Many foreigners consider Spain a country eternal holiday, and it’s hard to disagree with this. The Spaniards, being very cheerful, sociable and creative people, came up with many unusual holidays that still cause surprise and great interest among tourists. The number of holidays, festivals, carnivals and other exciting events in Spain has no equal.

Tomatina in Spain
La Tomatina (Spanish: “La Tomatina”) is one of the most famous and unusual festivals in Spain, which has been taking place since 1945 in the small town of Bunol, 40 km away. from Valencia. Tomatina is not just a holiday with fireworks, dancing and competitions, but a real tomato battle, which is traditionally held in the last week of August.
The main part of the festival begins at a special signal from the city hall, after which trucks loaded to the brim with ripe tomatoes appear on the main square - they serve as throwing missiles. The goal of the game is quite simple - you need to crush the tomatoes a little, throw them at as many participants as possible and try not to come under fire yourself, although it is almost impossible to remain clean during the battle.
About 40 thousand people take part in the two-hour battle and more than 100 tons of tomatoes are destroyed. The holiday ends with a swim in a pool filled with tomato juice.
The Tomatina Festival in Spain is rightfully considered the most unusual event. During the festival, the population of this small town increases 4-5 times. Every year the festival only becomes more popular.

Egg-Flour War "Enfarinats"
Enfarinats is another Spanish battle festival that uses an edible arsenal. Unlike Tomatina, in Enfarinats the main weapons are eggs and flour, and only men can take part in battle.
An impromptu war takes place in the city of Ibi (province of Alicante) before the New Year.
Before the battle begins, all participants are divided into two groups. The first group includes married men, who act as “invaders” of the city, issue comic laws and monitor their implementation. Each violator must pay a fine, otherwise he will be immediately bombarded with flour and eggs. The task of the second group is to protect the citizens of the city and drive out the robbers.

San Fermin in Pamplona
San Fermin (Spanish: Sanfermines) is the running of the bulls and the most extreme holiday in Spain. The permanent location of the race is the city of Pamplona in the north of the country.

The famous running of the bulls has been going on for eight centuries, although it gained worldwide fame only in the 20th century thanks to Ernest Hemingway, who described the mesmerizing atmosphere of the festival and the city of Pamplona in his novel
The holiday lasts from July 6 to July 14. At this time, tourists and local residents have a unique opportunity to compete with the bulls in speed and agility. Every day in the morning, 12 angry animals are released onto the streets of the old city, and daredevils try to run 850 meters with them. According to the participants, not everyone can overcome even half the distance.

Needless to say, running with bulls is an extremely traumatic activity. However, every year from 1 to 3 million people come to Pamplona to take part in the race and watch the exciting show.

Festival of the Living Dead in Spain
The Feast of the Living Dead is another unusual fiesta in Spain, which takes place in the city of Las Neves on July 29.
The holiday was invented by those who have ever been on the verge of death. Thousands of people take part in the procession, thereby expressing their respect to the patroness of all resurrected Saint Martha. At 10 a.m., some of the faithful lie down in their coffins and their loved ones carry them from the Las Nieves church to the cemetery, after which everyone goes to church service and prays for those who are still alive. However, not everything is as gloomy as it might seem at first glance. The day ends with music, dancing, entertainment programs and beautiful fireworks.

Casteli - human towers in Tarragona
In the fall, another unique competition takes place in Spain, which has become a real attraction of the country. Teams of castellers (Spanish: castellers) from all over the area come to the city of Tarragona in order to build the tallest and most beautiful tower of people.

The tradition of building “living” towers comes from the folk dance of Catalonia. The dancers, at the end of the music, had to line up in a small pyramid. Over time, the dance became less popular, but the fun of building towers out of people grew into a tradition.

The construction of living towers is a very exciting and vibrant spectacle. Sometimes castellers manage to build a tower 10 levels high. The strongest members of the team stand at the base; they are the ones who hold the entire structure on their shoulders. The level above are girls, and the very top of the tower is completed by children.
According to the terms of the competition, it is not enough to build a “living” pyramid; it also needs to be carefully disassembled, and not all teams succeed in this. The competition is accompanied by folk festivals with music, dancing and competitions for children.

