* Las Fallas in Valencia (1-19 March): An explosion of colour and fire.

* The April Fair in Seville (5-11 May, approximately): A riot of flamenco and joy.

* The San Fermines in Pamplona (6-14 July): Running of the bulls and fiesta.

* La Tomatina in Buñol (last Wednesday in August): A pitched battle with tomatoes.

* The San Sebastian Film Festival (September): A benchmark for European cinema.