Spain is full of so many colorful festivals, it’s hard to pick a favorite. Nevertheless, here are five must-see events from the Running of the Bulls to la Feria de Abril.
© Jborzicchi | Dreamstime
The Running of the Bulls
The Bull Running of Pamplona evolved from its 13th-century roots and 14th-century bull fighting traditions. The event takes place July 7–14, with the running, or El Encierro, beginning at 8 a.m. The runs stretches through the streets of Pamplona where people gather to watch, drink, dance and party.
© Joe Calhoun | Flickr
Las Fallas
The Fallas Festival in Valencia is a unique, expressive and explosive festival commemorating Spanish culture. So much history is celebrated March 15–19, with fireworks, feasts and ancient traditions. The festival comes to a fiery finish on the last night when display figures, the product of a full year of work, are burned in celebration.
Moros y Christianos
The mock battles of Moros y Cristianos in Alcoy take place every spring to commemorate the 700-year war for territory, ending with the Moors defeat by the Christian Re-conquest in 1492. This festival is one of the largest and most beloved in Alcoy, celebrated with days of mock fighting, marching and fireworks. Citizens dress as the Christian and Moorish armies and “fight” for fun while filling the streets with gunpowder and firework smoke.
© Demidoff | Dreamstime
Semana Santa
Holy Week in Andalucía is celebrated through vibrant traditions in the days leading up to Easter Sunday. The religious origins are still strongly tied to Semana Santa processions leading through town. Elaborate floats and religious figures are marched through town with the help of brass bands and penitents, or Nazarenos.
Feria de Abril
Feria de Abril, or the April Fair, in Seville dates back to the cattle fairs of the 1800s. The festival often changes dates, but consists mainly of the same traditions each night beginning on Monday with the La Noche del Pescaíto, meaning fish night. After the customary meal of fish, the festival officially begins Tuesday with the horseback parades through the fairgrounds. Women dress in tradition flamenco garb and the men in suits, dancing and celebrating. The remaining days of the fair are fun-filled with food, drinks, dancing, rides and much more.
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