Here, UK Spain Life has listed its top picks for “places to be” this summer…
1. LA TOMATINA
This red-looking fun-fest happens in, Buñol, Valencia, on the last Wednesday of august every year.
The tradition started 70 years ago, and is actually part of a bigger celebration that lasts a whole week, and has parades, parties, fairs and street markets.
2. WORLD PRIDE PARADE
With Madrid being the International LGBT Capital of 2017, it will host the World Pride parade from the 23rd of June to the 2nd of July. The parade is held to celebrate equality, culture, and diversity. It will host national and international artists performing live, as well as other sorts of entertainment, like; sports competitions, cultural events, parades, etc.
3. THE AUGUST FAIR OF MALAGA
This is an entire week of entertainment and activities along the Costa del Sol. In mid-August, Malaga will host a day-time fair, which is more “traditional,” with street markets, music and dances.
There will also be a “night fair” (feria de noche), which takes place just outside the city, with attractions, food stalls and dance tents.
4. LA FIESTA MAYOR DE GRACIA
In Barcelona during the summer, you will find events and entertainment around ever corner, but none quite as thrilling or creative as the Fiesta Mayor de Gracia.
The Gracia neighbourhood is turned into art, with colourful decoration spread throughout the streets, and people in costumes, offering visitors a spectacular scenery.
5. ST JOHN’S EVE
In Spain, on the 23rd of June, people will start to celebrate the beginning of summer with their local St. John events. It is celebrated in most cities all over the country, with most places doing fireworks and bonfires to mark the event.
It can also be a very traditional event, so look out for old customs, such as; jumping over the fire at midnight and running into the sea, which they believe will bring them good luck. Different parts of Spain celebrate it in various ways; For Barcelona and Valencia, fireworks are particularly popular, whereas in Galicia, food is a big part of the celebration, and it is a tradition to cook sardines in the ashes of the bonfire.
6. BOLOENCIERRO IN MATAELPINO
Just like the famous ‘running from the bulls’ event in Pamplona, Madrid has its own version: Boloencierro. This event happens in August, and involves running from large balls weighing up to 200 kilos, as they got rid of the traditional way of using bulls after animal rights campaigns.
7. THE WINE BATTLE
The “Wine Battle” of Haro, in La Rioja, is a popular annual event that’s happening on the 29th of June. The people from La Rioja, wear “typical” clothes of their region, white shirt with trousers and a red handkerchief tied around their neck.
The tradition involves wine drinking competitions, as well as throwing buckets of wine over each other.
8. THE SEMANA GRANDE OF BILBAO
In August, Bilbao has its most important event of the year: The Semana Grande of Bilbao. This festival lasts for nine days, with concerts, fairs, theatre performances and more.
One of the highlights are the fireworks competitions every night. On the last evening, they also have the traditional “Marijaia” (the mascot of the Semana Grande) floating down the river on a boat and is set on fire.