Living the fiesta - experiencing Spain’s love for celebration

Having lived in Spain for some time now, I’ve come to realize that celebrating here isn’t just something people do once in a while. It’s a way of life. Spaniards look forward to their fiestas all year round with genuine excitement. Each one, whether a religious procession, a historical reenactment, or a local patron saint’s day, becomes a chance to come together, share the moment, and most importantly, feel a deep sense of community.

Many of these fiestas are a vibrant mix of history, religion, and local culture, blended with humor, dancing, and street festivities. A great example is the Fiesta de la Bruja in Alcantarilla, held every year at the end of May. The name means “The Witch’s Festival,” but it’s far from anything spooky. Quite the opposite, in fact.

The origins of this fiesta date back to a time when Alcantarilla was fighting for its identity and freedom. The “witch” became a symbolic figure representing the evil to be overcome. Today, the celebration is a colorful weeklong event full of parades, concerts, fireworks, and the spectacular burning of a giant witch effigy. All of this takes place with music, laughter, and festive energy that lasts until dawn.

On May 24th, we had the chance to experience this celebration as a family, along with our daughter. It was loud, lively, and unforgettable. As a music lover, I was especially taken by the live performances of marching bands with drums and brass instruments. Their rhythm swept through the crowd, creating a powerful shared energy. It’s an incredible feeling when an entire town pulses with sound, light, and movement.

And that’s what I love most about Spain. The ability to celebrate life, together, loudly, and with open hearts. Here, no one waits to enjoy life later. In Spain, joy is lived fully, here and now.