Spanish Festivals

By Amanda Scott

Spain is known for its siestas and fiestas! Check out these unusual Spanish festivals:

The Baby Jumping Festival:

This festival known as El Colacho, takes place the first Sunday after the Catholic feast Corpus Christi, so the date will vary accordingly. Babies born within the year are swaddled and laid upon the ground. Adult men dressed as the Devil then jump over the infants. This old tradition is said to cleanse them of the original sin and provide a life protected from illness and evil.

The Snail Festival:

This festival is all about snails, well eating them that is.  Called L’Aplec del Caragol, this fest takes place in Lleida in northern Spain. It is held near the end of May when over 12 tons of snails are shipped in.  There is even a snail eating competition. Concerts and other activities are available as well if you can’t stomach the snails.

New Year’s Eve in August Festival:

Spaniards love New Year’s so much they actually celebrate it twice a year.  After a power outage, on actual New Year’s Eve in Bérchules, Spain, ruined their party, the town decided to celebrate the occasion with two fiestas, once on its original December 31st date and again in August.  NYE in August is a full on celebration with 8,000 people counting down the seconds until midnight. They even have fake snow as the clock strikes twelve.

The Tomato Throwing Festival:

This one takes place in August as well. Known as La Tomatina, the festival begins with a man trying to climb a greased pole in hopes of reaching a ham placed at the top. Water cannons fire and tomatoes are dumped into the streets of Bunol as the climber reaches the top.  The only rules to this food fight are that women must wear white and men must go shirtless.

And last but not least:

Spain actually has a holiday that celebrates being alive. This festival is held in honor of the patron saint of resurrection. This festival includes Mass, a procession through town, and fireworks. The strangest part is that you have to bring your own coffin. You can either carry one or be carried in one. A festivity that celebrates you still being alive is just as good as any I guess.