Throwing a turkey from a church bell tower
In the small village of Casailla (Jaén), every year, during the San Blas festival, local residents throw a turkey from the bell tower, and below it is caught by a crowd gathering at the entrance of the church. The roots of this “slightly strange” tradition go back to late XIX century, when the children of two wealthy families in the village tied the knot. The ceremony took place on the day of St. Blaise (Spanish: San Blas) and in order to celebrate this happy event, a turkey, a symbol of wealth and prosperity, was thrown from the church bell tower. And, despite the fact that it all sounds quite surreal, the tradition in this village has been preserved to this day. The lucky one who catches this turkey is received by the crowd as a hero. But if any single girl finds a feather from this turkey, it is believed that she will get married in the next 12 months. (Attention! The turkey participating in this tradition does not die).

Colacho
This is probably the strangest unusual tradition that you have ever heard of. A villager dresses up in a colorful devil costume ("Colacho") and walks in a procession through the village. Neighbors decorate their houses with flowers and colorful shawls. At some specific points, a kind of altar is installed and, opposite, on mattresses, children born in the last 12 months are laid out. According to tradition, "Colacho" must jump over the little ones, thus driving away troubles and big troubles from them. The more jumps, the less chance of trouble. This curious tradition has taken place in the village of Burgos (Castrillo de Murcia) since 1621.

"Golden" Lung
Are you able to spit an olive pit over 30 meters away?! Congratulations! You can participate in the annual Golden Lung competition in Elche, Alicante! The essence of this curious competition comes down to spitting a bone as far as possible. There are 2 types: olive pit and date pit. The current record is 36.50 meters for the olive stone and 28 meters for the date stone.

Lekeitio, or "Day of the Goose"
Every year on September 5th, the port of the Basque town of Lekeitio is filled with people who want to take part in the interesting tradition of “Antchar Eguna” (Goose Day). An elastic rope with a dead goose is stretched across the width of the port (but many years ago the goose was alive!). In boats, groups of merry young people approach the goose, one of whom jumps out of the boat and grabs the goose’s head. From both sides people pull on the rope, raising and lowering it several meters. The goal of this competition is to hold on as long as possible or tear off the goose's head. This tradition is already 300 years old and the competition is accompanied by traditional music, regional dances and, of course, one cannot do without huge amount food!

Summer New Year
We all celebrate the New Year on the night from December 31 to January 1, and in these 12 seconds with each strike of the clock, sometimes we do not have time to make all the wishes we would like. How do you like the idea of ​​celebrating the New Year again, and in the summer too?! Halfway between Granada and Almeria is the village of Berchules. This beautiful place, full of white houses and cobbled streets, is famous throughout Spain for its midsummer New Year celebrations! And the whole point is that for several years there was a blackout in Berchules, and even on the most important night of the year! As one can imagine, the villagers were unable to get the clock to strike, nor, accordingly, eat their 12 grapes, nor enjoy New Year's Eve in full! Since then, the residents of Berchules decided to celebrate the New Year in the first week of August, which every year attracts more and more people to those parts!

Merengue War, the sweetest holiday!
During the regional holidays in the city of San Sebastian (week of August 15), a real battle is organized! But here the weapon is none other than the famous delicious dessert meringue! The area of ​​Sages (famous for its festive atmosphere and especially loved by surfers) is filled with people willing to do anything to participate in this fairly young tradition (since 2011). Participants are divided by age: children, teenagers and adults, and a battle begins in which more than 300 kilograms are used. The winner is the one who, in the opinion of the jury, can remain as clean as possible.

Enjoy your holiday, and remember that going to a Spanish holiday is really great! Many tourists specially plan their vacation so as to enjoy the unusual atmosphere, mass celebrations or an organized, but no less fun procession!

Spain is a colorful country that combines the ardor of the gypsies, the piquancy of the Moorish tribes, the sophistication of the Romanesque style and the solidity of the Celts. Spain is a multinational state. Its residents are very temperamental and at the same time extremely friendly. They love humor and enjoy long conversations. Traditions and customs of Spain reflected in local stereotypes. Folk dancing, singing and round dances colorfully illustrate the culture of the state.

