Starting with the feast of the Holy Christ, in Valverde del Jucar (Cuenca) in January and ending with the "Moorish King" in Agost (Alicante) in December, almost one hundred and fifty Spanish Fiestas of "Moors and Christians" take place over the length and breadth of the country.

Hogueras de San Juan  

June 20 to June 29 ALICANTE. Valencia. Pagan. 

The series of rituals which were followed on this, the shortest night of the year, when light triumphs over darkness, have been studied in mninute detail in the work of Baroja. In these rituals, the essential features are the sun, fire and water.

Around the feast of San Juan the streets are often decorated with branches and leaves, above all the balconies of young girls in love, who are serenaded; people put their heads into the irrigation ditches, pines and poplars are planted, pilgrimages ('romerias') are undertaken, straw effiges are burnt, the herb thyme is blessed and 'sanjuanera' songs are sung.

La Endiablada/The disguised devils

February ALMONCID DEL MARQUESADO (Cuenca). Castile-La Mancha. Pagan. 

People of this village in the Province of Cuena celebrate disguised as devils a traditional inherited celebration when they all play as disguised devils among the crowds of picturesque Almoncid del Marquesado.

Of prehistoric origin. The young boys of the town dressed as devils - wearing pants and jackets painted in bright designs, with large cowbells tied to their waists, and multicolored paper hats, which are replaced later on with cardboard bishop mitres - run through the streets, dance at the entrance and inside the church, pretend to wash the statue of San Blas, and march then in procession with it to the uninterrupted sound of the cowbells.

Fiesta de las Piraguas. Descenso Internacional del Rio Sella/Canoeing Day. International Descent of the Sella.

 August 3 ARRIONDAS (Asturias). Asturias. 

It is a very well known international canoeing contest. There are thousands of people attending this descent through great scenery of one of the most beautiful and ecological rivers in Spain.

La Caballada/Whitsun 

Whitsun week ATIENZA (Guadalajara). Castile and Leon. Other, Festival, Pagan, Religious. 

This celebration commemorates the race of the horse-divers of Atienza in 1162 to free King Alfonso VII from the power of his uncle Fernando II of Leon who wanted to take the throne away from him. The members of the brotherhood, wearing long capes and black hats, ride on mules through the town preceded by bagpipe players, the standard bearer, the abbot, the brotherhood steward, the choirboys and the administrator, until they reach the hermitage of the Estrella where they attend a mass followed by a procession and brotherhoon dinner. Everyone returns in the afternoon and after crosing the twon, the members compete in wild races around the Puerta del Caballo. Finally, a new Elder Brother is elected in front of the Church of the Trinity.

Feria de albacete 

September 7 to September 17 ALBACETE. Castilla-La Mancha. Festival. 

A wide variety of social activities and entertainment are provided following the annual celebration of Santa María de los Llanos. Originally conceived as a display of cattle and agricultural products, it has become a fully comprehensive "feria", a holiday period when all kinds of leisure activities and "fiesta" are included, the most remarkable of which, to mention but one, is bullfighting, with around eight to nine events featuring the best-known stars of the art of "toreo". Besides, there is the inaugural parade known as "cabalgata", as well as lots of different kinds of entertainment for people of all ages, concerts, dance festivals, sport events, and many more... Why not come and see?

Danzandores de Anguiano 

July 7 to September 17 ANGUIANO, La Rioja. La Rioja. Religious.  

Dancers give tribute to the virgin then go down a steep cuesta on stilts (zancas).

Fiesta del queso 

March 2- ARZUA, La Coruña.. Other, Gastronomic. 

A popular feast with some kind of cheeses. Actually, the feast is by the morning and at night there are some nice concerts, free!! It is celebrated all the years the first Sunday of March.

Fiestas de Nuestra Senora de La Merced/Festivities of Nuestra Senora de la Merced 

September 24 BARCELONA. Catalonia. Civic. 

During the celebration of 'La Merced' festive and cultural events of all types take place in Barcelona

Romeria Vikinga 

August 3 CATOIRA (Pontevedra). Galicia. Folkloric. 

An splendid simulation of the Vikings invasion of the "Torres de Oeste" which are deffended by the Christian natives. After the so called 'battle' everybody drink together wine, specially the Red wine from the Ulla River, and eat sea food, all for FREE, specially "mejillones" (mussles). The Fiesta of the Vikings is finished by popular and folkloric dances in which everybody participates.

