1. Alicante San Juan, 19 June – 24 June
(Burning of the Bonfires)
To celebrate midsummer (officially the 21st of June, however celebrated on 24th June at midnight), the people of Alicante construct massive paper mache images – known as hogueras or fogueres, which means bonfires – usually caricatures of politicians or celebrities which they then parade on the streets of the city centre from June 20 onwards. Like the Fallas, they are set fire to at the end of the festival, but not until a day after the rest of the world celebrates San Juan – in Alicante, it takes place on June 24 at midnight.
The electrifying, colourful end to the fiesta starts with a huge firework display in the Benacantil district, near the city’s famous Santa Bárbara castle, and is said to be so enormous that it can be seen from the coast along most of the Costa Blanca. Next, the monuments go up in flames, one by one, ending with the winner.
(4 nights, 4* accommodation Alicante City Centre from just 265€ per room, based on two sharing)
2. San Fermin in Pamplona 07 – 11 July
(The Running of the Bulls)
This fiesta has developed over the years to become one of The top events in Spain, either to watch or, for the mad, foolhardy or brave (dependant on your point of view) to take part in. Each morning, the bulls are released to trave the 875 metresfrom their enclosure in the town centre, to the bullring, accompanied by hundreds of (mostly men) out to prove their masculinity by running in front of the bulls. Injuries are frequent and deaths have been known to ocurr. Best way to see this event is from a overhead viewpoint.
(Coach Travel + Hotel available from local pick ups for just 215€. Running not obligatory!)
3. Seville April Festival 15 April – 23 April 2013
Seville April Fair starts at midnight, and after a weeklong celebration the festivities end with a fireworks display, also at midnight. The event site is the ‘Real de la Feria’, which becomes a city in its own right for the week owing to the extent of this fair. The Fair centres on the flamenco, horses, and bullfighting, making it a typical Spanish affair! Each day the fiesta begins with a parade called the ‘Paseo de Caballos’ where local girls in their flamenco outfits are carried through the city in striking carriages pulled by horses. In the evening there are bullfights at the La Real Maestranza.
4. La Tomatina, 28 August 2013
Annual tomato throwing festival held in Bunyol, near Valencia. Originally a small dispute outside of a bar, this has now developed into an annual event using around 125.000 kilos of tomatoes. The tomato festivities begin at 11 am with the launching of five tomato-packed rockets- and then, for the next 2 hours, everybody goes more than a little mad. The rules for the tomato fight are simple enough: no ammo other than tomatoes is allowed, and all tomatoes must be squished before being thrown. The mayhem continues for two hours, after which the people and the streets are all hosed down before continuing the festival in a more sedate, but definately spanish way – with wine!
(Packages of transport and overnight accommodation available)
5. Las Fallas de Valencia, 15 March to 19 March
A five day festival of bonfires and fireworks, shows, festivities and parades, which celebrates the arrival of spring. During the days, bands march up and down the streets and firecrackers are thrown around with abandon. The ‘Dressing of the Virgen’ takes place on 17th and 18th of march with people offering flower garlands to the patron saint. Each night is celebrated with a spectacular fireworks show which increases in intensity on the last night, with the burning of effigies mounted on floats and platforms.
(Day Trips Available from local areas, 16€ per person)
If you would like more information on booking to see any of these fantastic festivals, contact Yvonne at Worldwide Horizons: [email protected] or call (0034) 966761492
(Burning of the Bonfires)
To celebrate midsummer (officially the 21st of June, however celebrated on 24th June at midnight), the people of Alicante construct massive paper mache images – known as hogueras or fogueres, which means bonfires – usually caricatures of politicians or celebrities which they then parade on the streets of the city centre from June 20 onwards. Like the Fallas, they are set fire to at the end of the festival, but not until a day after the rest of the world celebrates San Juan – in Alicante, it takes place on June 24 at midnight.
The electrifying, colourful end to the fiesta starts with a huge firework display in the Benacantil district, near the city’s famous Santa Bárbara castle, and is said to be so enormous that it can be seen from the coast along most of the Costa Blanca. Next, the monuments go up in flames, one by one, ending with the winner.
(4 nights, 4* accommodation Alicante City Centre from just 265€ per room, based on two sharing)
2. San Fermin in Pamplona 07 – 11 July
(The Running of the Bulls)
This fiesta has developed over the years to become one of The top events in Spain, either to watch or, for the mad, foolhardy or brave (dependant on your point of view) to take part in. Each morning, the bulls are released to trave the 875 metresfrom their enclosure in the town centre, to the bullring, accompanied by hundreds of (mostly men) out to prove their masculinity by running in front of the bulls. Injuries are frequent and deaths have been known to ocurr. Best way to see this event is from a overhead viewpoint.
(Coach Travel + Hotel available from local pick ups for just 215€. Running not obligatory!)
3. Seville April Festival 15 April – 23 April 2013
Seville April Fair starts at midnight, and after a weeklong celebration the festivities end with a fireworks display, also at midnight. The event site is the ‘Real de la Feria’, which becomes a city in its own right for the week owing to the extent of this fair. The Fair centres on the flamenco, horses, and bullfighting, making it a typical Spanish affair! Each day the fiesta begins with a parade called the ‘Paseo de Caballos’ where local girls in their flamenco outfits are carried through the city in striking carriages pulled by horses. In the evening there are bullfights at the La Real Maestranza.
4. La Tomatina, 28 August 2013
Annual tomato throwing festival held in Bunyol, near Valencia. Originally a small dispute outside of a bar, this has now developed into an annual event using around 125.000 kilos of tomatoes. The tomato festivities begin at 11 am with the launching of five tomato-packed rockets- and then, for the next 2 hours, everybody goes more than a little mad. The rules for the tomato fight are simple enough: no ammo other than tomatoes is allowed, and all tomatoes must be squished before being thrown. The mayhem continues for two hours, after which the people and the streets are all hosed down before continuing the festival in a more sedate, but definately spanish way – with wine!
(Packages of transport and overnight accommodation available)
5. Las Fallas de Valencia, 15 March to 19 March
A five day festival of bonfires and fireworks, shows, festivities and parades, which celebrates the arrival of spring. During the days, bands march up and down the streets and firecrackers are thrown around with abandon. The ‘Dressing of the Virgen’ takes place on 17th and 18th of march with people offering flower garlands to the patron saint. Each night is celebrated with a spectacular fireworks show which increases in intensity on the last night, with the burning of effigies mounted on floats and platforms.
(Day Trips Available from local areas, 16€ per person)
If you would like more information on booking to see any of these fantastic festivals, contact Yvonne at Worldwide Horizons: [email protected] or call (0034) 966761492
