The tomato battle or “La Tomatina” is one of Spain’s most recognised festivals where participation by everyone is not only allowed, it’s expected. So, be part of the fun, the action and the downright dirty mess with up to 20 000 other wacky travellers.
Before the fiesta begins, locals protect their homes with plastic sheeting, ready for the onslaught. Then the trucks arrive and the fiesta begins. The fight (with truck-loads of ripe tomatoes) takes place on the last Wednesday of August between 11am and 1pm in Buñol, near Valencia.
Priced from R2 550 a person sharing Student Flights has a land-only hostel accommodation package to the La Tomatina, which is valid for travel in August only.
However, if you like your festivals to have equal doses of the pagan, the patriotic and the religious, and with a firm helping of fire and things that make a really big bang, then the Las Fallas Festival in Valencia, Spain during March should be on your agenda.
This unforgettable experience is based on the hundreds of gigantic cartoon caricatures (or Fallas) that criticise almost everything and everyone in a gentle, tongue-in-cheek manner. These Fallas are paraded through the streets and eventually burnt as the festival progresses.
This burning is not the only reason to visit Valencia. During the Las Fallas you could also sample some of the best paella on offer as the Valencians often host an informal paella competition during Las Fallas, as well as a fireworks display. Every night the city celebrates the festival with a grand display of bangs and pops and explosions.
But day visitors won’t miss out as the residents continue this noisy get-together with an audio firework display known as a Mascleta. Enjoy the noise as crackers explode and acrobats perform in the streets. And don’t forget to eat a bunuelos. These oddly shaped doughnuts are served with thick melted chocolate – simply divine.
Priced from R2 970 a person sharing, enjoy three nights’ hostel accommodation in Valencia to partake in this spectacle that has been described as Guy Fawkes, Disneyland and the world’s biggest party combined. Contact Student Flights on 0860 400 737, visit www.studentflights.co.za or SMS your name and “quote” to 37997 and a consultant will call you back. - Weekend Argus