Spanish customs: siesta, paseo, osio

The Spaniards are sensitive to national traditions and respect folk morals. Throughout Spain, there is a vibrant tradition of afternoon sleep - the siesta. During siesta, trade, financial and industrial organizations stop working. Also common in Spain is another interesting tradition- paseo - an evening walk to see family and friends, and the result is paseo - osio - a sincere conversation after the party. Osio is carried out exclusively on fresh air or in a bar, not at home. Spaniards love to have fun. Throughout the year, residents of this country celebrate holidays or carnivals.

Family is the basis of Spanish values

The Spaniards strongly respect family traditions. Much attention is given to children. Children are the basis of a social unit, the foundation of a dynasty. In Spain, it so happens that they honor both name day and birthday. However, name days are celebrated more luxuriously and spectacularly than birthdays.

Interesting fact - after the wedding spanish women leave your last name. As a result, children are awarded a double surname.

In Spain, it was customary to name the first child by the name of the father or mother, respectively. A wedding in this country is no different from a wedding in Europe. However, getting a divorce in Spain is quite problematic - the process often drags on for up to five years.

Funerals in Spain are not like funerals in other countries. The dead are placed in special cells here. No one will dare to place a dead person on the earth as long as the rent for his maintenance is paid on time.

Flamenco is a vivid reflection of the traditions and customs of Spain

Flamenco is a combination of rhythm, beautiful music and breathtaking dancers, created by the soul of the Spanish people. Flamenco reflects the close connection between Eastern and European cultures, which did not pass by Spanish soil.

Flamenco begins with the appearance of the fair sex in beautiful, colorful skirts and blouses. Their hairstyle features a raised comb with flowers. Representatives of the stronger sex wear tight-fitting pants and vests. They have leather shoes on their feet. While amazing music is played on the guitar, senors and senoritas sing praises to their betrothed. Next, a dancer appears on the stage, and with increasing tap dancing she shows the tense atmosphere. Suddenly the strumming of the guitar stops, but this is not the end of the dance. Another dancer comes onto the stage, followed by a man with castanets. In a frantic dance rhythm they show how crazy love is. This is a traditional dance in Spain.

Bullfighting is the most beloved folk show in Spain

It is impossible to imagine the existence of Spaniards without such a tradition as bullfighting. Bullfighting is a fight between men and a fighting bull. The outcome of this fight for the animal is known even before the start of the fight, but the fate of the men depends on their skill and speed of reaction.

Bullfighting in Spain begins in March and continues until September. During this entire time interval, approximately 5 hundred contractions take place. As a rule, fights are organized in specially equipped arenas, with the presence of large quantity observers. The fight begins with a rider with a pike - a picador - annoying the animal. Next, the bullfighter continues to tease the bull with the scarlet material. The banderillero's mission is to stab the bull with a banderilla - darts with colorful bandages. The matador is the arbiter of the bull's fate. He has to slaughter the unfortunate animal. Sometimes the animal leaves the arena alive, for this the spectators need to wave snow-white handkerchiefs. The matador receives as a reward, depending on his skill, the ears, tail and legs of a bull.

Matadors in Spain are highly revered and considered national treasure. Toreadors receive no less fame. They are so popular that their images decorate many streets, houses and homes. They even erect monuments to them. Bullfighting for the Spaniards is a very important and popular tradition, but it is worth noting that now everything more people advocate its abolition.

Holidays in Spain

In Spain, every locality has its own customs and traditions. Any settlement in this country has its own protector, whose name is greatly revered by the locals. In honor of him, luxurious events are held - fiestas. The holiday time is like a siesta - all organizations are closed, and residents are rewarded with bonus days off.

All holidays or fiestas in Spain can be divided into:

1. National: Constitution Day, religious holidays, Three Kings Festival for children;
2. Regional: in Valencia the fire festival is very popular, in Murcia there is the “Romans and Carthaginians” festival, in Alicante there is the “Moors and Christians” festival, in Seville there is the Sevillana festival;
3. Local. Separate for everyone settlement Spain.

All festive events in Spain are organized and carried out extremely enchantingly, joyfully and cheerfully.

