Spain is a magnificent and large country with much to discover. At the heart of Spanish culture is a passion for food and dance. Here is a list our 5 favourite festivals that can easily be incorporated into your Pure Adventures self-guided cycling vacation in Spain.
Jerez Festival
Each February, Jerez de la Frontera comes to life with the sounds of clicking castanets and rhythmic stomping iconic of flamenco dancing. The Jerez Festival is famous for not only the world-class Spanish dancers, singers and guitarists, but also the fun dance courses festival goers can participate in.
Las Fallas
Valencia's grandest annual festival, Las Fallas, is an amazing and unforgettable experience. This high spirited, five-day-long party epitomizes everything that fiestas are famous for - fireworks, concerts, parades, bull fights and of course Las Fallas, full-scale paper mache monuments. Nearly 1000 works of art of displayed throughout Valencia, and then on the final day, set ablaze (save for one that is spared via popular vote).
San Fermín
The most renowned of all Spanish festivals, San Fermin attracts more than one million people to the week long fiesta. Centuries old, San Fermin's most famous event is the encierro, or the running of the bulls. Daily events include bull fights, fireworks and parades and single day events, such as El Struendo and the Saint Fermin procession, make attending San Fermin an experience you will remember for the rest of your life.
Tomatina Tomato Fight
The origins of the Tomatina Tomato Fight are murky, but when you're taking part in the world's largest food fight, how La Tomatina started is of little importance. Do you have what it takes to fend for yourself during 60 fun-fuelled minutes of food flinging with 40,000 other aficionado of the humble tomate?
La Vendimia Riojana
It is impossible to visit Spain without savouring its famous wines. Lucky for travellers, there are many festivals throughout the country toasting vino. The most famous wine festival is La Vendimia Riojana, where the new harvest of grapes destined for Spanish wineries is offered to the patron saint of La Rioja, Our Lady of Valvanera. This week long festival is marked by parades, bull fights, concerts and naturally - gastronomic tastings.