Popular culture, traditions dating back to the age of the Vikings, the Roman Empire and the splendour of the Renaissance; well-known faces from the music scene attend the regional festivals of each community, while theatrical performances and lively open-air dances envelop us in a festive atmosphere. The list of proposals offered by the various festivities to be held over the next few weeks all over Spain is endless. For all these reasons, it is worth taking a look at some of the festivities that you may not be familiar with and which offer a special opportunity to enjoy tourism in a fun way. At each of these events you will find a Parador close by, where we will be waiting for you with open arms to offer you the best stay, whether in the midst of natural spaces or mysterious castles.
Madrid at its most traditional during the San Isidro festivities
Madrid will bring out its most traditional side during the San Isidro festivities from 10 to 15 May. This year the kick-off will be given by the singer of Hombres G, David Summers. Madrilenians and visitors will be able to enjoy the traditional chotis and pasodoble dances, and the colourful parade of giants and big-heads that will start from the Plaza de la Villa. Of course, the verbena in the meadow of San Isidro will be the high point where the inhabitants of the city, dressed in typical chulapas and chulapos costumes, will proudly show off the local folklore. Music will also take centre stage, with the participation of renowned artists such as Azúcar Moreno, Los del Río, Edurne, Blas Cantó, Vicco, Ana Guerra and Álex Ubago, among others. In addition, there will be activities especially designed for children, including magic shows, children's games and theatrical performances.
And speaking of culture, within the emblematic "City of Arts and Letters", the Parador de Alcalá de Henares is an unbeatable accommodation to enjoy the San Isidro festivities. Special attention should be paid to its spa, located under the vaults of the former 17th century convent. There you can experience exotic treatments such as the "Queen of Egypt Ritual", which uses Dead Sea salts and fragrances of myrrh and incense to promote skin radiance. After this rejuvenating experience, we recommend you satisfy your appetite at the Hostería del Estudiante, a restaurant in the historic college of San Jerónimo, with more than five centuries of culinary tradition. Here the flavours of the past are fused with contemporary palates, offering specialities such as succulent croquettes of cocido madrileño, the comforting sopa boba alcalaína, the traditional migas, the appetising quebrantos or the famous costrada alcalaína.
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Cordoba takes on a special colour at its traditional fair
From 18 to 25 May you have a good opportunity to enjoy Andalusian folklore at the Cordoba Fair, located at the El Arenal exhibition centre. During these days you can breathe the magic of Cordoba's culture in every corner. The elegant horse-drawn carriages, the vibrant flamenco dresses and the irresistible aroma of the local gastronomy will envelop you in the tourist charm of Andalusia. More than 90 stalls decorated with grilles, flowerpots, lanterns and garlands welcome you, offering popular dishes from the Cordoban recipe book.
The Parador de Córdoba, which was once the palace of the first Umayyad caliph, Abd al-Rahman I, is waiting for you to spend a few days of your dreams. The first palm trees in Europe were planted in the gardens of the Parador, making it an idyllic oasis for strolling and discovering. In addition, among the lush vegetation of the garden, you will find a huge swimming pool where you can enjoy a refreshing swim or simply relax on the lawn. If you prefer a bit of activity, the nearby paddle and tennis courts and golf course invite you to bring out your competitive side. And don't forget to try the Parador's cuisine. A real treat full of local specialities such as the must-try salmorejo, one of the best in town!
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'Las Alfombras de Serrín' enhance the beauty of Elche de la Sierra, Albacete
The Sawdust Carpets, as well as being a Festival of National Tourist Interest, has been declared an Asset of National Interest. From 31 May to 2 June, the residents of the Albacete municipality of Elche de la Sierra put all their enthusiasm into decorating the streets with carpets made of sawdust, shavings and similar materials. On the day of Corpus Christi, the procession walks over this stage filled with large-format, chromatic creations with mainly religious themes. This tradition dates back to the early morning of 28 May 1964, when Francisco Carcelén, a local merchant, inspired by the flower covers made in Catalonia, had the idea of bringing it to his town, taking advantage of the surplus of shavings. It was the beginning of a new way of experiencing Corpus Christi, embraced by the people of the village as a way of celebrating their authenticity and feeling genuinely special.
There is nothing better to live this experience than staying at the Parador de Albacete, an oasis of peace in the plains of La Mancha. Its location in the middle of a traditional La Mancha estate provides the perfect opportunity to disconnect and relax from the daily hustle and bustle. This retreat welcomes you as if you were in your own home; its rooms, decorated with terracotta floors, wooden ceilings and surrounded by lush gardens, create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It is also an ideal starting point to discover enchanting places, such as the valleys of the Júcar or Cabriel rivers, or the picturesque Sierras de Alcaraz and Segura.
