Fancy a fiesta? ¡Arriba!

Article by Jess    No Comments

With plenty of cheap holidays to Spain to choose from, you’re sure to find something to tempt your party spirit. Read on to discover some of the best Spanish festivals over the next few months:

1. San Fermín, Pamplona, 6-14 July

San Fermín is the most internationally renowned fiesta in Spain. Historically a celebration of the patron saint of Navarra, its status has been cemented by its most famous event – the Encierro, or ‘Running of the Bulls’. Each morning during the festival, on the stroke of eight, two rockets are launched before the city’s bravest – or most foolhardy – run for 825 metres in front of a large group of angry bulls. Peer through the crowds to catch a glimpse of the runners ducking and diving to avoid being crushed. A sure fire adrenalin-fuelled hit.

2. Festival Internacional de Benicàssim, Costa Azahar, 12-15 July

Since its first edition in 1995, FIB has become one of the most loved music events on the festival circuit. Spend a week camping – free of charge – before mixing music, culture and sunbathing on the nearby beach to your heart’s content. Plenty of hotels are also available for those looking for a little more comfort after a hard day’s partying. Headlined by Florence And The Machine, Bob Dylan, The Stone Roses and New Order, this year’s edition is set to be a cracker.

3. La Tomatina, Buñol, 29 August

For the playful amongst you, La Tomatina – which takes place an hour outside of Valencia – is a must. In perhaps the world’s largest organised food fight, thousands of participants gather in the streets to throw tomatoes at each other. Originating from a student protest in 1945, La Tomatina has become a national event, celebrated in other towns across the country. With a code of conduct to ensure the safety of participants, it’s an interesting alternative to get your five-a-day!

4. Las Fallas, Valencia, 15-19 March

Tracing its origins back to the city’s ancient carpenters – who burned their worn out scrap in time for the feast of Saint Joseph on 19 March – the festival of Las Fallas now involves the creation of monumental “fallas” – huge sculptures constructed in papier-mâché and wood by local artists. Revel in the deafening glory of the pyrotechnic capital of the world, with awe-inspiring fireworks displays scheduled each day at 2 pm before leading up to a grand finale – the burning of the “fallas” in a giant fiery explosion. Rooms disappear fast, so book now to avoid disappointment next year.