Zaragoza, Spain is a city in the Mediterranean which, similar to other cities in this region, enjoys sunny days just about all year round. There are some rainy days during springtime, but that just serves to freshen up the air, as most of the year is spent in drought conditions. Winters can reach bitterly cold temperatures, and the summer sun is quite sweltering, so the best time to visit is actually in the spring time. There is a legend surrounding Zaragoza, which is stated to be somewhat responsible for the beginnings of the Christian religion throughout Spain. Legend states that the Virgin Mary made an appearance in the city during the first century BC. She is said to have been standing on a stone pillar. The site is now the location of the Catholic Cathedral, Nuestra Senora del Pilar. One of the major annual festivals that takes place in Zaragoza, Spain, hotels book up early so plan ahead, is the “Las Fiestas del Pilar“, in honor of this legendary event.

The fiestas take place in October and coincides with the “El Dia de la Hispanidad”, which is celebrated in the Hispanic cities throughout the world, commemorating Christopher Columbus and the discovery of North America. The festival in Zaragoza is the largest of the festivals, and draws many participants each year. The fiestas and celebration continues for nine days, with a variety of shows and activities. Opening day ceremonies begin with the Pregon, and closing ceremonies consist of a massive and exciting fireworks display. The days in between are fulled with concerts, music, dancing, and parades filled with the over-sized and very colorful paper mache characters. The Bull Festival also occurs simultaneously. One of the most important and significant features of the festival are the offerings of flowers to the Virgin. This occurs on October 12, and is a parade of those decorated extensively with flowers of the region, wherein the end of the procession consists of a large cloak of flowers is made as an offering. This is one of the most visually beautiful times to visit the city and to take in the history, the ritual and the celebrations of Spain.