A popular holiday destination, Spain also has some unusual quirks that you might not have known. From surreal celebrations to unusual traditions, we've rounded up a few facts you might have not known about the country.
Although the world's largest food fight - the Tomatina tomato festival - is perhaps one of its most well known festivals it is still want of its best, so make sure to start here (in Bunol, Valencia) on your tour of Spain's unusual attractions. Similarly, the Running of the Bulls festival in Pamplona is one of Spain's most infamous and strangest practices. Here a dozen or so bulls will be released into the town's streets and participants - who have to be older than 18 - have to stay ahead of them.
If you fancy cooling down, be sure to check out Lanjaron's big water fight, which happens every June. It's great for kids and a perfect way to combat the scorching Spanish sun. If you're single or travelling without the kids, consider joining in La Rioja's wine fight. If you fancy something a little less aggressive, consider stopping by celebrations in Cadiar or Toro where they fill their fountains with the grape-based beverage.
If you've spent your Christmas holidays cooped up with your family before, you'll know that the festive period brings out the best and worst in people. With this in mind you can find some of Spain's most unusual habits at this time - most notably in Catalonia. Here people conceal small gnome-like 'caganer' figurines of people (sometimes famous) defecating (yes, that's what we said!) in their nativity scenes for children and friends to find. Rather surprisingly, this has actually been a tradition since the 17th century.
New Year offers some equally strange surprises in Spain too - not least because it is celebrated on six occasions with the earliest being in August! Our favourite traditions include grape eating in Madrid. If you're dining out during this time don't forget to bring a bunch of grapes, as on the stroke of midnight you'll be expected to each one for every gong of the bells. As well as being rather amusing, it's supposed to bring you luck for every month of the next year.
Although the world's largest food fight - the Tomatina tomato festival - is perhaps one of its most well known festivals it is still want of its best, so make sure to start here (in Bunol, Valencia) on your tour of Spain's unusual attractions. Similarly, the Running of the Bulls festival in Pamplona is one of Spain's most infamous and strangest practices. Here a dozen or so bulls will be released into the town's streets and participants - who have to be older than 18 - have to stay ahead of them.
If you fancy cooling down, be sure to check out Lanjaron's big water fight, which happens every June. It's great for kids and a perfect way to combat the scorching Spanish sun. If you're single or travelling without the kids, consider joining in La Rioja's wine fight. If you fancy something a little less aggressive, consider stopping by celebrations in Cadiar or Toro where they fill their fountains with the grape-based beverage.
If you've spent your Christmas holidays cooped up with your family before, you'll know that the festive period brings out the best and worst in people. With this in mind you can find some of Spain's most unusual habits at this time - most notably in Catalonia. Here people conceal small gnome-like 'caganer' figurines of people (sometimes famous) defecating (yes, that's what we said!) in their nativity scenes for children and friends to find. Rather surprisingly, this has actually been a tradition since the 17th century.
New Year offers some equally strange surprises in Spain too - not least because it is celebrated on six occasions with the earliest being in August! Our favourite traditions include grape eating in Madrid. If you're dining out during this time don't forget to bring a bunch of grapes, as on the stroke of midnight you'll be expected to each one for every gong of the bells. As well as being rather amusing, it's supposed to bring you luck for every month of the next year.
About the Author:
Catherine McCulloch is a London-based travel writer who loves visiting Spain. Click here to snap up great deals from the MyTravel website.
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