Dia de la Cruz/Holy Cross day 

May 3 CIEZA (Murcia). Murcia. Folkloric, Religious. 

This is a special day when Crosses of flowers are set up, in little altars, all around the picturesque village of Cieza. From the Asuncion Chruch, an interesting building from the XVIIth century, comes out a sort of a procession which circles the village around the altars.

The 'stations' traditionally prepared by the people of the village, are full with flowers from the fertile 'vega del Segura'. Many crosses are decorated but the most important is the bringing to the village, from the Ermita of the "Santo Cristo del Consuelo" which also participates, in this way, of the celebrations of the "Dia de la Cruz".

 Carnaval del Toro/Carnival or the Bull 

February 16 to February 20 CIUDAD-RODRIGO (Salamanca). Castile and Leon. Folkloric. 

Apart from the conventional fights, bulls are the very heart of many celebrations in the form of 'encierros' (running them into the pens) 'capeas' (playing them with the cape).

Some of those examples are to be found in many villages but they are special to the Carnival of the Bulls in Ciudad Rodrigo, at Carnival time.

 Navidad, Nativity 

December 7 to January 25 CORBERA DE LLOBREGAT (Barcelona). Catalonia. Religious.  

Nativity plays are very widespread especially in Catalonia where they are called 'pessebres' (crib-performance) or 'pastorests' (shepherd plays) and acted out by the local townspeople. One of the better-known 'pessebres' takes place in Corbera de Llobregat (Barcelona)

Festival de los Patios Cordobeses/The Cordoba Patio Festival.

May 6 to May 19 CORDOBA (Cordoba). Andalucia. Festival, Folkloric. 

The festival has been celebrated for centuries. It includes the Pilgrimage of the conquering Virgin of the Linares Sanctuary across the countryside with horsemen and richly decorated coaches, a competition of Mary Crosses and a Patio. Iron Grille and Balcony Contest in which the patios, small side street and plazas so typical of the city are filled with flowers.

San Juanes de Coria (Running of the bulls)

 June 23 to June 29 CORIA (Extremadura). Extremadura. Festival, Religious. 

The traditional runnig of the bull has been held in Coria for hundreds of years. It's a unique experience, where fun, excitement, danger, and some other emotions are combined.'

' The running of the bulls ends up in the bullring, where the bull will be kept for half an hour. After that time the bull will be set free throughout the streets of the old city, where, while having fun with your friends, you might encounter the bull.'

' * The running of the bulls is held in Coria every year.'

Semana de Musica religiosa. Semana Santa. 

Easter Week CUENCA. Castile-La Mancha. Religious. 

A week of Religious Music and Holy Week in the frame work of one of the most beautiful cities and environment of Spain. The city of Cuenca is very well known for its medieval and renaisance works of art, buildings, churches and cathedrals where many concerts taks place.

Fiestas de Carnaval - Carnival -  

February 15 to February 25 CADIZ

In Spain there are Shrovetide or better, Carnival festivities noteworthy for their brillance and spectacularity such as Cadiz, with its choruses, fancy-dress processions, jokes, disguises and float parades.

In the face of those theories which bestow an outright pagan character upon Shrovetide, tracing its entimology back to the "currus nevalis" who used to take part in the Roman Isis Feast, the studies carried out by Julio Caro Baroja led him to the conclusion that "Shrovetide" (Spanish Carnival) was, whether people like it or not, the offspring (albeit a "prodigal son") of Christianity. To be exact, in the abscence of the concept of Lent it would not exist as it has done since the dark and distant European Middle Ages.

 Fiestas Patronales de La Virgen de Gracia 

September 6 to September 11 CAUDETE, Albacete. Castilla-La Mancha. Other, Pagan, Religious. 

With more than 400 years of tradition, the Fiestas of Caudete are celebrated every year to honour its Virgin, La Virgen de Gracia. The main components are the fireworks, gunpowder, music, and the artistical and ashtonishing customs that both "Moors & Christians" wear during the special acts. Along with those "pagans" acts some other religious ones are held as ,for instance, the "flower offer" to the Virgin, the processions, the "Flags show"etc.

Full of excitment, colour, music and a general joy these Fiestas have a magical component that is worth it to experiment.

