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Before 1928, the festival known as St Johns Bonfires was celebrated just as it was celebrated in any other part of Europe. The huge gathering of people coming together to burn things such as old furniture is quite a spectacle. But, during the same year, a man from Alicante called Jose Maraa Py improvised the idea of similar nature. In a short span of 3 months the first such Bonfire was planned and organized in Daa de San Juan.

Continue reading... Alicante-St John's Bonfires

Everyone has heard of bull fighting, but how about camel wrestling? This rather unorthodox and much less gruesome sporting tradition derived from Anatolian semi-nomadic custom survives in the city of Selcuk in Turkey. Known for its proximity to the ruins of Ephesus, Selcuk is the capital of camel wrestling. The national Camel Wrestling Championship takes place in the outskirts of the Aegean coastal city in January - but do plan ahead if you want to catch a glimpse of something extraordinary!

Continue reading... Camel Wrestling in Anatolia

From June 4th to 14th the historic Portuguese city of Santarem will hold the National Agricultural Fair. If the name puts you off, it is important to remember that the festival is a million miles away from the farmers markets you may have seen back home. The Portuguese never do things by halves, and the festival is a celebration of every aspect of their traditional rural culture. The event takes place two kilometres west of the city centre and is one of the largest agricultural fairs in Europe. Attractions include horse riding competitions, cattle herding and a nocturnal bull run. Dancing is also an important part of any celebration in Portugal and you can expect to see an array of local dances, including the fandango.

Continue reading... National Agricultural Fair in Santarem

If you happen to be in Spain on June 3rd then expect to get caught up in one of the major festivals of the Spanish calendar. Corpus Christi is a feast day that celebrates the Eucharist, which Catholics believe to be the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The Spanish never need an excuse for a celebration, and as a country with a strong Catholic heritage it is hardly surprising that there are major festivities across the country on this day. However, what makes the festival so exciting for an outsider is that each region celebrates the day in its own unique way.

Continue reading... Corpus Christi celebrations in Spain

For wine regions around the world the harvesting of a new vintage is the most important period of the year and many, including the Spanish region of Andalucia, celebrate with a range of traditional festivals.

Continue reading... Celebrate the New Vintage in Andalucia