Fiestas form an integral part of Spanish culture. Fiestas are important traditions in Spanish culture. They provide an opportunity for music, dancing and celebration. Each fiesta is closely tied to a region or a city. Every town has its own customs and festivities. We’ve travelled through Spain, from north to southern. Our guide to the most memorable fiestas in Spain.
Semana Santa Seville
Semana Santa Processions in Seville The fiesta dates back to the 16th Century and is one of Spain’s best-known celebrations. The festivities start on Palm Sunday and run until Easter, with their peak occurring in the early morning of Good Friday. Each float, or As they’re known, these “heavy” objects can weigh as much as one ton. They are carried by an organization of dedicated bearers called Costaleros. You can book a balcony to enjoy the processions from a comfortable vantage point.
Danny Lehman/Getty Images
The Festival of San Fermín in Pamplona
The San Fermín Festival in Pamplona is known for its Running of the Bulls, where live bulls are set free through the narrow city streets for people to run ahead of. Every year, from July 7th through 14th, this once-in a lifetime experience is held. Another fiesta that is best viewed from a private balcony. Be sure to wear white and buy a red bandana to tie around your neck—it’s mandatory! The bull runs are held every morning for a week. There’s also plenty of other festivities, such as the Comparsa De Gigantes y Cabeazudos. The fireworks, or chupinazo, Opening night is celebrated with a firework display in the center of the town.
Gonzalo Azumendi/Getty Images
Las Fallas in Valencia
For the pyrotechnically-inclined, Las Fallas is a unique cultural tradition in Valencia Celebrated from March 1 through 19. Grandiose art sculptures, called NinotsThey are then ignited in an amazing display of fire. Firecrackers are lit continuously in the sky at night, creating a stirring atmosphere.
Sant Joan de Ciutadella in Menorca
Sant Joan de Ciutadella festival is held in Menorca from 23 to 24 June. A brotherhood representing the social classes of Ciutadella’s past society—the church, the aristocracy, the craftsmen, and the farmers—maintains strict guidelines regarding the festivities. During the festivities, a brotherhood representing the social classes of Ciutadella’s past society–the church, elitists, craftsmen and farmers- maintains strict guidelines. Caragool des BornOver one hundred riders perform in the city. JaleoHorses dance on their hind legs to regional traditional songs.
Javier Ruiz/Getty Images
International Descent of the Sella Arriondas
International Sella River Descent takes place every year on the weekend following the 2nd of August in Arriondas. You can rent a canoe to join in the fun. Locals stop for drinks and Tapas along the route. If you are in the area, hike the Ruta del cares trail that runs through the Picos de Europa mountain range.
Nina Aquino and Pablo Argüelles Members of Travel + Leisure’s A-List Specialize in Portugal and Spain. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Aquino and Argüelles at [email protected].
