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We've already told you about the most popular festivals in Spain, but did you know that there are also some lesser-known celebrations and festivities in the country?
Celebrating a saint by running in front of bulls, starting a battle using tomatoes as ammunition, or burning giant puppets or dolls in the streets of the city are some of the most popular festivals in Spain. Or perhaps you've heard of Los Sanfermines, Las Fallas, or La Tomatina?
In addition to these, there are other unusual festivals and traditions in Spain, many of them unique, which are celebrated in lesser-known or less touristy areas. Want to learn about them? Keep reading!
La Vijanera (Cantabria)
La Vijanera is a winter masquerade that symbolizes the expulsion of evil spirits, the farewell to the old year, and the arrival of the new. Symbolic characters such as the zarramacos (with cowbells), the preñá, the bear, the madama, etc. participate in it.
It is celebrated in Silió (Molledo, Cantabria) on the first Sunday in January (unless that day is January 1, in which case it is moved to the following Sunday).
The origin of La Vijanera has to do with pre-Roman roots and winter rituals related to fertility and the renewal of the cycle. The figure of Janus (Roman god of beginnings) is behind some of its symbolism. It was revived as a festival in the 1980s.
Santa Marta de Ribarteme (Pontevedra)
In As Neves, in Pontevedra, the festival of Santa Marta takes place on July 29. The festival of Santa Marta de Ribarteme is also known as the “pilgrimage of the almost dead.” Here, people who have overcome a serious illness or accident parade in coffins as an offering of thanks to Santa Marta for having been saved.
It has medieval origins and is based on devotion to Santa Marta, linked to resurrection and protection from death.
Characteristics of this tradition are the processions with people inside coffins carried by relatives, the chants, promises, and thanksgiving.
Concurs de Castells (Tarragona)
Let's move to Tarragona, where the Concurs de Castells, a biannual competition of human towers or castells, takes place. The colles castelleres compete to build the tallest and most complex structure.
Specifically, in the Tarraco Arena Plaça, Tarragona, the Concurs de Castells is held on the first weekend of October in even-numbered years.
The castellera tradition began more than two centuries ago in Catalonia. The competition as such was first held in 1932 and became established in 1970. In this unusual Spanish festival, human towers of up to 10 stories are built, requiring a high level of coordination and risk. In addition, the boy or girl who crowns the tower is called an enxaneta.
El Cascamorras (Granada)
A character named Cascamorras attempts to recover the image of the Virgin of Mercy. The inhabitants of the rival town welcome him by smearing him with paint to prevent him from fulfilling his mission. This is what happens in the tradition of El Cascamorras in Granada.
It is celebrated on September 6 in Baza and September 9 in Guadix. This celebration is based on a historical dispute in the 15th century between the two towns over ownership of the image of the Virgin.
This tradition is characterized by colorful paintings, races, music, and water. In addition, El Cascamorras has been declared a festival of International Tourist Interest.If you want to experience this festival firsthand, you can come to don Quijote's Spanish school Granada and attend the El Cascamorras celebration.
La Danza de la Muerte (Girona)
A medieval performance that shows the inevitability of death. During the La Danza de la Muerte (Dance of Death) festival, people dance in silence, with characters such as Death with a scythe, skeletons, and the flag of human finitude.
It takes place in Verges, Girona, on Holy Thursday night during Holy Week.
This tradition dates to the 14th century, at the height of epidemics and medieval spirituality. It is one of the oldest dances of death in Europe.
