No nation knows how to party quite like the Spanish. From coast to coast throughout the summer, local towns celebrate traditional fiestas that haven’t changed for centuries.
The revelry goes into overdrive during August, a month which sees fireworks, regattas… and a great big food fight. Why not live 'la vida loca' with a weekend partying in Spain?
Descenso Internacional del Sella
What: The ‘Descent of the River Sella’ is a prestigious international canoe and kayak race attracting world class competitors. The course runs for 20 kilometres, and is lined with cheering crowds. A street party with singing, dancing and the famous Asturian cider gets underway after prize giving.
Where: The regatta travels from the cities of Arriondas to Ribadesella in the region of Asturias.
Neatest airport: Oviedo
When: 6 August 2005
More info: www.infoasturias.com
Misterio de Elche
What: The ‘Mystery of Elche’ is a religious celebration representing the death of the Virgin Mary and her ascension into heaven. The Basilica of Saint Mary of Elche is the stage for the 300 performers who act in the same play which has been put on every year since the 15th century. The entire town turns out for the musical and lyrical extravaganza, which is succeeded by a colourful procession.
Where: Elche dates from the 10th century and lies in southwest Alicante.
When: 11-15 August 2005
Nearest airport: Alicante
More info: www.comunitatvalenciana.com
Semana Grande San Sebastian
What: The ‘Grand Week’ of celebrations kicks off with a gunshot and continues with regattas, music, theatre and a major series of bullfights in the Illumbe Bullring. Watersports, including surfing, are also popular. The highlight is an international fireworks contest; each night a different nation takes its turn at putting on the best show (see image opposite, bottom).
Where: The popular summer resort of San Sebastian lies 21 kilometres west of the French border within the Basque country.
Nearest airport: Biarritz, Bilbao
When: 14-21 August 2005
More info: www.sansebastianturismo.com
Bilbao’s Aste Nagusia
What: One for the family, this vibrant week long fiesta features concerts, theatre, fireworks, children’s activities, strongman games and a spread of culinary delights – the latter of which is taken very seriously by the Basques. The opening ceremony takes place at the Arriaga theatre; head to the quarry amphitheatre behind the town hall at midnight each night for free music performances.
Where: Bilbao is the capital of the Vizcaya region of the Basque Country.
Nearest airport: Bilbao
When: 20-28 August 2005
More info: www.bilbao.net
Images © Conselleria de Turisme, Valencia.
La Tomatina
What: One day back in the 1940s, so the legend goes, a group of friends hanging out on Buñol’s main square got caught up in a fight and began to hurl tomatoes from a nearby vegetable stall. Sixty years on, the tomato fest held on the last Wednesday of every August is the world’s largest food fight, with 150,000 ripe tomatoes being flung about over the course of the day. At sundown, locals and visitors head to the riverbanks and hose down under makeshift public showers.
Where: Buñol lies in the Valencia region, 30 kilometres inland from the Mediterranean.
Nearest airport: Valencia
When: 31 August 2005
More info: www.comunitatvalenciana.com
Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party sites. Images opposite © David Wootton Photography (top image) and Turespaña (bottom two images).