La Vaquilla

February 2 COLMENAR VIEJO, Madrid. Agricultural. 

This is a Fiesta which celebrates the traditional cattle fair of the town. Several families gather together to "dress" a "Vaquilla". It consists of a frame of wood decorated with scarfs of many different colors. Young boys and children dressed in the ancient peasant costume run along the streets with their "Vaquillas". They finally arrive at the Main Square. There they dance some typical dances and afterwards a jury decides which is the best "Vaquilla" of all. Then some food and drinks are served to the people that gather in the square to take part in the fiesta.

John Njor 

August 22 to September 8 COPENHAGUE, Castilla-Leon. Folkloric. 

Students on the feast of the bulls they buy a bull and out of the blood of the bulls, once the corrida is finished, they write the name of their weel beloved it teachers names on the wall of the University. It is understood that iot is like this still on these days...but you better checked.

Misterio de Elche/The Elche Mystery Play 

August 11 to August 15 ELCHE (Alicante). Valencia. Religious. 

'El Misteri d'Elx'is a beautiful mystery play performed inside the Basilica of Santa Maria in Elche to celebrate Assumption Day, during the evenings of the 14th ('Vespra" or first act of the drama) and the 15th ('festa') or second act which reaches its climax with the emotional coronation by the Holy Trinity).

Perhaps the most faithful reproduction, certainly the most beautiful, of what tradition has given us regarding this event, called Mary's 'dormicion', is to be found in the texts of 'Misteri' or 'Festa d'Elx'.

Celebraciones de la Pasion/The Passion 

March 24 to April 3 ESPARRAGUERA (Barcelona). Catalonia. Religious. 

Throughout many regions and villages in Spain different stages of the Passion of Jesus are represented, specially in Catalonia, Levante and in Asturias.

The ones in Esparraguera are very well known and they go from the very beginings of the Holy Week well into Easter.

El Coso

August 28 1997 FELANITX, Balearic Islands. 

Felanitx celebrates its local fiesta on August 28th, Saint Augustine's day. To tell the truth, it's a bit of an exotic patron saint, given that most Majorcan towns and villages celebrate Saint John, Saint Anthony, Saint Joseph or Saint Sebastian.

The Town Hall organizes a whole week of activities: sports, theatre, a children's festival, etc., including four or five outdoors music and dance night festivals, named "verbenes".

Fiesta del Rosario

October 6 to October 12 FUENGIROLA, Malaga, Spain. Andalucia. Festival, Religious, Wine. 

Felanitx celebrates its local fiesta on August 28th, Saint Augustine's day. To tell the truth, it's a bit of an exotic patron saint, given that most Majorcan towns and villages celebrate Saint John, Saint Anthony, Saint Joseph or Saint Sebastian.

The Town Hall organizes a whole week of activities: sports, theatre, a children's festival, etc., including four or five outdoors music and dance night festivals, named "verbenes".

Dia de Asturias/Day of Asturias 

August 4 GIJON (Asturias). Asturias. Civic. 

Festivities in relation with the Autnomous community of Asturias, where the Principado is the title of the Heir of the Spanish Throne.

Fiestas of Haro, La Rioja 

June 29 to August 4 HARO, La Rioja. Folkloric, Gastronomic, Wine. 

But the most famous Festival in the city is celebrated on the 29th June - the day of San Pedro, which has been declared of tourist interest. During this Festival the famous "Wine Battle" takes place in the Riscos de Bilibio. Around midday, after the battle, the townspeople go back to the city and do the rounds in La Paz square. Finally young steers are let loose in the square.

Tamborada más impresionante del mundo 

April 4 to April 29 HELLIN. Festival. 

The most impressive drum festival in the worls. 20.000 drums on the night of Maunday Thursday

Fiestas Colombinas de Huelva 

July 29 to August 4 HUELVA, Andalucia. Folkloric. 

Enjoy our Fiesta in the southwest of Spain. Celebrate the Discovery of America in the native land of Cristobal Colon, Huelva.

Inocentes/Innocent day 

December 28th IBI (Alicante). Valencia. Religious. 

On the day of the Holy Innocents, 'Els Enfarinats' (men with flour-caked faces) go through the streets with their duly chosen mayor, who assumes municipal power for the day. These flour-caked figures dress in a slovenly manner and go around the banks and shops imposing fines. In the evening 'Els Tapats' -unrecognizable masked figures- make an appearance. Later the franks and biting bands of 'els enfarinats', criticising local people and institutions, are read out.

