Spain has got several Indians after it was featured prominently ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ (ZNMD). Spain is also an exciting alternative for those who want to go to Europe, but want to experience something different. If you’re planning a holiday in Spain, what you should also remember is the Spain is also a land of exciting festivals. So schedule your visit accordingly so that you could be part of the festivities that the place is so famous for.
Spain is known as the land of festivals. There are many cities and villages that are famous for their unique festive fervor. People come out on the streets to have a gala time with their friends and families.
Here we take a look at the the biggest Spanish festivals that have gained international fame over the years.
LA TOMATINA
When: Takes place on the last Wednesday of August every year.
Where: The battle takes place in the small town of Bunol, an hour drive from Valencia.
What: La Tomatina (tomato fight festival) brings together crowds of people every year, ready to have a rollicking time hurling tomatoes at one another.
If you’ve seen the movie ZNMD, you’ve seen this festival. Don’t recollect, here’s the song.
But when being part of La Tomatina, do remember one of the basic rules of the festival; the tomatoes must be squashed before you throw them so that you don’t hurt anyone in the process. Do attend the La Tomatina after party as it will be a night to remember for the rest of your life with over 3500 people grooving to the thumping music and sharing the unforgettable party.
CITY of HUMAN CASTLES
When: June 24 to Sept 24 2015
Where: Tarragona City
What: Tarragona celebrates the tradition of the castells (human castles) which have been awarded the UNESCO intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This popular event involves people creating human towers up to a height of six to ten tiers. What makes it more interesting is the fact that you can join a guided tour and be a part of the collies or teams and learn how to build human towers.
LAS FALLAS
When: March 14 to March 19
Where: In the city of Valencia.
What: Valencia welcomes the spring with ‘Fallas’ which is open to all. During the festivities, the streets are converted into monumental, yet transitory cardboard statues carefully built over the course of the months, known as ‘ninots’, which provide an ironic, humorous commentary on the political, economic and social debates of the current situation; these are then devoured by fire in a unique spectacle. The city is transformed by the the rhythm of local brass bands and the percussive soundtrack composed by thousands of firecrackers, firework displays, and lively street festivals.
CORDOBA PATIOS FESTIVAL
When: Second Week in May
Where: Courtyards in the old town of Cordoba
What: The Courtyards festival, declared as world Heritage, reveals Cordoba at its festive best, where the streets are filled with the sounds of flamenco and the scent of jasmine and orange blossom. The residents of the old part of Cordoba proudly present their courtyards, specially decorated for the occasion with pots of geraniums, carnations and jasmine hanging on the whitewashed walls.
FERIA DE ABRIL
When: usually two weeks post the Semana Santa (Holy Week). It lasts one week (fiesta begins Monday midnight and finishes the following Sunday night).
Where: Seville, Andalusia
What: This April Fair is one of the most internationally renowned Spanish fiestas. The music, food, dancing and general joy create a very special atmosphere. more than a thousand ‘casetas’ or tents are installed in the fairground area, where people come together to have fun and share experiences until the early hours of the morning. Throughout the fair, people wear typical Andalusian costumes. There is a spectacular fireworks display at midnight on Sunday as a grand finale to the event.