Curious holidays and traditions in Spain:

Folk games

As a rule, many holidays in Spain are not complete without sporting events and national competitions. Thus, in the north of the country, the game bolos, reminiscent of a bowling competition, is very developed. Holidays are not complete without water sports. The rafting is quite famous fast current mountain rivers on pirogues or boats. The Basque Country is famous for its men's folk sports involving strength, agility and endurance, such as tug of war, log cutting, crowbar throwing, sea regattas, pelota and bolos. Competitions for quickly driving animals into stalls are very developed in the Spanish provinces of Old Castile and Navarre. Catalonia is famous for its competitions and trained dog competitions. And in Andalusia, donkeys are used instead of horses.

For many games, all-Spanish competitions are organized.

Culinary characteristics of the Spaniards

The customs of the Spaniards did not bypass the cuisine. It contains all kinds of vegetables and fruits, a wide range of meat products, seafood, aromatic herbs and spices, wine and nuts. Different sauces are a signature feature of chefs and cooks in Spain.

Tourists traveling to Spain would do well to study the customs and customs of the indigenous people in advance in order to avoid misunderstandings and win them over.

A little about the Spanish mentality

In the opinion of reserved northerners and residents of central Russia, the Spaniards are too emotional people. They talk louder than we are used to, but this does not count as raising their voices. These are the costs of the southern temperament. At the same time, the Spaniards are very friendly. In some provinces, residents greet absolutely everyone they meet, even those they see for the first time. If you ask the Spaniards for directions, they will not only show you the route, but they may even take you to the final point of your route. However, this happens quite rarely when accessing them on English. Few people know him. But Spanish at the level of a phrasebook will be quite enough to win over a native resident.

For Spaniards, it is considered normal to have breakfast around 13-14 hours, and lunch at 22 hours. In the period from 13 to 16 hours everything around becomes deserted. Shops, offices, cafes are closed. For the Spaniards, siesta is a time of midday rest. During these hours, the sun simply burns mercilessly, so they wait it out at home.

In the evening, the opposite is true: the streets are filled with families and groups of friends walking. This time is called paseo - evening walk. The walk ends with an obligatory conversation about everything and nothing. And so it has been for hundreds of years. The Spaniards generally respect centuries-old traditions.

The Spaniards will not allow anyone to criticize their king and queen. For them, the monarchy is one of the traditions, and, as mentioned above, they are treated with great respect here.
The Spaniards love pets very much. Almost every home has a cat or dog. Exotic animals like monkeys or pythons are also not uncommon. There are few stray animals in this country and many shelters that are maintained throughout the country. If a careless owner forgets to walk a pet or treats it poorly, his neighbors will definitely report it to the police. There are high fines for cruelty to animals.

Favorite holidays of the Spaniards

Spaniards love holidays and celebrate them in a big way. National holidays celebrated in all regions include Christmas on December 25 and Catholic Easter. Public holiday– Constitution Day. There is also a separate holiday for children, called the Feast of the Three Kings. Each province has its own holiday traditions. So, tourists go to Valencia to watch a fire show, to Murcia for the festival of the Romans and Carthaginians, to Seville for Sevillana. Particularly loved are processions, carnivals and extravaganzas, which are held everywhere in honor of various special events. Sometimes several weeks are set aside for the celebration, and all these days are declared days off.

Bullfighting is the most famous of Spanish national pastimes. For them, this is a sacred tradition, which is a connecting thread between generations of several millennia. If a tourist, in a conversation with a native Spaniard, decides to speak out in defense of the bulls, who are destined to die at every competition, he can cause the righteous anger of an ardent bullfighting fan.

The Spaniards believe that they are performing an act of charity in this way, since the meat of killed bulls is distributed to the poor and distributed to social institutions.

Gastronomic traditions of Spain

The native Spaniard's menu has a lot of vegetables, fruits, seafood and meat in various dishes. Jamón, a cured pork ham, is especially famous. The Spaniards are very fond of olive oil and spices. Their dishes are generously seasoned with saffron, parsley, marjoram, nutmeg, garlic and other aromatic additives. And almost every dish is served with a variety of sauces.

