Cultura: Las fiestas

There are many celebrations “fiestas” in different Spanish-speaking countries.

MEXICO: Day of the dead (1 – 2 November)

In México, there are many celebrations. A well known celebration is “el día de los muertos”. This celebration is on the first and second of November. The first of November is for children who passed away and the second is for adults. This celebration is portrayed as a joyful celebration where family and friends gather to pay respects to members who have died.  Families build altars with the favorite things and food of the deceased.

Independence day in Mexico (15 -16 September).

Another celebration is “el grito” (the scream). Every September 16th, Mexicans celebrate their independence from Spain. As you may know “cinco de mayo” is not independence day for Mexico.  “El grito” is done by the president on the night of September 15th as a tribute to the battle cry that launched a rebellion in 1810 by Miguel Hidalgo.

SPAIN: Sanfermines (6 – 14 July)

Sanfermines is a festival celebrated in Pamplona, Navarre, Spain each year. This celebration lasts a week and is a  historically rooted celebration honoring the city’s first bishop and Saint Fermín. The celebration is best known as the running of the bulls. Local people and tourists participate in the event dressed in white with a red bandana.

The celebration starts at noon on July 6 with “el chupinazo” with fireworks and the singing of the traditional song called “Pamploneses, Viva San Fermín, Gora San Fermín”.  The running of the bulls is daily from July 7 till the 14th. Bulls run through the streets of the town and end at the bullring.