Festivals and Celebrations

La Tomatina

A Spanish festival of tomato-throwing held in the town of Buñol.
Takes place on the last Wednesday of August and attracts travellers from all over the world.
There is no historical or religious significance to this event. It originated from a spontaneous food fight between locals.

San Fermín

A week-long celebration, dedicated to Saint Fermín in Pamplona.
Well known for the Running of the Bulls, where participants run in front of a group of bulls released onto the streets.
Besides bull running, the festival includes processions, concerts, and firework displays.

Las Fallas

Festival in Valencia marking the arrival of spring. Celebrated in mid-March.
The main event is the creation and eventual burning of large ninots (cardboard and paper-mâché figures or puppets).
Features music, parades, firecracker contests, and bullfights.

Semana Santa

The Holy Week before Easter. Celebrated all over Spain.
It includes processions with participants carrying large, ornate floats representing scenes from the Passion of Christ.
Many people consider this the most significant and emotional of Spain’s religious festivals.

Día de los Muertos

The Day of the Dead, a time to remember and honour deceased loved ones.
Celebrated at the beginning of November. Not to be confused with Halloween.
Families build ofrendas (altars) decorated with marigolds, sugar skulls, and the favourite foods and drinks of the departed.

Remember, while revising, to understand how these festivals and celebrations contribute to Spain’s cultural identity and social fabric, and be prepared to compare them to similar events within your own culture.