Misa del Gallo/Midnight Mass 

December 24 LABASTIDA (Alava). Basque Country. Religious. 

On Christmas Eve (beautifully named 'Night of Good Tidings' in spanish) the 'Midnight Mass' is held, so-called because it ends at midnight when, as the Holy Scriptures reflect, it was believed the cock crowed for the first time. It would then crow again at three o'clock and six o'clock in the morning and in Labastida (Alava) twelve sheperds with the 'old man' (bearing a lamb in his arms) the shepherdess (with the Infant Jesus) and the crook-bearer, marking step, all play a part.

Navidad/Christmas 

December 24th to December 25th LESACA (Navarre). Navarre. Religious. 

Among the most unusual Christmas celebrations is that of the "Olentzero' wherein the story of a charcoal burner who comes down from the mountains to the town to tell the good news is depicted. The character of the 'Olentzero' or 'Olentzaro', to be found in various places in Navarra and Guipuzcoa, has been preserved in Lesaca specially, where he is carried shoulder-high by many different groups on Christmas Eve. The 'Olentzero' disappeared in Pamplona after the civil war, but reappeared, albeit somewhat modified, in the sixties.

Fiestas de la Vendimia Riojana/ La Rioja Wine Festival 

(Arround the 21st, the Day of Sanb Mateo) 

September 20 to September 26 LOGRONO (La Rioja). Wine. 

Harvesting festivities of one of the most reknown wine regions in Spain. The Rioja is the center of a very important wine culture.

La Fiesta de La Borbolla 

August 20 to September 26 LA BORBOLLA, Asturias. Asturias. Folkloric. 

VERY COLORFUL display of dancers and musicians. Singing the "ramo" in tribute to the virgen. Then they parade around town (very picturesque) and dance the very primitaive and typcial dances of Asturias. Very talented participants!

Dia de los Incoentes/Holy Innocents 

December 28 MALAGA. Andalucia. Religious. 

During the period between Christmas Day and the end of the year, several noteworthy celebrations take place, such as the meeting or 'clash' on the 28th December between bands from the hills of the province of Malaga (known in Spanish as 'verdiales') in the country inn of Tunel, eight kilometers away from the provincial capital. Also celebrated on this date, which commemorates the Massacre of the Holy Innocents by Herod, were the 'Festival of Fools and Little Bishops' several traces of which are apparent today.

Semana Santa 

Easter Week MALAGA. Andalucia. Religious. 

In all four corners of Spain, length and breadth of the country there are thousands of processions, some of international repute, others strictly local.

In Andalusia, they hired musicians, and paid local craftsmen for the work of months or years on ostentatious standards, costumes, capes and robes.

The colourful features of Malaga procession make them amoung the best known in the south of Spain, and are also reproduced - in a way - in the villages and towns around the capital of Malaga.

Festival internacional de Folklore en el Mediterraneo/International Festival of Mediterranean Folklore 

September 6 to September 9 MURCIA. Murcia. Folkloric. 

This extraordinary region/frontier at the south east of the peninsula, between the north and the south of the Mediterranean shores, has such a personality that gathers, during those three days the songs, traditions, dances, dresses and general folklore of many mediterranean cultures, peoples and regions.

Music, plays, traditions and present facts are gathered in this unique and splendid Festival.

Navidad/Nativiy 

December 25th MURCIA. Murcia. Pagan. 

At the origins of these Christmas and other celebrations comemmorating the birth of Christ, Andres Pardos, director of the National Liturgical Secretariat, stated in an article published in the newspaper 'Ya" in 1982 that the '25th December was chosen for Christmas for ideological reasons, with the purpose being to combat the pagan sun festival held on the same day. This feast-day has its origins in Egypt. From Rome it moved to Africa, northern Italy, Spain at the end of the fourth century'.

Also in the early hours of the 25th of December, in Murcia, the 'campanas de auroras' (dawn bells) group 'los Auroro' mainly coming our from the farms arround the 'huertas of Murcia' perform their ancient and sober compositions.

Semana Santa 

March 23 to March 30 MURCIA. Murcia. Religious. 

Murcia is famous for its very colourful processions which rank among the best in Spain.

