Festivals in Spain: What You Need to Put In Your Calendar

There is no doubt that Spain is a favorite vacation destination. An article on Reuters reported that in 2017, for the fifth straight year, the number of visitors surpassed that of the previous year.

Spain is now the second most visited country in the world!

It’s no wonder then that the many festivals that occur year round are of interest to many. If you are one of those interested persons then you are in for a treat. Read on to find out the best festivals in Spain.

1. Burn Gigantic Effigies

If you are in the mood for a series of street parties then Las Fallas in Valencia is the place to be. This festival is held every year in honor of St. Joseph the patron saint of Valencia. The celebration lasts for a week each March and turns the town into a wonderland, so if you want to see something spectacular plan your vacation around this event.

There are endless fireworks and lots of fanfare. Gigantic papier-mache effigies are made that resemble both Spanish celebrities and famous celebrities of other nationalities.

The best effigy is placed on display in the town center at the end of the festival while the rest is burned. These effigies blaze into the night under the watchful gaze of local firefighters.

2. Engage in a Tomato War

Do you like tomatoes?

If your answer is yes, then the La Tomatina festival is for you. This festival is held in the town of Bunol every year and features a tomato war.

This tomato war takes place on the last Wednesday in August. It is a part of a weeklong festival that celebrates the town’s patron saint. During this time Street parades and parties are plentiful.

Thousands of people take part in the final tomato war. This tomato war can last for up to two hours.

There are local government sponsors who show their support by sending several pounds of tomatoes for “tomato ammunition”. Communal shower stations are used to clean up once the tomato war is over.

3. Run with the Bulls

La Fiesta de San Fermin held in Pamplona is perhaps one of the most famous Spanish festivals. This festival is held every year in the middle of July. The most famous part of the festival is the bull run.

Locals and foreigners come out in the street each morning to run in front of the several bulls that have been let out into the street. People race the bulls to the city’s bull ring.

Needless to say, it is quite a spectacle and it makes Pamplona one of the hottest vacation spots during this time of the year. There are also parades during the festival and bullfighting events.

Final Thoughts on Festivals in Spain

If you are in the mood for some fun while in Spain then being a part of the three festivals mentioned here is your ticket to doing just that. The key to making the most out of these events is to plan your vacation at the right time so that you don’t miss out on any of the fun.

It will be well worth it to organize your time so that you can visit one or more of these festivals in Spain. It will be something you will never forget.

If you would like to learn more about Spain, please visit our blog.