Inland Spain

CULTURE

ENJOY AWORLDOF FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS Inland Spain's calendar is full of popular festivals which fill the streets with joy- ful, traditional celebrations. Here is a month-by-month breakdown. On the first of January in Palencia (Castile-León) there is the catholic fes- tival of the Baptism of the Child Jesus , with carol singing and an offering of flowers. Challenge the February cold and enjoy the traditional rural carnival celebra- tions in a number of towns in Navarre, like Lantz and Alsasua. Thousands of people take part in a magic spectacle of fire, mythological characters and legends.

In March you can enjoy the incredible experience of 25,000 people playing the drums together at the Drum Festival of Hellín (Albacete, Castile-LaMancha). But in April it is silence and solemnity which prevails in the impressive Easter proces- sions, like those inZamora (Castile-León). Dress up in a traditional "chulapo" suit and join in the San Isidro Festivities which are really popular in Madrid, with a renowned bull-fighting fair, concerts and shows. In June you can enjoy some of Spain's most entertaining festivals, like the Wine Battle in Haro , in La Rioja, and the Gay Pride Festival which fills Madrid with colour, music and protest.

b b FESTIVAL OF SAN ISIDRO MADRID

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Photo: Carlos Vacas ©Madrid Destino