Travel
Spain, the land known for its incredible landscapes, tantalising tapas and most recently home to the world cup trophy, offers lesser known delight with a fascinating yearly festival taking place in the village of Villagarcía de Arousa on the coast of Galicia. This event, called the “Festa del Agua” follows an unusual custom started in the mid 80s. Each year, tens of thousands of visitors and locals take part in the biggest water fight in the world.
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Travel
Villagarcía de Arousa Water Festival
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| Villagarcía de Arousa Water Festival |
The tradition allegedly began when the town suffered a devastating drought and its people turned to the local patron saint, San Roque, for help. In doing so they offered up the last of the town’s water and remarkably the rains started in abundance. Ever since that year the town’s people have celebrated with a water party and it became an official festivity in the early 90s, as it gained more popularity and attracted visitors from around the world.
Now, each year on 16th of August, immediately after a religious ceremony is over, the crowds start the aqua-madness. Well stocked water bottles, hoses, buckets, hydrants and water guns are just a few of the items in the festival’s arsenal. Water splashes everywhere on the windows and streets. Chaos installs in the whole city. Clients step into the stores and splash the cashiers and shop assistants, drivers water-assault the policemen and kids water-flank their teachers. No one escapes. And if they do, the fire brigade are there to prevent it.
Just like “La Tomatina”, the tomato fight taking place in Valencia in the same month, the Water Festival brings along a fantastic atmosphere characterised by well being, celebration and adrenalin. The scenery is also outstanding, contributing to the authentic Galician environment.
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