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- Parade of the Higantes — Towering papier-mâché giants, some over two meters tall, lumber through the streets like a weird, colorful army. They’re the festival’s signature: loud, absurd, and handcrafted, so every figure has personality — and you’ll see everything from historical characters to local jokes represented in papier-mâché form.
- Sadsad (street procession and dancing) — This is where the town lets loose: rhythmic marching, stomping, and improvised dances beside the higantes as bands and drummers keep the tempo. It’s noisy, messy, warm, and totally participatory — you can join in or just soak up the energy from the curb with a cold drink.
- Higantes-making workshops and studio visits — Watching artisans build those heads and bodies is the secret sauce. Workshops let you see the armature,
- Parade of the Higantes — Towering papier-mâché giants, some over two meters tall, lumber through the streets like a weird, colorful army. They’re the festival’s signature: loud, absurd, and handcrafted, so every figure has personality — and you’ll see everything from historical characters to local jokes represented in papier-mâché form.
- Sadsad (street procession and dancing) — This is where the town lets loose: rhythmic marching, stomping, and improvised dances beside the higantes as bands and drummers keep the tempo. It’s noisy, messy, warm, and totally participatory — you can join in or just soak up the energy from the curb with a cold drink.
- Higantes-making workshops and studio visits — Watching artisans build those heads and bodies is the secret sauce. Workshops let you see the armature, layering, painting and final flourish up close; try making a small piece yourself and you’ll never look at a giant the same way again. (Personal favorite — nothing beats the hands-on part.)
- Local food stalls and street-side vibe — Expect smoky grills, sticky rice treats, and cheap eats sold from carts while performers pass by — festival food tastes better because everything’s on the move. The whole town feels like a block party that stretches for blocks, which makes eating a social, sensory experience rather than just refueling.
- Playful satire and community storytelling — Higantes aren’t just big dolls; they’re social commentary. Many figures poke fun at politicians, celebrate local legends, or retell village stories, so the festival doubles as a living, visual editorial where humor and history get a puppet stage.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.