Spring. When the days start getting longer and the sun shines more than ever, it’s the perfect time to hit the beach. Lots of people take advantage of the holidays and long weekends in May and June to spend some unforgettable days by the sea.
Here are three ideas that may help you to have a really nice pre-summer getaway. You’re sure to enjoy the fine weather without all the summer crowds, and the plus is that you’ll get to know the local festivities better, in and around the delightful towns and villages of the area.
St. John’s Bonfires
Costa Blanca offers countless possibilities for fun, but without a doubt there’s one festivity you simply cannot miss. The well-known Bonfires of St. John is a festivity originally from this area only, but they are now held in many other places of Spain. The dates are from June 19 to 24, over the summer solstice, when the city decks itself out with lots of colour and large wood and papier-mâché figurines adorning the whole city, depicting current events in a critical and satirical tone.
This famous summer solstice celebration attracts thousands of visitors every year – visitors who share in the fun of throwing firecrackers and dancing in the streets, and taking part in the age-old pagan ritual of jumping over the bonfires on the beach on the night of St. John. Are you brave enough for all this?
May Crosses
May is the month of flowers, and the time for this eye-catching celebration during which many towns and villages along the Mediterranean greet the spring by adorning their streets with May Crosses, decorated with carnations and roses to pay homage to the fertility of the earth and to feelings of love and respect. If you’re visiting Alicante, Almería or Málaga at this time of year, you’ll see the Crosses on lots of streets as from May 3.
This is a very deeply rooted festivity which in many places is accompanied by open-air dances, tapas and good wine, mixed with sevillanas music and dance performances.
If you fancy a little break from the beach, it’s a good way to enjoy a bit of local culture, while savouring the tapas and wine, and maybe taking a few selfies in front of a beautiful backdrop.
The Rocío (Pilgrimage)
Looking for something different? Are you relaxing in your TM home on the Costa del Sol or near Almería? Well, time to get up and travel… and get to know this local festivity, while making your beach holidays even more special.
This celebration in honour of Our Lady of the Morning Dew, El Rocío, takes place every year on Pentecost Monday, preceded by the famous pilgrimage of the same name. Today, this is a popular and religious event that attracts crowds of people who enthusiastically participate in the pilgrimage and all the showiness surrounding this event.
This year the festivity is on from Sunday May 20 through Monday May 21, in Almonte, Huelva province, Andalusia. It’s one of the largest and most famous pilgrimages in Spain, with processions full of pageantry and heart-felt emotions.