Dishes such as paella, tortilla, gazpacho are national dishes common in all regions of Spain. And each of them has its own culinary traditions.
Everyone who has ever visited Spain notes the easy-going nature of its indigenous people. Is this the reason why the sunny country is one of the most visited in the world?

Is Spanish. To others official languages include: Galician, Basque, Catalan languages. Catalan is used in various Spanish media mass media, some of the office work is also carried out on it.

Religion

The majority of religious Spaniards profess Catholicism (about 97%), the remaining small part of believers belong to religions such as Islam, Judaism, and Protestantism.

Rules of conduct

Those visiting Spain for the first time may think that the Spanish people are overly loud, but you should know that the southern temperament of the local population leaves a certain imprint on their intonation and speech.

In this country, as a rule, they do not hide their emotions - both positive and negative. Even an ordinary conversation in a completely peaceful spirit usually takes place in slightly higher tones than is customary in countries, with more restrained manners.

In many Spanish provinces it is customary to greet even strangers, this is how another national Spanish feature is manifested - goodwill. Here they will almost always answer your questions, help you find your way, and, perhaps, guide you to the right place. Just turn to local residents It’s better in Spanish (at least within the phrasebook), and not in English, which many here either don’t know at all or know very poorly.

To avoid misunderstandings, when communicating with the local population, you should not touch upon topics such as death, bullfighting, football, politics, age, or income level. As a rule, most Spaniards are extremely sensitive to criticism of the ruling royal dynasty.

In Spain they usually have breakfast at 14:00, lunch starts at 22:00. While at the table, it is customary to talk about neutral topics.

Noon time - traditional time rest - siesta. At this time (from 13 to 16 hours) most offices, shops and businesses are closed catering.

Features of business etiquette

On business meetings in Spain it is not customary to be late, although, as a rule, they start a quarter of an hour later than the time agreed in advance. Business negotiations are conducted quite restrainedly, without emotional intensity.

The Spaniards are quite practical people, so they are distrustful of enthusiastic ideas that do not have a sufficiently compelling basis. In Spain, concepts such as honor and business are combined; poorly thought out events and scams are not liked here. Business partners shake hands when meeting and parting; patting a partner on the shoulder or squeezing him in a hug is unacceptable.

National holidays

• January 1 - New Year;
• January 6 - Day of the Magi;
• Holy Friday is an unfixed date;
• Easter is not a fixed date;
• Corpus Christi Day is an unfixed date;
• March 19 - San Jose Day;
• May 1 - Labor Day;
• July 25 – Santiago Day;
• August 15 – Dormition of Mary (Assumption);
• October 12 – Spanish Unity Day;
• November 1 – All Saints Day;
• December 6 – Constitution Day;
• December 8 – Day Immaculate Conception;
• December 25 – Christmas.

There are many holidays in Spain, and they are often celebrated on a grand scale. In addition to generally accepted holidays, each village also honors its patron saint, on the occasion of which additional days off are arranged. Tourists should take this into account, since holidays Almost all institutions and shops are closed.

Spain – most beautiful country, where there are many contrasts that envelop you in their amazingness. Strong here ancient traditions and charming customs.

On the northwestern edge of the peninsula, framed by a sea that has given it wide estuaries, beaches and islands, and surrounded by mountains that have protected it throughout history from all but religious pilgrims, lies Galicia. Almost 30 thousand sq. km of its territory are divided into four provinces: A Coruña, Lugo, Ourense and Pontevedra. All of them have a centuries-old history. To understand Galicia, you need to see its small villages, shrouded in a haze of fog, the landscape of which has not changed for many centuries. They will tell you about the ancient traditions of this province of Spain.

AND CORUNA.

First interesting place on our most interesting way- the city of Padron, which received its name thanks to the stone (“pedron”) to which the boat that brought the remains of the Apostle Santiago (St. James) to these parts was tied. This marked the beginning of a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, now the capital of the Autonomous Community of Galicia.

