-
Apr 21, 1275
Moros y Cristianos
There are over 150 different festicals of Moros y Cristianos in Spain every year. If you can only see one of them you must see the one in Alcoy, Alicante. This commemorates the Battle of Alcoy in 1275 when St George helped defeated moorish forces. The battlers prepare year round for this festival. The end is a sad day because they have to wait another year to repeat this recreation of the great battle. -
Pamplona Bull Run
This is a modern day celebration evolved from bullfighting fiestas that can be traced back to the 14th century. This festival takes place in San Fermin. The actual Bull Run takes place at 8am every morning from 7th to July 14th. The run is 825 metres long and goes from the corral where the bulls are kept to the bullring where they are fought. Since 1924, 15 have died and 200 have been injured. -
Castellers de Vilafranca
During the summer you can find a fiesta where the Castellers de Vilafranca put on a display. They would create human pyramids and have a contest on whos is the highest. This event dates back to the 17th century, when a Valencian dance was held. Then, balancing a number of people on your shoulders was very popular. This then gradually created a current tradition. This event is held in Catalonia. Most Catalonian towns have their own team or a colla. This truly is a death-defying experience. -
La Tomatina
La Tomatina is a tomato fight near Valencia, in Bunol. It happened this year on August 25, or in other words, the last Wednesday of August. La Tomatina happens at 11 AM to 1 PM. It is a very chaotic event, thousands of people in the little Valencian town to throw tomatoes. This event dates back all the way to 1945, when an annual parade of figure with large heads passed through Bunyol. This event is celebrated with anyone around you although you might be away from the main action. -
Feria de Abril
This festival is 2 weeks after Semana Santa. This event ends with fireworks display at the following Sunday, again, at midnight. There are many flamenco dancers in there colorful dresses and thousands of locals and visitors. There are over 1000 marquees at the event. They have loud music dancers and a bar. At noon there is a procession called "Paseo de Caballos". Local girls dress up in flamenco dresses and pulled by carriages through the cities. The venue is the 'Real de la Feria'.