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Lugo travels to the Roman Empire during Arde Lucus
Arde Lucus is the annual celebration organised by the people of Lugo to commemorate its foundation during the Roman Empire. From 13 to 16 June, Lugo is transformed into Lucus Augusti, reliving its past as a prominent city in Roman Gallaecia. Walking along the city walls or through the Plaza Mayor means travelling back in time to the 1st century. There you can experience the traditions, gastronomy and other customs that the Roman legionaries left as a legacy to the region. Parades, recreations of pastimes such as the circus and the theatre, gladiatorial confrontations, and of course, the ceremony of lighting the Sacred Fire of Vesta, which marks the official start of the festivities, are outstanding events that you cannot miss.
At the gates of Lugo, in the heart of an ancient and distinguished city, awaits the Parador de Vilalba. This charming mediaeval refuge, adorned with the coats of arms and weapons of its time, will envelop you in an exceptional atmosphere. Here you will also find a gym to keep up your wellness routine and a wellness area where you can pamper yourself for a few moments and recharge the energy you need to enjoy your adventure. And, of course, the garden surrounding the building is the ideal place to breathe in the fresh air and take a break from your day.
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Greco-Roman culture is revived in the Classical Theatre of Merida
This year you can't miss the opportunity to enjoy classical literature during the Mérida International Classical Theatre Festival. As a Friend of Paradores or guest of the local Parador, you will have an exclusive 20% discount on tickets to the shows. From the impressive opening with the opera Medea on 27 June at the Teatro Real de Mérida, to the exciting closing on 25 August, you can immerse yourself in a world of Greco-Roman tragedies and comedies with emblematic titles such as La Paz by Aristophanes, Coriolanus by Shakespeare or Medusa, to name but a few, and performed by renowned artists such as Adrián Lastra, Ruth Lorenzo, Victoria Abril or Alex Barahona.
The Parador de Mérida is a real historical treasure, where the influences of the Roman, Visigoth and Mudejar periods converge. Its charming Garden of Antiquities, where the archaeological remains of these three cultures are intertwined, is well worth a visit. But it is not only its artistic facet that is outstanding, its gastronomic offer is also a cultural feast. From the delicious grilled beef sirloin, to the tempting Extremaduran lamb stew with shepherd's bread omelette, to the exquisite 100% native breed Iberian pork sirloin with boletus sauce, not forgetting the irresistible sweet paprika with sesame aroma. Every bite is an experience that will delight your senses and transport you through the flavours of history.
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The festival that transforms Tortosa into a Renaissance town
Tortosa and its splendid Renaissance past come alive again from 18 to 21 July. History has revealed that the city of Tarragona was an outstanding Renaissance centre. For this reason, residents transform the historic centre, the majestic buildings and the centuries-old walls with period details. During these days, the people of Tortosa wear linen clothes, with a wide range of colours and patterns that evoke the Spanish fashion of the 16th century. In addition, the bars and restaurants offer gastronomic proposals from that glorious period on their menus. There is no shortage of medieval markets, shows and theatrical performances, as well as fun days that show the trades and customs of a Renaissance city. A complete programme for young and old to enjoy a unique getaway.
Can you think of a better way to travel back in time than staying at the castle of La Zuda, now the Parador of Tortosa? Its sturdy walls, large, bright Gothic windows and magnificent views of the Ebro Delta and the historic-artistic site give it a special charm. What's more, if you would also like to spend some time exploring the surrounding area by bicycle, you should know that the Parador is part of our cycle tourism programme. How about an exciting cycling adventure through the Ebro Delta Natural Park or the impressive Tortosa pass?
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Viking culture returns to Catoira
On the first Sunday in August, the Galician village of Catoira is transformed into a Viking stage to commemorate the historic invasion that once threatened its people. The streets come alive with folkloric performances, while a lively medieval market is set up in the historic complex of the Torres de Oeste. But the highlight comes with the impressive disembarkation. On board an 11th century ship, the Norse invaders arrive on the coast with the aim of capturing the West Towers. The brave villagers resist, unleashing a mock battle that ends with the participants drenched in wine. After the battle, everyone gathers for a festive picnic, accompanied by the sound of bagpipes and typical regional dishes such as octopus, grilled sardines and empanadas. The fun continues into the night with a lively verbena, enlivened by a literary proclamation and a theatrical performance.
Less than half an hour from Catoira, you have the option of staying at the Parador de Cambados, an elegant manor house with comfortable and bright rooms. Its privileged location gives you the opportunity to enrich your visit with tours of various places of interest. The historic centre of Cambados, listed as an Asset of Cultural Interest, offers an enchanting view full of Galicia's emblematic manor houses and stately residences. If you are looking to enjoy a refreshing swim or simply stroll along the coast while listening to the gentle sound of crashing waves, we suggest a stop at A Mouta beach, located just 15 minutes' walk from the Parador.
