Las Fallas, Valencia, Spain (March)

The fireworks displays are in Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

Location: Valencia, Spain.
Dates: 12–19 March

Valencia's biggest celebration of the year takes off on March 15, when creators and builders scramble together to erect in a single day the elaborate fallas – emblematic and complex cardboard and paper-maché structures bearing a series of hand-made figurines called ninots, which climb high into the skies.

The blazing finale comes just four days later, on March 19, during the feast day of Saint Joseph, when the architectural works of art are burst into flames – yes, deliberately – to the cheers of thousands.
While there are many different versions of similar traditions across the entire peninsula to celebrate the feast day of Saint Joseph, commonly known in Spanish as the josefines, none of them come anywhere near the sumptuosity and dedication devoted to it in the Mediterranean city of Valencia, home to this festive, one-of-a-kind pyrotechnic display.

Las Fallas Traditions

Renowned artists, painters, and sculptors take great care in designing and constructing the enormous fallas – some tower up to 30 meters high! – that dominate Valencia's public squares and open spaces during the five-bacchanal every year. You won't be able to keep a straight face, admiring the masterfully-created, colorful fallas depicting celebrities, politicians, and current events of the past year in a toungue-in-cheek manner that sits halfway between a scathing satire and sardonic humor.

While awards and prizes identify the best fallas and their creators, these crafty individuals tirelessly work for months fully aware that the fruits of their talents and labors will meet their end as piles of discarded ash. At midnight on March 19 the city quite literally lights up as the 370 large fallas and 368 smaller infantile fallas burst into colorful flames.

While the week-long fiesta certainly revolves around the axis of the fallas and their eventual ignition, it also sparks the participation of the entire city. Valencian women pass through the city donning traditional regional costumes, music brightens the atmosphere, the cheer of "Olé" erupts at first-class bullfights, fireworks explode in the sky, and a general sense of merriment and partying fills the streets around the clock

Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh, Scotland (August)

Edinburgh International Festival takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland each year for three weeks around the middle of August. It is a festival of performing arts in which artists from all over the world perform music, dance, theater, and opera. The festival began in 1947, and since 1999 it has moved to a permanent home: The Hub located close to Edinburgh Castle.

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Also during August, tourists can watch the magnificent Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performed by the British Armed Forces and international military bands. Military Tattoo is part of the Edinburgh Festival and takes place within the Castle.  You need to purchase tickets for both the shows during the Edinburgh Festival and the Military Tattoo.

The Fringe was also established in 1947 as an alternative to the Edinburgh Festival. It also takes place in August and showcases mostly comedy and theatre, although music and dance performances are also present. Many modern works are presented during the Fringe. Venues come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from historic castles to university rooms and even public toilets. The Fringe introduced the concept of free entry shows.

Visiting Edinburgh in August will require some planning, particularly if you are looking for affordable places to stay. Edinburgh is served by many low cost carriers, but flying in August is far from cheap. Plan in advance and look for special deals. As for accommodation, your best bet is to look for a hostel. They book up really fast, so do your homework in advance. You can find private rooms starting at £75 per night (2 persons), while a bed in a dorm starts around £25 per night. Or you can pack your camping gear and stay in the outdoors (£10 per person & tent).