Table of Contents
Las Fallas
Location: Valencia
Date: March 15-19
Las Fallas is a festival that celebrates the arrival of spring in Valencia. The festival is famous for its elaborate sculptures made of papier-mâché and wood, called fallas, which are paraded through the streets before being burned in a massive bonfire on the final night of the festival.
Falla Na Jordana 2023 Photo credit: Xisco Navarro
Survival Guide for Las Fallas
- Protect your ears: The fireworks can be incredibly loud, so bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to protect your ears.
- Stay hydrated: Las Fallas can be a long and exhausting experience, so be sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
- Bring cash: Many of the street vendors only accept cash, so make sure to bring enough with you to buy food, drinks, and souvenirs.
- Dress in layers: While it can be hot during the day, the temperature can drop significantly at night. Dressing in layers will help you stay comfortable throughout the day.
- Watch your belongings: With so many people in one place, it’s important to keep an eye on your belongings to prevent theft.
- Plan your route: With so many events and attractions during Las Fallas, it’s a good idea to plan your route ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss anything.
- Be prepared for crowds: Las Fallas is one of the most popular festivals in Spain, so expect large crowds and be patient as you navigate through them.
- Respect the monuments: The fallas monuments are the centerpiece of the festival, so be sure to admire them but also respect them by not climbing or vandalizing them.
- Be careful with fire: Fire is a big part of Las Fallas, but it can also be dangerous. Be sure to follow safety precautions and stay clear of any open flames.
- Have fun! Las Fallas is a unique and unforgettable experience, so don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the festivities!
El Colacho
Location: Castrillo de Murcia (Burgos)
Date: Mid June
Once a year, in mid-June, El Colacho comes to life with the annual Baby Jumping Festival. El Colacho, also known as the Baby Jumping Festival, is a quirky tradition celebrated in the Spanish town of Castrillo de Murcia. During this festival, men dressed in devil costumes jump over babies that have been laid out on mattresses in the street. Don’t worry, the babies are unharmed and this is meant to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the infants.
Survival Guide for El Colacho
- Keep a safe distance: Make sure you stay a safe distance away from the baby jumping area. The festival can get crowded, so be aware of your surroundings and avoid getting too close.
- Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty or potentially stained. Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Be respectful: This festival is a long-standing tradition in the region, so be respectful of the culture and customs. Avoid interfering with the locals or the ceremony itself.
- Don’t touch the babies: The babies being jumped over are believed to be cleansed of sin, so it’s important not to touch or interfere with them in any way.
- Stay hydrated: The festival can last for hours, so make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day. Bring plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy levels up.
- Be prepared for the unexpected: El Colacho can be unpredictable and chaotic, so be prepared for the unexpected. Stay alert and keep an open mind to fully enjoy the experience.
Remember, El Colacho is a unique and unusual festival, so embrace the culture and have fun!
La Rapa das Bestas
Location: Sabucedo (Galicia)
Date: first week of July
This annual festival dates back to the 15th Century. During this festival, young people from Sabucedo, (Pontevedra province, Region of Galicia) get together and head to the mountains at dawn. They then look for wild horses living in the area, bring them back to the village and cut their manes. In the evening, they all come together and enjoy food, music and wine.
Survival Guide for La Rapa de Bestas
- Wear appropriate clothing: The festival takes place in the mountains, so make sure to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and clothing suitable for outdoor activities. It can get chilly in the evenings, so bring a jacket or sweater.
- Protect yourself from the sun: The sun can be intense in the Galician mountains, so wear sunscreen and bring a hat or sunglasses to protect your face and eyes.
- Respect the animals: The horses at La Rapa das Bestas are wild and can be unpredictable, so keep a safe distance and do not approach them. Do not touch or attempt to ride the horses, as this is dangerous and disrespectful.
- Follow the rules: There are strict rules in place to ensure the safety of both humans and animals at the festival. Follow these rules, including staying within designated areas and not disturbing the horses, to avoid accidents or injuries.
- Stay hydrated: It can get hot and dry in the mountains, so bring plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the festival.
- Plan ahead: La Rapa das Bestas is a popular festival and can get crowded, so plan ahead and arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the festival schedule and plan your activities accordingly.
- Respect the culture: La Rapa das Bestas is a traditional festival that holds great cultural significance in Galicia. Respect the local customs and traditions, and be mindful of your behavior and actions while attending the festival.
By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience at La Rapa das Bestas.
San Fermin
Location: Pamplona (Navarre)
Date: July 6 to 14
The San Fermin Festival is an annual event held in Pamplona, Spain. It is a celebration of the city’s patron saint, San Fermin, and is one of the most popular festivals in Spain. The festival runs for eight days from July 6 to July 14, with the highlight being the running of the bulls.
