Take a minute to unwind with a coffee and plan some ‘me’ time away in Spain with the help of this Spanish fiestas calendar for 2012.
There is nothing like it as the nights draw in and some sunshine and comfort is needed to lift the spirits.
I have put together some of the main dates for your diary but if you love Spain as I do you will know that not many weekends pass without paella being cooked, wine flowing or flamenco dancing taking place somewhere for your enjoyment.
Summer Fair takes place across Andalucia in every town. Dates vary so keep your eyes open for posters and your ears to the ground.
The ayuntamiento will be able to confirm dates for your pueblo or you can take a look at this link. http://www.andalucia.com/festival/monthlyguide.htm
In Marbella the fair takes place during the second week in June
In Malaga, the third week in August
Mijas pueblo celebrates its annual fair in the second week of September and in San Pedro the third week of October.
With Mijas pueblo in mind if you haven’t yet visited, it really is a must as it has retained its natural & historic beauty alongside tourism with ease and the spectacular views to the coast are breathtaking.
Spanish fiestas and traditions truly thrive here. Around the 21st February 2012 carnivals celebrate across 40 days of Lent centering around Shrove Tuesday.
Their famously decorated horses & carts and flamenco dancers fill the main square with music, paella and wine and song. If you miss the carnival, flamenco can also be enjoyed every Wednesday at noon with a free glass of Malaga wine although not in July & August.
Multi- cultural days are usually held around the 2nd or 3rd Saturday in May and bring cultures together through food, music, singing and exhibitions of art and history. Casetas line the streets to the small hours so don’t forget to take a siesta!
In 2012 the famous Tomatina tomato fight takes place in Valencia on the 29th August.
Its origins are vague but whether they are routed in a fictitious school food fight or the result of a legendry street brawl, the village of Buñol is overrun with frenzied tomato launching visitors from all over the world.
Since the 1940s Buñol has revelled in this wild customary hour of frolic. If you want to join in leave your best clothes and valuables at home and dress appropriately.
If you want to sample the true delights of paella then Sueca in Valencia is host to the famous delicious Paella Festival. The proposed date is September the 13th but as yet is unconfirmed.
Valencia has been producing rice since the eighth century. The traditional Valencian dish is filled with fava beans, green beans, land snails, and pieces of chicken and rabbit, this paella is cooked in a shallow pan over a hot fire.
There are tours to see the rice fields but be sure to check the bus timetables return journey, I have heard of visitors struggling to get back so unless you are very fit a little planning will save your sore legs.
Evenly matched in tradition is the Pamplona Bull Run also known as The San Fermin Festival. Between the 4th & 14th of July bulls run freely in the streets chased by enthusiastic spectators.
It seems that not many are put off from the fatalities caused each year by the tradition but if you are planning to go a little background research and a sound pair of shoes may be a good idea. Take a look here. http://www.spanish-fiestas.com/spanish-festivals/pamplona-bull-running-san-fermin.htm
Sevilles April Fair will take place from the 24th to the 29th 2012 starting at midnight. At noon each day you can enjoy the Paseo de Caballos where girls in full flamenco dress are pulled through the city in beautiful carriages.
While most Spanish fiestas and traditions remain crowd pleasers, bull fighting is being challenged as a sport and some would like to see the end to what is considered to be a barbaric exhibition of cruelty.
Nevertheless it has been an intrinsic part of Spain’s history. The oldest bull ring in Spain dates back to 1762 and has a small museum. http://www.andalucia.com/cities/seville/bullring.htm
With so much on offer, Spain is a wonderful place steeped in history to visit whether with friends or alone.
Happy Spanish Learning,
Sharon
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