Alternative Magazine

Music, events and holidays
One of the most recognized features of Spanish culture is its flamenco dancing and
fiestas. The Flamenco dance is one of the most vibrant and unique dances in the world,
and promise to entertain tourists. Performances are often held in popular restaurants,
and tourists can even attempt the dance by themselves. It is the musical tradition in the
country's south, in particular in Andalusia. That is where you have to move to see and
listen first rate dancing and guitar playing. Apart from Flamenco music and dance, Spain
is also widely known for its bull-fights. You will find them indeed throughout the country.
The most popular event perhaps being the "Running of Bulls" during the San fermines in
Pamplona. But bullfights are part and parcel of any Fiesta. In April takes place Feria de
Abril, in Seville, an entire week of singing and dancing and trying that great Sherry wine,
those delicious tasty snacks called "Tapas" and moreSherry wine ... and if you like this
sort of things you REALLY should not miss that event.
If you can arrange it (and find a hotel room) better arrive to Seville already two weeks
before Feria, and see this city's other outstanding event: Semana Santa, Easter week, with
its world-famous processions.
Another outstanding Fiesta are "Las Fallas" in Valencia, in March, when all the city
becomes the scenery of an enormous party with lots of good mood and excellent
fireworks. Next to Valencia there is the little town Buñol which hosts each year on the
last Wednesday of August La Tomatina, the world's largest tomato fight. It is unclear why
the town's inhabitants started over 50 years ago the tradition of throwing mature
tomatoes at each other, but today the event attracts thousands of visitors from all over
the world.
Madrid has its Fiesta, "San Isidro", in May. If you like bullfights, don't miss it.Carnival is
popular in all the country, the best is in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, but if you are at the
peninsula, Cadiz and Sitges are the places to go.