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Fiestas are an absolutely crucial part of Spanish life. Even the smallest village gives at least a couple of days a year over to partying, and happening across a local event can be huge fun, propelling you right into the heart of its culture. Following is a very basic calendar of fiesta highlights. For more detailed information, consult local tourist offices. Outsiders are always welcome at fiestas, the one problem being that it can be hard to find a hotel, unless you book well in advance.

FEBRUARY

Carnaval (the week preceding Ash Wednesday and Lent) is an excuse for wild partying and masques.

MARCH

Easter (March/April)

Semana Santa (Holy Week) is celebrated across Spain with religious processions, where pasos – huge floats of religious scenes – are carried down the streets, accompanied by hooded penitents atoning for the year's misdeeds. Good Friday sees the biggest processions.

APRIL

23: Saint George – Catalunya patron saint's day is a big party across the regions and is also celebrated on National Book Day throughout Spain.

MAY

Pentecost (Whitsun:7th Sunday after Easter).

Corpus Christi (Thursday after Trinity; May/June) is a focus for religious processions, accompanied by floats and penitents. Many town fiestas also take place.

JUNE

29: San Pedro – patron of fishermen – is honoured by flotillas of boats, and partying all along the coast.

JULY

25: Santiago – Spain's patron saint, St James

OCTOBER

1: San Miguel Villages across the country celebrate their patron saint's day

DECEMBER

31: Nochevieja New year is celebrated by eating a grape for every stroke of the clock.

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