Cabalgata de Reyes Magos en El Puerto de Santa María, Cádiz, España. (Año 2006). Autor: Emilio José Rodríguez Posada

On January 5, a huge parade (La Cabalgata or cavalcade) welcomes the Three Kings to the city. Children put their shoes in the window on January 5 in hopes that the Three Wise Men deliver them presents.

Procesión de Las Palmas, organizada por la Cofradía de la Entrada de Jesús en Jerusalén, el Domingo de Ramos en Astorga, León, España

A common feature in Spain is the almost general usage of the "nazareno" or penitential robe for some of the participants in the Processions. This garment consists in a tunic, a hood with conical tip ( "capirote") used to conceal the face of the wearer, and sometimes a cloak. The exact colors and forms of these robes depend on the particular procession. The robes were widely used in the medieval period for penitents, who could demonstrate their penance while still masking their identity. (These robes intentionally served as the basis for the traditional uniform for members of the Ku Klux Klan in the United States, ironically a very anti-Catholic organization.) These "Nazarenos" carry processional candles or rough hewn wooden crosses, may walk the city streets barefoot, and, in some places may carry shackles and chains on their feet as penance. In some areas, sections of the participant wear dress freely inspired in the uniforms of the Roman Legion

Chirigota del Carnaval de Cádiz 2006 'Atrapados en el Tiempo'.
Image courtesy of Barrycai.

The chirigotas are well known witty, satiric popular groups which train for the whole year and sing about politics, new times and household topics, with all the members wearing the same costume. There is an official competition in Teatro Falla, where many of them compete for a group award. The music of the songs is original to each group, and no matter whether it is formed by families, friends or work mates, each chirigota has a wide repertory of satirical lyrics. They sing both in the streets and squares, at improvised venues like staircases or portals, and in established open air tablaos organised by the carnival clubs.

More information on Carnival of Cádiz

Encierro / Running of the bulls, at Aldea del Fresno, Spain.
Image courtesy of Håkan Svensson Xauxa.

While its most famous event is the encierro, the running of the bulls, the biggest day is 7 July, when thousands of people accompany the effigy of Saint Fermin along the streets of Pamplona, along with dancers and street entertainers, such as carnival giants and the week-long celebration involves many other traditional and folkloric events. It is known locally as Sanfermines and is held in honor of Saint Fermin, the co-patron of Navarra. Its events were central to the plot of The Sun Also Rises, by Ernest Hemingway, which brought it to the general attention of English-speaking people. It has become probably the most internationally renowned fiesta in Spain.

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Castellers de Barcelona

The year 1902 saw a new impetus to the celebrations, with parades containing the first appearance in Catalonia of paper mache "giants" (known as gegants i capgrossos in Catalan or gigantes y cabezudos in Spanish), the first Castell competition and the importation from the Emporda region of a dance that was spreading throughout Catalonia: the Sardana. The holiday has enjoyed immense local popularity ever since.

Correfoc de Dimonis de l'Avern.
Image courtesy of Alfusell.

Among more recently introduced traditions are the annual Catalonian Wine Fair, a special "correfoc", a marathon race, and the particularly popular pyromusical, which is a spectacular display of synchronized fireworks, water fountains and music conducted at the base of Montjuic hill.

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Smoke rises as crowds watch the Mascleta, March 2004, Valencia, Spain.
Image courtesy of Joce123.

The days and nights in Valencia are one running party during the five days of Falles. There are processions galore — historical processions, religious processions, and hysterical processions. The restaurants spill out to the streets. Explosions can be heard all day long and sporadically through the night. Foreigners may be surprised to see everyone from small children to elderly gentlemen throwing fireworks and bangers in the streets, which are littered with pyrotechnical débris.

More information on Falles for more information

Escuadra de cristianos en las fiestas de Elda 2006.
Image courtesy of Jarke.

The festivals represent the capture of the city by the Moors and the subsequent Christian reconquest. The people that take part in the festival are usually enlisted in filaes or comparsas (companies that represent the Christian or Moor legions), and for several days, they parade with bombastic costumes loosely inspired by Medieval fashion. Christians wear fur, metallic helmets, and armor, fire loud arquebuses, and ride horses. In contrast, Moors wear ancient Arab costumes, carry scimitars, and ride real camels or elephants. The festival develops among shots of gunpowder, medieval music, and fireworks, and ends with the Christians winning a simulated battle around a castle.

More information on Moros y cristianos