This is where the Rias Altas area begins, where a road almost hidden in the mountains leads to Cedeira, an important fishing port and also a summer holiday destination. San Andre de Teixido is just 12 km away. Every Galician was obliged to make a pilgrimage to this place at least once in his life if he did not want his soul to be forever tormented in purgatory after death. Old saying says: “Whoever has not visited San Andrei during his lifetime will go there after death.” This was the most important pilgrimage route in Galicia before the shrine of Santiago de Compostela appeared. Here you can still see the embankments on both sides of the road. "amilyadoiros" made from stones thrown by pilgrims. On the day of the Last Judgment, these stones should “speak” and tell who really fulfilled the vow and made the pilgrimage to San Andrea.

RAPA DAS BESTAS (WILD HORSE Grooming).

From the second Sunday in May to the second Sunday in July, the provinces of Galicia hold traditional holiday“rapa das bestas” (“grooming of wild horses”). The most famous places of this custom: A Valga, Torronha, Mougas, Morgadans, Amil and Sa Busedo in the province of Pontevedra, O Barbanza and A Capelada in A Coruña, and Candaoso in Lugo. The celebration process is always the same. At dawn, herds of wild horses, living in complete freedom all year round, are driven by drivers into special stone rooms called “kurros”. Here they are branded and their mane and tail are cut. After some of the horses are sold, the rest are released until next year.

HOLIDAYS IN GALICIA

Carnival of Entroydo in Chinso de Limia (Ourense).

Holy Week in Viveiro (Lugo) and Ferrol (A Coruña), folk festival"Romeria" Santo Cristo in Fisterra (A Coruña), Easter Sunday.

May holiday in honor of O Ribeiro wine, Ribadavia (Ourense).

Corpus Christi holiday, flower carpets on the streets of Ponteareas (Pontevedra).

July: "Rapa das Bestas" in San Lourenço de Sabucedo-A Estrada (Pontevedra) and Candaoso-San Andre de Boimente, Viveiro (Lugo). Feast of San Bieito de Leres (Pontevedra).

August: Albariño Wine Festival in Cambados (Pontevedra). Viking Romeria in Catoira (Pontevedra). Santa Cruz in Ribadeo (Lugo). Feast of Du Polbo in O Carballinho (Ourense). Holidays of San Lorenzo in Foz (Lugo). Shira dos Caneiros in Betanzos (A Coruña). San Roque in Sada (A Coruña). Romeria O Naceiro in Viveiro (Lugo). Celebration of History in Ribadavia (Ourense).

September: Feast of Nos Señor da Barca in Muscia (A Coruña).

October: Seafood Festival in O Grove (Pontevedra). Fair As San Lucas in Mondoñedo (Lugo).

ASTURIAN HOLIDAYS

Asturias is a vertical land with impressive mountains in which huge gorges and beautiful river valleys flow towards the sea. The holidays and customs are just as beautiful here, shrouded in numerous legends.

January: Afuegal pitou cheese competition, Morsin. Oviedo. Santa Maria del Naranco

February: Festival of Antrocho, Aviles and Gijon.

March: Feast of Beauliu, Aviles.

April: Festival of Huevos Pintos, Pola de Siero.

June: Field Work Tuesday or Balesquida Festival, Oviedo. San Pedro (La Amuravela) in Cudillero. San Juan Bautista, Mieres.

July: Our Lady of Carmen, Cangas del Narcea. El Carmine, Paula de Siero. Feast of the Shepherd, Lagos de Covadonga. Shepherd's Wedding, Aristebano-Luarca. Sidra Festival, Mawa. Festival of Asturcon, Espineres Pilogna.

August: International descent of the Sella River, Arriondas. Asturias Day in Gijon. San Roque, Llanes and Tineo. La Regalina, Cadavedo Luarca. Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Luarca. Swimming down the Navia River.

September: San Mateo and America's Day in Asturias, Oviedo. Feast of the Bulls at Sea, Candas, La Guia (Llanes). Apple Festival, Villaviciosa.

CANTABRIAN HOLIDAYS

Places of contrasts, where green valleys meet mountain peaks and blue water. The coats of arms on the gates of ancient mansions remind of a proud past, and in the valleys hidden between the mountain ranges, life goes on peacefully and calmly, as always.

February: Carnival in Santonya.

April: La Folia festival in San Vicente de la Barquera.

August: Day of Cantabria Ca6eson de la Salle. Flower Ball in Torrelavega. Flower Battle in Laredo.

