Every summer in Spain, villages (“pueblos”) across the country come alive with week-long festivals. These celebrations—whether in honor of a patron saint, a historic anniversary, or simply tradition—offer a glimpse into something deeply embedded in Spanish life: the culture of community.
In the Valencian Community, this sense of togetherness is often centered around peñas or collas. These are groups of friends who rent out a space during the festivities (or the whole year) to share meals, drinks, and endless conversation. Between mealtimes, the village organizes activities for all ages: music, games, competitions, and—yes—bull-related events.
When I was invited to a peña in a small village this summer, I was struck by how unique these traditions are. That morning (at noon), they held a “running of the bulls” for children—though in reality, it was cows running down the streets (still dangerous if they step on you). Later that week, we returned for a midnight talent show in the town plaza. The performances didn’t begin until 1 a.m., and after the last act wrapped up around 3 a.m., the entire village stayed to play a lively game of bingo together.
Every town has its own version of celebration. Some have become world famous—like La Tomatina in Buñol, where the streets turn into a giant tomato fight. Others remain more local, like foam parties in the town square or giant water slides running down steep village streets.
As an American, and someone fortunate to have traveled widely, I’ve never seen anything quite like these festivals. The bull events are complex—I still hold mixed feelings about them—but what stands out above all is the strong sense of belonging, intergenerational bonding, and joy. Families return home to their villages, people take a week off of work, and life becomes centered on being together.
It’s not just about tradition—it’s about connection. Perhaps that’s part of the secret behind Spain’s long life expectancy: the central role of friendship, laughter, and community in daily life.
While the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona is famous worldwide, the reality is that there are hundreds of smaller, equally fascinating celebrations happening across Spain each summer. They may not make international headlines, but they tell a powerful story of culture, tradition, and above all, community. Visiting during a local “fiesta” is guaranteed to not disappoint.
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