I hail from the state of Rajasthan and hence have grown up
amid bright colors. Is there any other place in India more vibrant and colorful
than this princely state? I guess not. However, one destination abroad that
breaks the norms and matches this “riot of colors” is undoubtedly Spain. The bespoke
beauty of this country has always fascinated me; so much that I ended up
visiting seven times. Trust me, each time was a different and new experience. The
ministry of India tourism brought me on the panel of Indian-Spanish cultural
exchange program and my endless journeys to Spain began in 2011.
Being an important part of any culture, I observed Spanish
festivals closely. My favorite? Woah, it’s difficult to pick one.
January is the time for Tamborrada, a
tradition which started with mocking Napoleon's troops that had invaded San
Sebastian in 1813. Hundreds of organizations and people participate in the
exciting street festivals playing drums. The celebration also represents the
union of citizens in pursuit of happiness.
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| Image source: Everfest |
During my visit to Tenerife in February, the Spanish
carnival season was a cherry on cake. This celebration easily rivals the
carnivals of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where the streets transform into a sea of colourful
processions. The extravagant costumes are not to be missed. The island was full
of fun, colour, glitter and glamour, that filled my soul with so much joy.
Spaniards really know how to enjoy life.
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| Carnival season of Spain |
While every festival in Spain is full of energy and fun, Las
Fallas de Valencia in March is larger than life. Visually one of the
most spectacular Fiestas, the city inhabitants make giant paper mache figures
representing notable people as well traditional figures. With work officially
suspended, the figures are displayed in the city during the entire week of
celebration before being burned down at one of the most amazing bonfires marking
the end of the festival. I was mesmerized by the giant effigies and fire
show.
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| Image source: Tripsavvy |
My hands were full with celebratory mood and cultural knowledge and I started preparing to leave for India in April. But guess what? Festivals are never over in Spain. I was invited by my tour operator’s family to attend the Feria De Abril Fair in Seville. The fair lasts for two weeks, usually from the last week of April to mid-May. What started as a cattle fair in 1847 is now a period of serious dancing, drinking, eating and socializing, with late night. From around midday until early evening - especially on Sunday, the first official day - Sevilla society parades around the fairground in carriages or on horseback. The sheer extent of the April Fair's spectacle felt extraordinary.
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| Image credit: claudiawiens |
I left for India the following month while planning to return
in the June next year. I was welcomed with lots of wine being poured on
my head. No kidding. This is Haro Wine Festival whose origin can be
traced back to the 13th century that started a dispute between two neighboring
villages. The festival now sees people of all age groups throwing buckets loads
of wine at friends and strangers with music playing in the backdrop. To my surprise,
the once quaint town of Haro changed completely after sunset. Who would not
enjoy throwing wine at people and watch some to drink from the same bucket? The
excitement refused to die down and got etched in my memory forever.
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| Source: Bergerpaints |
July was relatively low for me in Spain because I was
too scared of being run down by bulls. Thousands gather and run after the
raging bulls at the San Fermin festival in Spain’s Pamplona. This fiesta gives the
country of Spain a time to celebrate in honor of San Fermin, the tortured saint. Though I
did not participate in the bull race, I did venture out in the evening to
experience the parades and music shows.
Come August, the town gets painted in red and crimson.
Thanks to Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara for enlightening us. Though
criticized for wasting tons of tomato crop, La Tomatina continues to
attract people from all parts of the world. It is a super fun celebration with
so much tempo and energy. What amazed me the most was how people throw tomatoes
at each other like crazy yet behave so civilized.
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| Image credit: radseason.com/ |
My short stay sponsored by the ministry of tourism ended in August and I bid good bye to Spain that had filled my life with vibrant colors. I miss the festivities and excitement there. This is perhaps the only country besides India to have so many festivals and rituals. In case you are doing a research on cultures, without battling an eye, I’d suggest Spain. If you are looking for an agent for your visa application, I'd advice BLS International without a doubt.