Lanjaron Water Fiesta
(Also known as Lanjaron Water Fiesta, ham and water festival, battala de agua, battala del agua, lanjaron water throwing fiesta, fiesta jambon e agua, fiesta agua e jambon, Fiesta del Agua y del Jamon, water fight, water battle, water throwing festival, water throwing fight, lanjaron water festival, lanjaron water and ham festival, lanjaron water throwing festival, fiesta San Juan Batista, San Juan Batista fiesta) A picturesque mountain village suddenly brought to life with the greatest water fight on earth. All are welcome in crazy all night party. Get soaked give soakings. There are no losers only winners. It's the Lanjaron Water Fiesta. When Midnight 23rd – 25th June. Every year. Where Lanjaron, in Alpujarras area in the province of Granada, Spain. Breathtaking scenery. Why To celebrate the feast of San Juan Batista – it’s the way he would have wanted it ! But seriously, the saint name is Spanish for John the Baptist so this village literally recreates it’s baptism. In other areas throughout Spain people rush to the coast to celebrate Fiesta del Agua y del Jamon. It is a strong tradition to recreate baptisms throughout Spain. So Beaches everywhere are mobbed. Who The best thing about the Lanjaron Water Fiesta is that there are not many tourists there. It’s in the mountains and has a large community base. It is family friendly that’s not to say there isn’t a good young scene there. 
Fountains are crowded and the best way to source ammunition quick is by filling up on squandered water under a balcony. Eventually a river flows through the streets and people begin to dance, splash and sing songs. Some even try to swim !
At one o clock fireworks and whistles go off and the Lanjaron Water Fiesta drys up for another year. It’s towel time. Quick change of clothes. It’s beer time. More fireworks and lengthy celebrations. The festival finishes on the 25th June and the official name is the Ham and Water Festival. Where to stay If you have a few days it’s a beautiful area to camp out, we stayed at the campsite near Laguna de Caballo. There are lots of great pensiones, hostels & hotels in the Alicante area of Spain.
Where to drink Beers on the streets Batalla del Agua A midnight fireworks procession. It’s on. The Battala agua begins. People rush to the streets armed with buckets, bota bags & water pistols. Women spray power hoses from balconies, as oppourtunists below fill their empty buckets.Strangers greet each other with an insincere smile and intentional soakings. There are fountains all over the streets so ammunition is never a problem at the Lanjaron Water Fiesta. Locals are the biggest problem. Stationed on their balconies with semi-automatic power hoses. They are beyond the reach of a bucket throw and can remain bone dry until their next shower.
Dangers/annoyances People spraying beer after the whistles. It’s generally a good natured crowd at the fiesta del agua.
If there are a few of you it might be cheaper and faster to get a taxi. Getting around Walk it’s tiny Airports Granada is the closest. Alicante and Malaga are also quite accessible. I flew into Malaga and took a bus to Lanjaron. Internet It’s beautiful up in the mountains, the last thing you will want to do is check your emails. There are facilities if you need. Bank/ATM They are easy to find. Weather Cold mornings and evenings but glorious daytimes Festival Pig Fact Ancient Moors believed Lanjaron was a paradise promised to them by Allah. It has been designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
Lanjaron Water Fiesta Top of Page
Festivals in Alicante Spain
|