Two main features play a basic role in Murcia Processions: The Huerta (the agriculture structure of it society) and the Baroque imagery (being Salzillo and modern Gonzalez Moreno one of the two paradigmatic examples). The important impact of the baroque, and the long standing tradition of some Confraternities, make specially for two procession "Los Coloros" or El Cristo de la Sangre (back to the XVth Century) on the evening of Holy Wednesday and the Salzillo or the one on the early morning of Good Friday, or El Cristo del Perdon, one of the two best processions in the Region of Murcia.

Besides the city of Murcia accounts also for extraordinary defiles on Monday and Tuesday evening as well as the "Procesion del Silencio" at midnight on Holy Thursday when all the lights are dimmed and silence is total.

The main repercusion of Murcia's processions are its impact in all the Region. Many interesting defiles, practically in all the villages add their one creativity: The Biblical defiles of LORCA (with extraordinary embroderies and the splendid 'Blanco' and 'Azules" fraternities), The extremely well organized processions of CARTAGENA (Marrajos and Californios) or the colourful defiles of CIEZA, ABARAN, BLANCA or YECLA.

This fact is, more or less, also reproduced in many other cities and Autonomous Communities, where the local creativity of every region adds a touch of extremely rich variety and local personality.

Fiesta de Verano 

August 23 MALAGA, Andalucia. Folkloric. 

It usually starts the second friday of August with a spectacular fireworks. Then, the "feria" takes place in the centre of Malaga during the afternoon, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. People wear the traditional spanish costumes and dance "sevillanas" and "malaguenas" in the street, eat fish, cheese and ham and drink a delicious, sweet, red wine. In that period, it is also bullfighting's season and in the afternoon people can see the most beautiful and traditional fight between Man and the Beast. During all night, the fair moves to a special area out of Malaga called "Real", which is a sort of little town full of "casetas", that means small houses, where people dance, eat and drink all night. The fair lasts more or less 10 days and is one of the most important events in Malaga.

Cant de Sa Sibilla/Hymn to St Sibyl

December 25th PALMA DE MALLORCA. Balearic Islands. Pagan. 

Preparations for Christmas take the form of morning chorouses and the 'Cant de San Sibilla' throughout the south of France, Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and Corsica, was abolished by the Trento Council. Nevertheless, the Bishop of Mallorca decided to allow it to take place, hence its preservation.

Fiestas de San Fermin (Running of the bulls) 

July 6 to July 14 PAMPLONA. Pagan. 

The term 'San Fermin' has come to mean...Pamplona; bulls and bull running, wine, groups of people united in one aim, drowsy Americans wandering around searching for the ghosts of their unknown predecessors, and people out on the streets at all hours of the day and night. In a word....Fiesta.

Romeria de San Isidro Labrador/Pilgrimage in honour of San Isidro Labrador 

May 26, 1997 to July 14, 1997 REALEJO ALTO (Tenerife). Canary Islands. Other, Civic, Folkloric, Religious. 

A typical out door event, in which a Saint, San Isidro, very much connected to the agricultural familly is celebrated and remebered

Pilgrimage to Rocio 

May 26, 1998 to July 14, 1997 ROCIO, Andalucia. Religious. 

Gypsy origin pilgrimage to the Hermitage of the Virgen del Rocío

Fiestas de San Antonio Abad/Celebrations in honour of San Antonio Abad.

January 17th to July 14 SA POBLA (Mallorca). Balearic Islands. Religious. 

On the eve and actual day of this Saint (17th January) there are 'foguerons' (bonfires) in many parts of Mallorca, with the additional participation of 'demons'. One traditional activity involves the placing of the 'Pi de Sant Antoni' a greased pole with a cock placed at the top, over which the youths of Pollensa compete.

Tamborrada de San Sebastian/The San Sebastina Drum Festival. 

January 19 to January 20 SAN SEBASTIAN/DONOSTIA (Guipuzkoa). Basque Country. Folkloric. 

San Sebastian/Donostia, province of Guipuzkoa, has an important marching to the deafening sounds of drums, groups of drummers parade through the city on the night of the first day of the year. The next morning, the 'Tamborrada Infantil' (Child Drummer's Ceremony) is celebrated, and on the night of the same day the celebration of the Patron Saint of the city.

