Mediterranean cities like Barcelona, medieval castles, Picasso and Gaudi, ski resorts, sunny islands like Mallorca, hilltop villages surrounded by vineyards and varied and innovative cuisine + Europe's top young chef, Ferran Adria; the Spaniards, like the Italians know how to enjoy life. Is it any wonder that Spain is Europe's number one tourist destination and the world's number two destination in 2004 after only France? Apart from vibrant culture, art and friendly people steeped in tradition and history, the festival calendar in Spain is almost second to none.

Join the masses in a village in Valencia and wage war with over-ripe tomatoes at La Tomatina or dash from a dozen bulls up the cobbled lanes of Pamplona at the festival of San Fermin. Take in the all night parties, street parades and fireworks at Las Fallas or partake in San Sebastián's Festividad, a week long costume party of generous proportions in the most handsome of settings. Below are a few personal favorites
that I have enjoyed since my first visit to Spain on the way home from a Asian visit paid by Uncle Sam.

Fiestas of San Fermín in Northern Spain

Hemmingway put this festival on the map and it is now one of the most well-known outside of Spain. San Fermin is the traditional Pamplona fiesta known for its 'chupinazo' (rocket signaling the start of the fiestas) and the running of the bulls.

In olden days it was not the event of the masses that it is today; the beginning of the fiestas was marked by the Vespers, a religious celebration in the chapel of San Fermin during the afternoon of that day. During the 1920s, however, they began to launch rockets in Castillo Square at noon. In 1940 the event was moved to City Hall. Although it has not been celebrated for many years, the 'riau-riau' is an event with close ties to the vespers procession. It consisted of an attempt by the local youths to delay the procession by dancing in front of the band to the rhythm of the well-known Austrian Waltz (or the Joy of San Fermín). The name comes from the tradition of the young men ending each verse of the Astrain Waltz with a loud 'riau-riau!!'

At noon on 6 July, from the balcony of Pamplona's City Hall, the selected official wishes a good fiesta to all, and lights the fuse of the 'chupinazo' or inaugural bottle rocket that marks the beginning of the most famous bull fiesta in Spain. The following day, the running of the bulls through the streets takes place from eight o'clock in the morning when the doors are opened to let out the horned creatures located in a Council Council warehouse go up to the bullring. The bulls run the 820-metre route in just three minutes, accompanied by young men dressed in white with their typical red kerchiefs. The most difficult stretch is Santo Domingo hill because it is the narrowest. Once the bulls enter the bullring, a rocket is launched signaling the end of the run. The procession of San Fermin, protector of the people of Navarre, also takes place on the 7th. It is a parade of giants and 'cabezudos' (effigies with oversized heads) and wine is drunk from wineskins. The running of the bulls through the streets is the most eye-catching event of these fiestas, before them the young Pamplonese men and a great number of foreigners, traditionally dressed, run towards the bullring. Fireworks, verbenas, and concerts give light to these festivals.
Dates: 7/6/2005 - 7/15/2005

Andalusian Horse Festival in the Deep South of Spain

Celebrated since 13th century times of Castillian medieval King Sancho IV, this festival in historic Jerez de la Frontera as originally a livestock market. Over the years it evolved into today's conglomerate of festivities which can be grouped into the following three broad categories: 1st Select Livestock Exhibition-Market and Agricultural Fair. 2nd Popular celebrations, including bullfights, dances and traditional songs in the booths that are set up in González-Hontoria park. 3rd The Horse Fair itself, with the equestrian rally, training competition, hitching, exhibition and horse market.

The fun takes place in under the palm trees in González de Hontoria park, with its streets and promenades adorned during these days with garlands and flowers. It is also dotted with the booths of societies, fraternities or flamenco associations. They all turn the park into a grand flamenco 'tablao', where people drink white Fino wine, Sherries and dance 'sevillanas' and bulerías (flamenco dances) for hours. There are also dessert stands along the streets, as well as costume jewellery, nuts or kiosks with drinks and attractions. The Jerez nights, which offer unbeatable weather and ambience at this time of year, are filled during the Fair with people who come out to see the parades of horses, which are the true stars of the fiesta. The beauty of the horses of Jerez have made them one of the most valued in the world. Other types of festivities, such as bullfighting, 'novilladas', 'sevillana' dancing contests or cock fights, accompany the week of the horse. The international horse jumping and equestrian competitions, the cattle and horse exposition and auctions are also eagerly awaited.
Dates: 5/1/2005 - 5/8/2005

Andalusian Rural Pilgrimage in southern Spain

Over one million people and 85 fraternities participate in this Pilgrimage, whose destination is the sanctuary of the Virgin of Rocio, on the outskirts of this town. This fiesta has been celebrated since the 17th century. However, legend has it that the image of the Virgin was hidden during the Moorish rule until it was found amongst the thistles in the 15th century by a hunter from Villamanrique de la Condesa. The oldest fraternity comes from this town. Other legends date this sacred sight back to pre-Christian times.

This festive and very colorful pilgrimage to the sanctuary of the Blanca Paloma (White Dove) in Almonte (Huelva) by groups from all over Spain. The Rocio fraternities set out on different dates to meet up in the town of the Rocio at midday on the Saturday before Pentecost. The most typical tradition is to make the trip on horseback, by cart or on foot through the salt marshes, and sleeping under the stars. Upon arriving at Almonte, camp is set up while waiting for the other Fraternities to arrive. On Saturday, each one parades by displaying its 'simpecado' (insignia of the fraternities dedicated to the Virgin Mary), the cart with the standard and the reproduction of the Virgin. No one sleeps on Sunday night in the hope of being able to enter the temple and parade the Virgin. The 'salto' (jump) is the moment of greatest fervour as the people of Almonte invade the hermitage, jump the gates and parade the Virgin through their village.

Horse Races on the Beach in southern Spain

Some of Europe's oldest horse races happen in Spain on the sun-kissed beaches of historic San Lucar de Barremeda. This town which boast many wineries and a fine medieval castle is also home to some of the best seafood you'll find anywhere! For centuries equestrian competitions have been celebrated in this area during the month of August. During these festive days events such as traditional bullfights and the Popular Manila Shawl Fiesta will be held. Coinciding with the races, Sanlucar's patron saint fiestas are also celebrated, with parades in the narrow streets of the city centre. The Patroness Festival on it the image of Our Lady of Charity, Patroness of Sanlúcar, is taken in solemn procession over over rich, colourful, mosaic carpets made by hundreds of local children, using flowers and coloured salt crystals.
Dates: 8/1/2005 - 8/18/2005