Fun and festivities in Spain - celebrations, festivals and cultural events

Hundreds of different festivals take place in Spain every year. Spaniards know a lot about arranging amazing and unique holidays. Locals are keen on having fun. One of the most unusual festivals is La Tomatina, held in the town of Bunol, 40 km from Valencia. After the special signal from the Town Hall, a real battle begins in the streets. Participants throw ripe tomatoes in each other. In total, about 100 tons of tomatoes are consumed during the holiday. The event ends with folk festivities, dances, and fireworks. In the city of Ibi, a similar festival is held before the New Year. Armed with eggs and flour, local residents go to the streets. Participants are divided into two groups. One of them attacks the city, and the second defends it. On this day, a real chaos and strange, comic laws reign on the street.

The Spanish bullfight is widely known all over the world. In Pamplona, ​​the center of the bullfight, the most extreme festival in the world is taking place. That's the run with the Sanfermin bulls. The holiday is one of the oldest in the country. Races are held from around the 13th century. On the morning of July, 6, 12 furious bulls are released into the streets of the city. The main and only task of the participant is to run 850 meters along with animals. Not everyone can overcome the distance, as it is an incredibly traumatic activity. However, it annually attracts to the city millions of people. In Tarragona, there is an entertaining, but much less dangerous competition - the castellas. Thousands of travelers come to the city in order to build a tower of people. The towers look incredibly impressive and can have up to 10 levels.

Spaniards are deeply religious people, and therefore religious holidays are treated with great honor here. One of the most iconic spiritual events is the Semana Santa or Holy Week. The solemn procession takes place on the Passion Week on the eve of Easter. Sculptural compositions or Pasos, depicting different religious subjects, are taken outdoors. Pasos are huge; they feature very lavish design, which makes the costumed procession incredibly spectacular. In the capital of Andalusia, Seville, the St. Anne's Day in July is celebrated with a grand scale. A large number of outdoor terraces open to the city. Sitting at a table, you can enjoy traditional music or dances. Before the start of Lent,  Carnestoltes carnival is held in Barcelona. It starts on Fat Thursday and lasts until Sunday. The holiday ends with the burning of the Carnival King. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

These days, Valencia welcomes no less beautiful holiday, the festival of Fire. A ritual procession bring flowers to the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary. A huge panel of bouquets is made. After that, the holiday begins. Two weeks after Easter,  a large agricultural fair takes place in Seville. It turns a city into a real celebration of Andalusian culture. The famous flamenco music sounds all nights long. Dancers wearing national costumes come out to the streets; sounds of castanets are heard everywhere. A corrida, which gathers the mightiest matadors of the world, takes place these days. Barcelona celebrates the day of San Jordi on April, 23. A theatrical battle with dragons is performed on the streets. After that, it is customary to give bouquets of red roses to all women, whether you know them or not.

Unlike other holidays, Christmas in Spain is celebrated at home, in a narrow family circle. Spaniards always cook a festive duck, seafood, and sweets. After the family feast, they leave the house and gather at the Christmas tree, where they have fun all night long. At this time, Papa Noel comes to the house and leaves gifts under the tree or in special shoes. In the Basque country, children are congratulated by another character, Olentzero, who is dressed in simple homespun clothes and carries a flask with red wine. It is customary to meet New Year on the main square of the city. You need to eat 12 grapes and make 12 wishes while the clock is striking twelve. After the New Year celebration, families go home and sit down at the festive table.