Spanish fiestas were banned during Franco's time. Places such as Cadiz, renamed  them "Local Festival of Cadiz".

Of all the Spanish Fiestas, Cadiz has one of the most traditional: Cadiz  dresses itself and its people for the Carnival and celebrations in the street last 24 hours. During the 17th century, the port of Cadiz enjoyed great economic growth, and on its pier African and Creole songs began to mix, and then went on to mix with "guajiras" (Cuban folk songs) or "rancheras" (Mexican folk songs), "palmas" (Andalusian folk songs) and songs from Cadiz. As time went on, these songs led to the Carnival, which has been declared of International Tourist Interest. It is a date you must not miss if you want to have fun while listening to "murgas" and "charangas" (bands of street musicians), who make fun of politicans and famous people, both national and international

These groups are divided into five types: choirs, "comparsas" (musical groups), "chirigotas" (satirical groups), quartets and illegal groups. You can distinguish them by observing the number of members in each group - choirs are the biggest- and renowned for their vision of reality; "comparsas" perform critical and protest songs, whereas the "chirigotas"have a critical vision too, but their lyrics are funnier and more scathing. Finally, we have the illegals, who are also carnaval groups, but they do not want to or cannot take part in the big competition which is held at the Falla Theatre every year

Before leaving the city of Cadiz, it is highly recommended to attend the "Pestiñada" or tasting of “pestiños” (a pastry made with flour and oil, which is fried and coated in honey), the "Ostionada" (tasting of a type of oyster in wine) and the "Erizada", (tasting of sea urchins in wine). All events accompanied with the performances of carnival groups. Between songs, fun and disguises, this carnival transforms the city of Cadiz into the capital of laughs

Tenerife: another important Spanish fiesta is awaiting you if you want to enjoy the Carnival. It goes without saying that the Tenerife carnival is lived in the streets and there are endless activities throughout almost a month (from 17 January to 13 February).

The origins of this carnival, which is regarded as the second most important carnival in the world after Rio de Janeiro, can be found in the dances and fiestas organised by the high society of the island, and to which distinguished travellers were invitied. Likewise, one must take into account that in the 16th century, the conquerors of the islands introduced traditions from carnivals overseas

Among the most important events of the Tenerife Carnival we must highlight the "Cabalgata" (parade), which opens the fiesta. It is made up of thousands of masks and musical groups that invade the town and turn it into a marvellous trail of colour and music. Nobody misses the Gala held to choose the Queen of the Carnival in which candidates present themselves in costumes over 5 metres long and weighing 100 kilos. Finally, the colourful Coso parade announces the end of the carnival
 

Carnival

February 9 to February 12 SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE.

Its regional origins are doubtful and its history pagan. Carnival is celebrated everywhere in Spain. Santa Cruz de Tenerife holds what many see as the "ultimate" Carnival, with its flagrant procession, "Brazilian-styled", fancy-dress parades, and groups of street musicians, all reaching a climax in the "arena" on the Tuesday.

Feria de Abril/April Fair 

April 16 to April 21 SEVILLA. Andalucia. National. 

Shortly after Holy Week, the Seville Fair opens brimming over with joy and full of spectacularity.

For a little over a century, the April Fairs of Seville, which were originally only a market for livestock, have become one of the most fascinanting spectacles offered in Spain. Morning, evening and night - the height being at midday during the long cavalcade of riders, and late at night when the 'spirit' takes over the thousand throats of the 'cantaores' (flamenco singers) and the legs and arms of the 'bailaoras' (dancers) with their four sevillanas, - the Real de la Feria blazes with multicolored tents, wreaths and paper lanterns outlined against the sky. Handsome couples, riding beautiful horses and dressed in the Andalusian ruffles, country finery and broad-brimmed hats, and the brilliantly decorated coaches with bells on their reins leave their marks in the white dusty paths.

Semana Santa 

Easter Week SEVILLA. Andalucia. Religious. 

Is one of the greatest processions in the whole of Spain. Very well know for the spectacular beauty of its images and their popularity among Sevillanos, Andaluces and the whole country.

La Macarena, El Cristo del Gran Poder, are among the many other very popular devotions of this important Procession, whose confraternities reassembled many aspects of the urban life and the crafts and job of the Sevillanos.

Their long standing tradition and the beauty of the places where the Processions pass through rank those events among the greatest procession all over Spain.

