Festivals and Holidays in Salamanca
Introduction
When spending time in Salamanca you soon realise there is a huge variety of great activities just waiting for you, so whether your heading off to watch a sports match or checking out one of the cultural museums topping you up on your knowledge of Salamanca you will be pleased to know there is more! So take a look below as there is a list of festivals that are going on all year round and depending on when you go you can see which is for you with events that personify the character and history of Salamanca.
- January- Cabalgata de los Reyes (the three wise men) it celebrates them coming into town as three usually famous faces will dress up and parade the town handing out sweets to children.
- February- Carnaval del Toro-Its a festival that allows its participants to let go, it originates from a practise of meditation and concentration for te period lading up to lent. Salamanca's own version is to be considered the oldest which written records trace it back to 1493, with its combination of bullfights, balls and bands its not to be missed.
- March- Holy Week/Semana Santa- It follows a tradition with a deep religious meaning where the events involve the participation of 'nazarenos' who wear long hooded gowns holding crosses. The creative side to the proceedings come in the form of the 'costaleros' who have built detailed floats of religious figures for an impressive parade.
- April- Dia de Libro- Its the celebration of the written word and was introduced in 1995 as an encouragement for the people of the town to read more. In Spain it is celebrated with a two day reading of Don Quixote the popular piece by Miguel de Cervantes.
- May- Lunes de Aguas, a rather interesting festival originating from the banishment of the prostitutes by King Phillip II during lent, following this period they would be sent back and celebrations would proceed. Today not as drastic but celebrations take place to remember this medieval tradition.
- June- Jazz en la Calle is as the name suggests 'jazz in the street' it is a host of carefully selected acts that really bring together some impressive talent for an enjoyable show.
- July- Las Noches del Fonseca is a procession of music and theatrical events that provide a pleasant atmosphere.
- August- Fiestas de la Asuncíon- It follows the two meanings, the first is the departure of Mary from earth and it follows the assumption of her into heaven. The exact date of the festival is unknown but it is embedded in Spain's history.
- September- Pena de Francia shrine pilgrimage which celebrates the life of Pena de Francia, where Charlemagne was lost and Pena appeared to a french franciscan who led the individual in the right path.
- October- Fiestas de Santa Teresa is a festival in celebration of the life of the nun Santa Teresa de Jesús who passed away during the 16th Century
- November- Muestra Provincial de Teatro Lauro Olmo, An extiting theatrical event which brings a roster of talent to the table and showcases some of the latest performnces with all the acting cast to boot.
- December- La Horca- it has the younger crowd at the forefront of this festival as it conducts the celebrations and practises of rituals that take place just outside of Salamanca in Valdecarros.
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