Events in Spain

Madrid’s answer to Mardi Gras is in the form of the Madrid Carnival, held the week before Lent starts. The carnival features incredible parties, parades, costume contests and plenty of outrageous masks. The highlight of the event is the Burial of the Sardine in which a select brotherhood of 60 members lead a procession from San Antonio de Florida’s Fuente de Parajitos, which a sardine is hidden signifying the start of lent. A huge feast is then had after the procession.

During Barcelona's annual Guitar Festival the sounds of the guitar can be heard from every concert hall as well as every bar. You will see and hear an eclectic mix of master musicians from both Spain and abroad. Locations include the Palau de la Musica Catalana, Razzmatazz, L'Auditori, and the Gran Teatre del Liceu. The 2011 festival features shows by Ariel Rot, Raga Pons, Standstill and Lax 'n' Busto.

Sant Jordi, or the patron saint of chivalry is the basis of this celebration. The Day of Love is the American equivalent of Valentine’s Day which lovers and partners exchange gifts. Girls are traditionally given roses while the boys receive a book. The day also features music and dancing events throughout the city.

Every year the ritual of fire walking takes place in the village of San Pedro Manrique. Villagers literally walk across a bonfire of oak wood. The fire is prepared so it burns easily, with no lumps in it. When the clock strikes midnight, 10-12 local young men are chosen to walk on the coals. Each brave soul traditionally carries someone on their shoulders, with the extra weight helping to avoid combustion. Nobody has ever been burned during this ritual, partly because of the preparation of the coals prior to the walk.