This is reflected in the fact that more than 50 brotherhoods march in processions following an offical route from the popular Plaza de la Campana along the picturesque Sierpes Street, traveling before the Plateresque Twon Hallbuilding, and after going through the Gothic Cathedral, until they end up before the Giralda tower and the Baroque Bishop's palace.

The religious images are the work of artists of genius, such as Roldan, Juan de Mena and Martinez Montanes.

Feria de Manzanilla 

May 23 SANLUCAR DE BARREMEDA, Andalucia. Festival. 

Is one of the greatest processions in the whole of Spain. Very well know for the spectacular beauty of its images and their popularity among Sevillanos, Andaluces and the whole country.

La Macarena, El Cristo del Gran Poder, are among the many other very popular devotions of this important Procession, whose confraternities reassembled many aspects of the urban life and the crafts and job of the Sevillanos.

Their long standing tradition and the beauty of the places where the Processions pass through rank those events among the greatest procession all over Spain.

This is reflected in the fact that more than 50 brotherhoods march in processions following an offical route from the popular Plaza de la Campana along the picturesque Sierpes Street, traveling before the Plateresque Twon Hallbuilding, and after going through the Gothic Cathedral, until they end up before the Giralda tower and the Baroque Bishop's palace.

The religious images are the work of artists of genius, such as Roldan, Juan de Mena and Martinez Montanes.

Dia de Santiago  

July 25 SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, Galicia. National, Religious. 

Celebration of PatronSaint of Spain. Fireworks, parades, televised mass. National holiday.

Corpus Christi 

May 29 TOLEDO. Castilla-La Mancha. Religious. 

The nun Juliana of Liege used to have a strange vision every time she began to pray, which had been happening since her youth, in which a full moon appeared with its center darkened by shadow. Finally it was Jesus Christ himself who told her of the significance of the vision which had become an obsession for Juliana: the bright circle signified all liturgical celebrations and these were only darkened by the absence of a feast day dedicated to the exaltation of the actual presence of Christ in the eucharist, which at that time was questioned by several sectors of the Church. Official recognition of the feast day was questioned by several sectors of the Church. Official recognition of the feast day was given in 1246 in a synod called by Roberto de Torote, bishop of Liege. Urbano IV (who had been Archdeacon of Liege cathedral issued a Papal Bull in 1263 in which he decreed that the date of the feast of Corpus Christi would be the Thursday following the eighth day of Whitsuntide. Finally, in 1317, John XXII ordered that the Body of Christ should be part of a solemn, public procession and from this time on the feast of Corpus Christi became more widespread and popular.

The new feast day arrived in Spain sometime during the 14th century, but it is difficult to establish the order of events with regard to this, although it would seem that Gerona and Barcelona were the first really to accept it, followed by Toledo, Valencia, Lerida and Seville.

In the procession, the main feature is the Host, and this takes precedence over everything else, being housed in magnificent masterpieces of silverwork which were fashioned by the Arte family, father, son and grandson (all of whom worked in Spain), in the case of the processions which take place in Toledo.

Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonia/ International Contest of 'Habaneras' and Polyphony 

July 28 to August 4 TORREVIEJA (Alicante). Valencia. Festival. 

This is a Festival of Music, which begun at this beautiful seaside resort, some decades ago. The beauty of the scenary and the harmony and melody of the music and song, many linked by a mysterious magic, to the Caribean, makes unique this Festival of music, art and gorgeous gatherings.

Santa Tecla 

September 14 to September 24 TARRAGONA, Catalonia. Other, Civic, Folkloric. 

Les festes de Santa Tecla, festa major de Tarragona se celebran cada any al voltant dels dies 22, 23 i 24 de setembre, responent al model festiu tradicional del Camp de Tarragona i del Penedès, on el seguici popular i els castells són els elements associatius i identificatius de la col.lectivitat i l'eix vertebrador de la festa. The bigest fiestas in Tarragona. They are celebrated around 22, 23 y 24 of september. They are a festive model from the Tarragona area where the popular service y and the human towers are the elements which can identified the above mentioned Fiesta

Fallas de San Jose 

March 15 VALENCIA. Valencia. Festival. 