September: Kampoo Day in Reynosa. Holiday of San Mateo.

“Small valleys among the mountains are the epitome of home” - this is one of the best definitions of the Basque country

Near Cape Machichaco, between Bermeo and Baquio, on a small peninsula connected to the land only by a steep stone passage, almost destroyed by time and the sea, stands the ancient chapel of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. This place, the first thing that opens up to the eyes of sailors returning from a voyage, has acquired a special mythical and religious significance for Arrantsale fishermen. The chapel's bell warned sailors of an impending storm, and inside it, near the statue of Christ, were placed numerous offerings in gratitude for miraculous salvation in some shipwreck. Thus, San Juan became a place of pilgrimage for all those hoping for a miracle and remains so to this day. San Juan has its own attractive charm, especially when surrounded by a light cloud, and is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful places the entire Basque coast.

TREE OF GUERNIKA

Representatives of the municipal councils of Vizcaya have been meeting under an oak tree in the city of Guernica for several centuries. According to tradition, when an old tree dries out, a new one is planted in its place. Thus, "Gernikpko Arbola" ("Tree of Guernica") has always been for the Basques a symbol of their rights as a nation. In the Government House of Guernica there is a stone bench on which sat the patriarchs of the authorities of Vizcaya and an ancient, already dried oak tree, a mute witness to history. Opposite it grows a new oak tree, the keeper of a centuries-old tradition.

HOLIDAYS OF THE BASQUE COUNTRY

January: La Tamborrada Drum Parade in Donostia San (Children's Drum Parade)

Sebastian.

February: San Blas to Idiazabal (Guipuzcoa). – Carnivals in Tolosa (Gipuzkoa).

Holy Week: Via Crucis in Balmaceda (Bizkaia). - May: Feasts of the Cross in Sestoa (Gipuzkoa).

June: Feast of San Marcial in Irun (Gipuzkoa). "Cacharranca" festival in Lekeitio (Gipuzcoa) and "La Tamborrada" drum parade in Pasaia (Gipuzcoa).

August: Patronales de la Virgen Blanca in Vitoria

Gasteiz, Donostia-San Sebastian and Bilbao.

September: Gansos Festival in Lekeitio (Bizkaia), Hondarribia Festival (Gipuzcoa), Patronales in Bermeo (Bizkaia) and Basque Week in Zarouts (Gipuzcoa).

October: San Fausto in Basauri (Bizkaia).

December: Midnight mass "del gallo" in La6astida (Alava).

The Basque Country is famous for the fact that it has preserved truly folk species sports Let's name the most common of them: the Basque ball "pelota", a lumberjack competition, tournaments for lifting heavy stones, team competitions, during which a team of bulls must drag a large boulder along the ground, as well as running along the slopes of mountains.

Tenerife is a resort in the Canary Islands - perhaps one of best places holidays in Europe. This is an island where there is never winter, where all year round It’s summer, so everything here is conducive to a relaxing holiday and, of course, fun.

One of the biggest attractions of Tenerife is its carnivals, which are considered by many to be the best after the carnival in Rio de Janeiro. This annual celebration brings everyone on the island together in one huge burst of fun.

In the areas seaport Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where everyone dances to the music the best orchestras Salsa performers usually host the main events of the carnival. It is a rare resident of Tenerife who does not carefully prepare his fancy dress to show off in it during the holidays.

During the 23 days of the Carnival in Santa de Cruz, other important events are held, such as the election of the Queen, competitions musical groups"murgas", "comparsas" and "rondalias". But the most popular is the impressive cavalcade, where Caribbean and European influences mix in a spectacular performance.

A traveler who is lucky enough to be in Tenerife during Carnival, in February, should under no circumstances miss this fun and noisy holiday in Santa Cruz. Particular pleasure will come from celebrating Carnival among large crowds of people in their own fancy dress.

Main holidays:

Carnivals (February): The main ones take place in Tenerife, in all municipal districts of the island. The most important of them are celebrated in the capital, Santa Cruz.

Corpus Christi (Feast of Corpus Christi) (June): carpets of flowers and volcanic earth in La Orotava and La Laguna.