Among Spain's varied delights for the traveler, it should be noted that festivals or fiestas make up an important part of Spanish life and culture. It may be hard to believe but in different towns and villages all over the country there are various festivals during the year which bring the citizens out to the streets to celebrate. Tourists are also attracted to many of these festivals.

Fiestas in Spain

One of the most well known festivals of Spain is La Tomatina which could be explained as a tomato fight. This fiesta takes place in the town of Bunyol near Valencia each year on the last Wednesday of August. In this fiesta thousands of people battle in the streets by throwing over-ripe tomatoes at each other. Many tourists arrive from different places around the world in order to experience this festival. This fiesta includes a week of partying with music, dancing and fireworks of which the tomato fight although the main highlight is just a short feature. At the time of the festival, it is difficult to find accommodation in the town of Bunyol. However, travelers may arrange a vacation room or make a hotel reservation in nearby Valencia and then travel the short distance to Bunyol for the events.

An additional popular festival is the April Fair in Seville, Andalucia. At this festival, visitors may delight in the flamenco traditions that include singing, dancing and of course the beautiful colorful flamenco dresses. This spring-time fiesta takes place annually in April two weeks after Easter.

Probably the most famous of all the Spanish fiestas is the San Fermin Fiesta. This features the running of the bulls. This festival is well known around the world as from July 7th to 14th each year the bull running occurs through the streets in Pamplona. Each day during this period the bulls which are to be used in that day's bullfights are run through the streets towards the entrance to the bull ring. Crowds of young people run with them or rather before them, as the bulls charge along the narrow streets. This is a colorful and exciting celebration that attracts many visitors and tourists each year. Package tours and trips are available for this area that includes lodging. Pamplona itself offers a variety of hotel rooms for visitors to the region.

The Rioja Wine Festival celebrates the grape harvest and takes place in September in Logrono. The festivities include music, sport and wine and the highlight is a grape treading event on San Mateo's Day. Hotel accommodation may be arranged in Logrono where these celebrations take place.

Spain is a wonderful place to visit and it must be stressed that various festivals take place around the country at different times of the year. As an exhilarating demonstration of culture and history, the exciting fiestas mentioned in this article are a mere few of the many.