Photo by San Fermin Pamplona – Navarra on Unsplash
Survival Guide for San Fermin
- Dress in white clothes and a red scarf – it’s the traditional attire and will help you blend in with the locals.
- Pace yourself – the festival lasts for eight days, so don’t go too hard too soon.
- Stay hydrated – it’s hot in Pamplona in July, and you’ll be drinking a lot of alcohol, so make sure you drink plenty of water too.
- Get a good night’s sleep – the bull runs start early in the morning, so make sure you get some rest before heading out.
- Don’t wear flip flops – the streets can get slippery, and you don’t want to get trampled by the bulls.
- Don’t touch the bulls – it’s tempting to try and touch the bulls as they run past, but it’s dangerous, and you could get seriously injured.
- Know your limits – if you’re not comfortable running with the bulls, don’t do it. There are plenty of other activities to enjoy during the festival.
- Take a siesta – the festival is a marathon, not a sprint, so make sure you take some time to rest during the day.
- Try the local food – Pamplona is known for its delicious pintxos (small plates of food), so make sure you try some while you’re there.
Have fun – the San Fermin Festival is a unique and unforgettable experience, so make the most of it and have fun!
Fiesta de Santa Marta de Ribarteme
Location: Las Nieves (Galicia)
Date: July 29
The Fiesta de Santa Marta de Ribarteme, also known as the Festival of Near Death Experiences, is held in the village of Las Nieves in Galicia. During the festival, participants who have had near-death experiences are carried in coffins to the church of Santa Marta de Ribarteme to give thanks for their survival. The festival dates back to the Middle Ages and has been held annually since the 19th century.
Survival Guide for Fiesta de Santa Marta de Ribarteme
- Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you’ll be walking long distances. Keep in mind that this festival takes place in July, so it might be hot. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle.
- Respect the participants: Remember that this festival is a serious religious event for the participants, so be respectful and keep your distance. Do not interfere with the procession or try to touch the participants.
- Bring earplugs: During the procession, there will be loud fireworks and firecrackers going off, so it’s a good idea to bring earplugs to protect your ears.
- Stay hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially if it’s hot outside.
- Be prepared for crowds: This festival attracts a lot of people, so be prepared to deal with crowds. Plan your route in advance and be patient when moving through the crowds.
- Know the schedule: The festival has a specific schedule, so make sure you know when the procession will start and end. It’s also a good idea to know when and where the other events of the festival are taking place.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Pickpocketing can occur during festivals like this, so keep your valuables secure.
- Respect the town: Remember that you are a guest in the town, so be respectful of the local customs and traditions. Keep the town clean and do not litter.
Enjoy the experience: Finally, have fun and enjoy the unique experience of the Fiesta de Santa Marta de Ribarteme. It’s a one-of-a-kind festival that you’ll never forget.
La Tomatina
Location: Buñol (Valencian Community)
Date: Last Wednesday of August
La Tomatina is an annual festival that takes place in the small town of Bunol in the Valencia region of Spain. It is a one-of-a-kind event where participants throw ripe tomatoes at each other for an hour, resulting in a fun, messy and unforgettable experience. The festival has been celebrated since the 1940s and has grown in popularity over the years, attracting thousands of tourists from around the world who come to join in the tomato-throwing fun. If you’re looking for a unique and hilarious way to spend your day, La Tomatina is an experience you won’t want to miss!
Survival Guide for La Tomatina
- Wear clothes you don’t mind throwing away – You’re going to get covered in tomato juice, so don’t wear anything you care about.
- Protect your phone – If you want to take pictures, make sure you have a waterproof case or a plastic bag to protect it from the tomato juice.
- Goggles are your friend – You don’t want to get tomato juice in your eyes, so wear goggles or swim goggles to protect them.
- Bring extra clothes – You’ll want to change after the event, so bring a change of clothes and a plastic bag to store your dirty clothes.
- Pace yourself – The tomato throwing lasts for an hour, so don’t use up all your energy at the start.
- Keep your mouth closed – You don’t want to accidentally swallow tomato juice, so keep your mouth closed or wear a mask.
- Don’t throw anything other than tomatoes – It’s tempting to throw other things, but stick to tomatoes – it’s safer and more fun.
- Make tomato friends – Bond with your fellow tomato-throwers, it’s a unique experience that you can share with others.
- Watch out for trucks – When the event is over, watch out for the cleaning trucks – you don’t want to get run over!
Enjoy the tomato-y goodness – Finally, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the tomato-y goodness of La Tomatina! It’s a messy, silly, and unforgettable experience that you’ll never forget.
