From tomato fights to fire-lit processions, Spanish-speaking countries throw the world's most vibrant celebrations.
Every August in Bunol, Spain. 20,000 people hurl 150 tons of tomatoes at each other. The world's biggest food fight.
Spanish-speaking countries celebrate over 500 major festivals each year. That is almost two per day across the Spanish world.
Mexico's Day of the Dead honors loved ones with altars, marigolds, sugar skulls, and all-night cemetery visits every November.
Traveling to Spain or Latin America? Check festival dates first. Hotels book months ahead for La Feria and Semana Santa.
Giant papier-mache sculptures burn every March. Artists spend a year building them. Crowds of 2 million watch them go up in flames.
San Fermin in Pamplona. Six bulls chase runners through narrow streets every July. Over 1 million visitors in just 9 days.
La Tomatina and San Fermin are tourist favorites. For deeper culture, try Semana Santa in Seville or Inti Raymi in Cusco, Peru.
Key words: desfile (parade), fuegos artificiales (fireworks), disfraz (costume), procesion (procession), verbena (street party).
Rio, Barranquilla, Oruro, and Trinidad. Each carnival blends indigenous, African, and Spanish traditions into a unique celebration.
Read the full guide with dates, travel tips, and insider advice for every celebration.
