Spain is widely recognized for its lively and diverse festivals. One unique way to experience these festivities is by partaking in the tradition of picnic gatherings. Here’s a closer look at how picnics intertwine with some of Spain’s most beloved celebrations, with the traditions, foods, and ideal locations.
1. La Tomatina in Buñol, Valencia:
- Traditions: La Tomatina is a famous Spanish festival held annually in Bunol, Valencia. Thousands of people participate in a massive food fight, hurling ripe tomatoes at each other amidst laughter and revelry.
- Foods: Pack simple yet satisfying fare such as bocadillos (Spanish sandwiches) filled with jamón serrano or chorizo for a La Tomatina picnic. Fresh fruits like juicy watermelon can provide a refreshing contrast to the tomato-covered chaos.
- Locations: While participating in the tomato fight is the main attraction, surrounding parks and plazas provide nice spots for picnics before or after the event. The banks of the nearby river offer tranquil settings for relaxation.
2. Feria de Abril in Seville, Andalusia:
- Traditions: Feria de Abril is a celebration characterized by flamenco dancing, horse parades, and colorful casetas (festive tents) where for a week locals gather to eat, drink, and interact.
- Foods: Traditional Andalusian dishes like gazpacho, tortilla española, and fried fish are staples of Feria de Abril picnics. Remember to include some montaditos (small sandwiches) and olives to complement your meal.
- Locations: While many visitors enjoy picnics in the designated public areas of the fairgrounds, some prefer to escape the crowds and head to nearby parks such as Parque de María Luisa for a more serene outdoor dining experience.
3. San Fermín in Pamplona, Navarre:
- Traditions: San Fermín is famous for its running of the bulls, but it’s also a time for traditional Basque celebrations, music, and dance.
- Foods: Basque cuisine shines during San Fermín, with pintxos (small snacks served on bread) taking center stage. Pack a variety of pintxos featuring ingredients like anchovies, cheese, and cured meats for a flavorful picnic spread.
- Locations: While Pamplona is noisy and crowded during the festival, nearby parks like Parque de la Taconera offers peaceful areas to enjoy a picnic surrounded by greenery and historic architecture.
4. La Mercè in Barcelona, Catalonia:
- Traditions: Barcelona’s biggest street festival, La Mercè, celebrates the city’s patron saint with parades, concerts, and firework displays.
- Foods: Catalan cuisine is on full display during La Mercè, with dishes like paella, calcots (grilled spring onions), and crema catalana (a creamy dessert similar to crème brûlée) gracing picnic tables. Bring along some cava, Catalonia’s sparkling wine, to toast to the festivities.
- Locations: While the streets of Barcelona come alive with festivities, nearby beaches such as Barceloneta provide picturesque spots for a picnic with views of the Mediterranean Sea.
5. Fallas in Valencia:
- Traditions: Fallas is a lively celebration featuring elaborate sculptures called ninots, which are paraded through the streets before being set ablaze in spectacular bonfires known as cremà.
- Foods: Valencia’s culinary delights take center stage during Fallas, with dishes like paella valenciana, buñuelos de calabaza (pumpkin fritters), and horchata (a drink made from nuts Chufa) making for a festive feast.
- Locations: While the main festivities unfold in the streets of Valencia, nearby parks like Jardín del Turia or some others offer green spaces where revelers can gather for picnics and enjoy the festive atmosphere away from the crowds.
Whether you’re getting messy at La Tomatina or savoring paella by the beach during La Mercè, picnics add an extra layer of enjoyment to Spain’s dynamic festival culture. So pack your basket, gather your friends and family, and these traditions with a picnic feast to remember.