Just before spring, everything negative left over from the cold days is burned in the blazing bonfires of the "fallas". This Fiesta dates from the Middle Ages, but it did not acquire the personality we know today until the middle of the last century. The festivity represents the triumph of popular art, since its 'falla' monuments and its 'ninot' figures unmistakeably reflect the happy and satirical Valencian spirit. Among the most important acts which are the delight of the visitors and local inhabitants for two weeks are the 'crida' and major of the city; the 'Cabalgata del Ninot' (the Ninot procession), the lovely night-time parade which is made up of various 'falla' committees; the 'Cabalgata del reino' (Procession of the Kingdom) in which various towns of the old Kingdom of Valencia take part, putting on show their own typical folklore and local produce; the offerings of flowers made by the 'falleras' to 'Nuestra Senora de los Desamparados" (Our Lady of the Forsaken),Patroness of the city; and above all, the famous 'Nit del Foc" (Night of the Fire) which is held place. This is when all the 'fallas' (grotesque and humorous scenes made up of carboard figures) are set on fire providing a fascinating spectacle. The " Fallas " is the feast that take place 15 at 19 of March in Valencia, Sagunto, Burriana, and other valencian towns every year. It is declared of TOURIST NATIONAL interest.They are built in wooden and modeling and colored cartoon and they measure 26 foot between 59 foot In the city of Valencia, they are planted or they put 365 of these MONUMENTS the day 15 of March and they burn ALL the day 19 of March of every year. The monuments cost the smallest between $3.800 (500.000 pts.) , until $153.000 (20.000.000 pts) the of special section. The 'Fallas' of Burriana (Castellon), only 55 km from Valencia, are very popular, too. Most of the famous artists who create these monuments were born in this village, which has a popular Museum of the 'Fallas'.

Semana Santa 

March 23 to March 30 VALLADOLID. Religious. 

The Procession during the holy week in Valladolid are very well known by the austerity which is typical in Castille and the extremely beautiful sculptures of Berrugute, among other famous image scultors.

Fiestas de 'Pero Palo"/The 'Pero Palo' celebrations

February 16 to February 20 VILLANUEVA DE LA VERA (Caceres). Extremadura. Folkloric. 

The "Pero Palo" celebrations held in this very interesting village of Caceres, in Extremadura, shows a traditional way of community gatherings around their old traditions and legends.

Fiestas Patronales de la Virgen del Castillo/Patron Saint of La Virgen del Castillo 

December 5 to December 8 YECLA (Murcia). Murcia. Religious. 

Before moving into the Christmas period, the festive calendar ends on the 8th of December with the Immaculate Conception.

Among the celebrations in her honour are bringin out her image and returning it to the shrine of the castle, traditional mass ('Misa de Pajes') and movement of flags in Yecla (Murcia) takes place.

Fiestas de Santa Agueda/Celebrations i. h. of Santa Agueda 

February 11 ZAMARRAMALA (Segovia). Castile and Leon. Civic. 

At the picturesque village in the Province of Segovia those celebrations go back to a very ancient origin. The famous governor's wives - who serve as stewards during the religious celebrations - dressed in sumptuous gowns from the 12th century and carrying the scepter of authority lead the procession of Saint Agueda followed by married women who are dressed in farm clothes, and later attend a banquet in which the priest is the only male present. The celebration is ended with the ancient 'Baile de Rueda' (Wheel Dance).

Semana Santa 

March 23 to March 30 ZAMORA. Castile and Leon. Religious. 

The austerity and beautiful serenity of the Holy week celebration in Zamora are very well known all over Spain. The extremely serious celebrations of Zamora are an important constrast with the features of other spanish regions all over the country, south, east or north.

 El Pilar 

October 10 to October ZARAGOZA, Aragon. Civic, Religious. 

Festival of the Tarona

San Isidro/San Isidro Fair

October 30 ALL OVER SPAIN, Festival. 

It is the celebrations in honour of its patron saint, the Feria de San Isidro, a classic example of a once flagging fiesta succesfully resucitated. It is in honur of the Sain that was an agricultural man, working on the fields, and while he was praying the cattle used to work for him....into this traditions the festivities gather arround many activities, specially in La Pradera de San Isidro, in the outskirts of Madrid, once beautifully painted by Goya

Is a whole season of Fiestas, that goes more or less, around the whole month of May, or at least two long weeks, with season festivals of drama, music and open-air events that has grown up arround. One of the most notable season in the bulfights period are held around the Fiestas de San Isidro.