Fiestas symbolise the very essence of Spain and the Spanish people. They're
colourful, vibrant, usually extremely noisy, often chaotic and always
great fun. The origins of the country's countless fiestas lie
in religious feasts, often honouring a patron saint. Perhaps it's the
warm weather or maybe it's the exuberant, uninhibited nature of the Spaniards
who just love to party...
But one thing's for certain: when it's fiesta time, no-one does it better
than the Spanish! Bonfires, fireworks and fire crackers feature strongly in
many festivals and there's no fiesta more fiery than the famous Fallas of
Valencia.
This is one of the biggest and most spectacular street festivals in Europe
- one of those extraordinary and unique events that everyone should experience
at least once in their lifetime. Fallas means "fires" in the local Valencian
language and on the night of March 19th each year the whole city appears
to be ablaze when more than 350 beautifully made statues are burnt to
the ground.
Many towns and cities hold their own versions of the Fallas but nowhere
can hold a candle to Valencia which is without a doubt the home of Spain's
hottest party!
Other famous fiestas include the mad, messy Tomatina which takes place
in the village of Buñol, about 30 miles west of Valencia. It's the world's
biggest tomato fight involving tens of thousands of people being pelted
with several truckloads of tomatoes.
Related websites:
Las
Fallas Fire Festival - the Video Guide
Las Fallas Website
Valencia Tourist
Office Website
La
Tomatina
