Learning a language like Spanish is also about getting to know the Spanish customs, traditions and ways of life. Traditions, food, the different uses of language, the character of the people, tastes, etc., are pieces that are part of that mosaic called culture.

Some of the first things that come to mind when you think of a Spanish tradition are bullfights, siesta, and flamenco dancers. But there are many more traditions in Spain. Here are some examples of the best-known Spanish traditions:

-The festival of San Fermín

For some, the running of the bulls in Pamplona tops the list of the most known traditions in Spain. This celebration is also known as “Sanfermines” and they are an international festival of tourist interest. This festival takes place in the Spanish city of Pamplona, capital of Navarra, a province in the north of Spain. The festivities begin on July 6 and kick start with the launch of the Chupinazo (a pyrotechnic rocket) that indicates the beginning of the festivities. The most well-known activity of these festivals is the running of the bulls, which consists of a race of people along a 949 meter course in front of 6 bulls. The festival ends on July 14th with a farewell song.

-Fallas of Valencia

Fallas are festivities that go from March 15 to 19 with a tradition rooted in the Spanish city of Valencia, in the East of the Iberian Peninsula. Currently this festival has become a very important holiday since they are also classified as a festival of very important tourist interest.

In the streets are the “fallas” that are carton stone monuments that can reach 20 meters in height. They are built by “fallero” artists who represent stagings. On the night of March 15, they placed these monuments around the city. Fireworks are fired daily to accompany the various acts of the festival.

The festivities end on March 19, the day of the "cremá" where the great cardboard stone monuments consumed by the flames disappear.

-Tomatina

It is a festival that is celebrated in the Valencian municipality of Buñol, in Spain. This festivity was celebrated the last week of August within the Buñol festivities. This festival consists of the participants throwing tomatoes at each other along the streets of the city.

Currently the night before this Wednesday is called "la de la empalma", a term that refers to partying until dawn, having beach bars sponsored by the town hall and locally managed by neighbours open exclusively for this.

Final thoughts

Spain has a great variety of famous traditions known around the world. They are full of culture and will make you fall in love not only with the country but also with the language.