming of the Magi is almost as important as Christmas. Indeed, it is common for children to receive their gifts at this time, on the night of 5-6 January. These three kings, Balthazar, Melchior and Gaspard straight from the desert, represent Asia, Europe and Africa. Numerous parades called "cabalgata" are organized in many villages and cities of the country attracting thousands of people in the streets to celebrate them, but also to collect the sweets that they distribute from their floats. Finally, unlike the "galette des Rois" in France, you will taste a delicious roscon de Reyes on January 6th.
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Cadiz
Celebrated between January and February, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the third largest Carnival in the world after that of Rio in Brazil and that of Venice. This fiesta, which is recognized as being of world tourist interest, is a true spectacle of colour and music that spreads through the streets of the city, but also in Cadiz, which is well known in the country for its spectacular finery. Several other cities host remarkable Carnival parades, such as Sitges and Galicia. Numerous humorous representations take place at this time when satire is honoured throughout the country and particularly in Andalusia.
Moros y Cristianos in Alcoy
Celebrated since the end of the 16th century, these ancient medieval-themed festivities are erected in honour of the historic battles of the 13th century between the Moors and Christians for control of Spanish territory. On this occasion, the streets of Alcoy are decorated, parades of more than 5,000 people take place, as well as jousting fights representing the clashes between the two cultures at that time. The re-enactment of the final battle leading to the victory of the Christians is one of the most impressive moments of the festival. Ideal for learning a lot about the history of Spain, but also for immersing yourself in the medieval way of life, Moros y Cristianos will be the event not to be missed. Every year, the costumes are more beautiful and the decorations more ingenious.
Los Sanfermines in Pamplona
We now head for Pamplona to discover a traditional fiesta held between the 6th and 14th of July. During these few days, Spaniards dress in red and white to celebrate this bullfighting fiesta, which is very much a part of the city's culture. The week of festivities is punctuated by a number of brass bands before giving way to the highlight of the fiesta: the Encierro (Bull Run). A true tradition of the Sanfermines where the bulls are released in the streets behind runners. Shows, bullfights, but also children's entertainment and fireworks punctuate these few days, without forgetting the delicious gastronomy that you will be able to try, such as churros con chocolate.
La Semana Santa in Seville
This Christian feast, which is one of the most famous in Spain, is celebrated in different measures according to the cities and regions of the country. In Andalusia, the Semana Santa is very popular and widely celebrated, especially in Seville. This urban pilgrimage consists of temporarily inviting the Virgins and Christs from several churches into the Cathedral of the city through processions that take them on a journey. The people who carry them are called costaleros while those who accompany the processions are the nazarenos. During Holy Week there are more than 54,000 nazarenos and thousands of elegant visitors for the occasion. The costumes of these nazarenos, consisting of large dresses with pointed hats that only let their eyes appear, can be quite unsettling at first glance, but they represent the traditional outfits that have always been used for this week.
La Tomatina in Buñol
Every last Wednesday of August, a unique and crazy tradition takes place in Buñol in the Comunidad Valenciana: a giant tomato battle. This surprising festival has been named a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest for its originality, but also for the many visitors and participants it welcomes every year. Indeed, more than 20,000 people from all over the world come to take part in this incredible battle where more than 120 tons of tomatoes are thrown each year. To understand where this incredible festival comes from, we have to go back to 1945 when, following a fight, young Bañolenses used crates filled with tomatoes as projectiles. The tomato battle was deliberately repeated in the following years on the same date before being legalized and organized by the mayor of the city in 1970 following the growing success of this festival. The day begins with the setting up of a large mast covered with soap with a ham at its top. Several climbers then try to reach the ham under the laughter of the crowd before the battle kicks off. The battle ends when the ammunition runs out and the collective clean-up begins. Don't worry, the tomatoes are crushed beforehand by the organizers to avoid any injuries. An event to experience at least once in your life!
Las Fallas de Valencia
One of the most famous festivities in Europe and dating back to the 18th century, the Fallas are an unmissable event in Spain. It is in the heart of the beautiful city of Valencia that these celebrations take place from March 12th to 19th each year, in honour of San José, the patron saint of carpenters. But what is Fallas? This event consists of a parade of large statues made of papier-mâché and wood before burning them on the last day of Fallas, March 19th. In fact, the different districts of Valencia, as well as large and small organisations, order their status several months before the opening of the festival from Fallas artists. Usually representative of political figures or social life and humoristically depicted, the statues can measure up to more than 30 meters for the main statue called falla which is accompanied by smaller statues called ninots. Throughout the Fallas, the statues will be judged and awarded prizes before being burned. In addition to the many parades that animate Valencia, there are also mascletas, real noise shows that take place in the Plaza Ayuntamiento, concerts, brass bands, but also grandiose fireworks, the first of which is usually fired from the port near the Marina de Valencia. Take advantage of your stay in Valencia and this incredible festival to taste a delicious Valencian paella or the famous horchata and its fartons from the city.
Las fiestas de San Miguel in Lleida
We now head to Catalonia and the city of Lleida to attend a new festival of world tourist interest. At the end of September and over three days, the festivities of San Miguel will make you discover a unique art: castellers who are human towers. That's all there is to it. Also on this occasion, which is originally an agricultural fair, you will find typical shows of Lleida's culture such as habaneras or sardanas of traditional songs and dances. Once night falls, fireworks explode and some locals dress up as devils called correfocs. A huge dragon also roams the streets to chase away evil spirits. Let's go back to the castellers, these human towers, which are undoubtedly the most impressive element of this festival. Little and big acrobats train all year round to be able to build towers with more than 6 floors, a real live show. At Villanovo we are sure that you won't regret your visit to Lleida!
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