Correfoc
Location: Valencia and Catalonia
Date: various times of the year
The Correfoc, also known as “fire run,” is a traditional festival celebrated in Catalonia and Valencia regions of Spain. It is a unique and exhilarating experience that involves fireworks, music, and a lot of fire. The festival takes place during various local fiestas and is usually held at night.
During the Correfoc, groups of people dressed as devils run through the streets carrying fireworks, sparklers, and other pyrotechnics. They dance and jump to the rhythm of the drums, and the sparks and flames from the fireworks create a mesmerizing and intense atmosphere.
Correfoc in Valencia City. Photo by Charles Lindberg
Survival Guide for Correfoc
- Wear cotton clothes with long sleeves to protect your skin from sparks and flames.
- Bring something to shield your eyes and cover your neck to prevent burns.
- Wear appropriate footwear that covers your feet and is comfortable for walking or dancing.
- If you plan to be close to the fireworks, bring earplugs to protect your ears.
- Be cautious around the fire and stay away from flames as much as possible. The organizers usually set out buckets in case of accidents.
- Get a good night’s sleep before the festival as it can go on for hours.
- Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the unique experience of Correfoc!
Sant Dionís
Location: Valencian Community
Date: October 9
The Day of Saint Dionysius, or Sant Dionís (Valenciano), is a popular festival celebrated in the Valencian Community every October 9th. The festival has both religious and cultural roots, honoring Saint Dionysius, the patron saint of lovers, as well as celebrating the arrival of spring. One of the most charming and unique aspects of the festival is the tradition of men giving marzipan figures to the women in their lives, wrapped in a colorful scarf. This gesture is a symbol of love and appreciation and has become an important part of the festival’s customs. The celebration is also characterized by parades, music, dancing, and the consumption of traditional food and drink, making it a joyous and vibrant occasion.
This is the delicious pastry I received on Dia de San Dionis 2022 from John! I prefer pastries/bread to marzipan and luckily, a bakery nearby also offered these. The scarf is a beautiful silk scarf I received from dear friends, Welf and Helena a few years back. In honour of sustainability, I prefer to use the things I already have and enjoy!
Survival Guide for Dia de San Dionis
- Respect the marzipan tradition: If you are a man, make sure to bring marzipan figures to the women in your life. Don’t forget to wrap them in a colorful scarf.
- Dress appropriately: The weather can be unpredictable, so wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. It’s also a good idea to bring an umbrella in case of rain.
- Stay safe: Keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid carrying too much cash and valuables. If you feel uncomfortable in a certain area, it’s best to leave.
Have fun: The festival is a celebration of spring and love. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and embrace the joyous spirit of San Dionis Day!
Els Enfarinats
Location: Ibi (Alicante)
Date: December 28
Els Enfarinats, also known as the Flour War, is a festival that takes place in the town of Ibi on December 28th, on Día de los Santos Inocentes (Holy Innocents Day).
This day is similar to “April Fools Day”, which is celebrated on April 1 in North America except with flour and eggs.
During the festival, participants dress up in military uniforms and stage a mock coup d’état, taking control of the town for the day. The festival involves throwing flour and eggs at each other, as well as setting off fireworks and staging mock arrests. The festival dates back to the 18th century and is said to have been inspired by the French Revolution.
Photo credit: Salva Benlloch Photography
Survival Guide for Els Enfarinats
- Wear old clothes: Els Enfarinats is known for its messy flour fights, so make sure to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting covered in flour.
- Protect your belongings: Make sure to protect your phone, camera, and other belongings from getting flour-damaged. Bring plastic bags or waterproof cases to keep them safe.
- Stay safe: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the festival, but make sure to stay safe. Don’t get too close to the fireworks and avoid getting hit by flying flour projectiles.
- Bring cash: Most vendors don’t accept credit cards, so bring cash to purchase food and drinks from the stalls.
- Stay hydrated: The festival can get hot and dusty, so make sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Embrace the chaos: Els Enfarinats is a unique and chaotic festival, so don’t be afraid to get involved in the fun. Join in on the flour fights, dance to the music, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
- Plan your transportation: The festival can get crowded, so plan your transportation ahead of time. Consider taking public transportation or parking outside the festival area and walking in.
- Wear comfortable shoes: With all the dancing and running around, make sure to wear comfortable shoes that can handle the dusty and sometimes muddy terrain.
- Bring a towel: After the festival, you’ll likely be covered in flour. Bring a towel or spare clothes to clean up before heading home.
Have fun: Els Enfarinats is a unique and unforgettable experience, so make the most of it and have fun!
