Colors of A Coruna - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

One of the main features of La Coruna is locals’ friendly and welcoming attitude to visitors. They are always happy to talk to foreign travelers and treat those who are interested in their culture and traditions with a great respect. One of the popular proverbs says that residents of the island don’t treat anybody like a stranger; it means that guests from other states are welcomed with the same warmth as old comrades. Indigenous people are very laborious and do their routine with special responsibility; they always have fun and don’t mind.

During the year, the island hosts a lot of specific national holidays. It would be interesting to all travelers to take part in those events. The most striking and anticipated event in the cultural life of the city is Carnival, a ceremony that usually lasts for at least seven days. During the carnival a grand costume parade is always held; it is attended by hundreds of people. You can meet people in the most original and unusual costumes on the streets during Carnival.

In the procession brave musketeers and all the heroes of favorite cartoons, fantastic fairy-tale characters and prominent politicians are involved. Everyone is trying to find a unique suit. Carnival is accompanied by vivid entertainment events; there is always a special program for children. Gourmets won’t be bored during Carnival, as all restaurants and street cafes prepare special holiday menu for their visitors. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Night of San Juan is an interesting holiday that celebrates the shortest night of the year. During the day, there are mass festivities on the main streets and squares, but the most important and crucial ritual events are held in the evening. As darkness fell on the coast, large bonfires are lit up and burn till the dawn. Most interesting events are traditionally held on Orzán and Riazor beaches. During the day you can visit concerts and fairs, and in the evening on the beach remains a huge number of people that want to enjoy the breathtaking fire show.

The traditional time of festivals and carnivals is August; during this month, exciting events take place literally every single day. Travelers who want to get acquainted with specialties of the national culture are advised to visit the island in summer.

All the more so in the summer season, a lot of similar local festivals show the diversity of the local culture through with one can get into it. One of these is the Mundo Celta, which is held in mid-July in cultural institutions located in the city of Ortigueira near La Coruna. At this time, here you can hear the sounds of Scottish bagpipes, see colorful processions of people wearing traditional Celtic vestments and special makeup on the main streets. Among the participants are both local performers and those who came from other Celtic regions (Scotland, Ireland).

In the middle of September, La Coruna is visited by gourmets - the thing is that an interesting gastronomic festival called Marea Alta takes place here at this time. Among its participants are eminent chefs who have repeatedly received prestigious culinary awards. It is held in different locations of the city - restaurants, bars, cultural institutions. Every year, a specific theme is chosen to be followed by all the participants. Apart from tastings of local and international dishes, cooking master classes and all kinds of workshops are available to visitors.

A colorful festival called Romeria del Santo Cristo is held on the very last day of Holy Week (Semana Santa). Through this event, one can plunge into the past and feel the "spirit of the time". Colorful theatrical performances demonstrated by knights are organized in front of the Church of Santa María das Areas (located in the city of Fisterra near La Coruña). Watching the religious procession, doing archery, eating traditional medieval foods and listening to live performances of folk bands are just a few of the festival's must-have activities.

The Festividad de los Mayos that falls on the first day of May is widely celebrated in La Coruna. This is a kind of “flower festival” where the creators of “maios” (flower arrangements) compete with each other. The compositions are made using flowers, fruits, herbs. But the most colorful event at the festival is creating a composition from all "mayos", which often can reach the size of a Christmas tree. Besides the above-described floral competition, visitors are provided with a music program, folk festivals, and a fair. Another interesting festival takes place in early November and is called Los Magostos. Locals go into nature, make a fire and hang a metal can with chestnuts above it. When ready, roasted chestnuts are given to those who wish, young people jump over fires, and then paint their faces with coal.