Las Fallas
(15–19 Mar) . Huge papier-mâché monuments (fallas) are erected in the crossroads and squares of Valencia around 15 March and ceremonially set alight on the night of the 19th, St Joseph’s Day. Costing thousands of euros each, the fallas depict satirical scenes. During the fiesta, the city echoes to the sound of fire crackers.
Good Friday , Lorca (Murcia). The “blue” and “white” brotherhoods compete to outdo each other in pomp and finery during a grand procession of biblical characters.
Moors and Christians
(21–24 Apr) , Alcoi (Alicante). Two costumed armies march into the city, where they perform ceremonies and fight mock battles in commemoration of the Reconquest.
Bous a la Mar
(early Jul) , Denia (Alicante). People dodge bulls on the quay until one or the other falls into the sea.
Misteri d’Elx
(11–15 Aug) , Elx (Alicante). This choral play, in the Iglesia de Santa María, has spectacular special effects.
La Tomatina
(last Wed of Aug) , Buñol (Valencia). Thousands of participants pelt each other with ripe tomatoes.