The Fallas of Valencia is a UNESCO-recognized festival of artistry, satire, and pyrotechnics, centered on the erection and ceremonial burning of colossal, satirical papier-mâché sculptures called Fallas. Its most famous attractions are the daily deafening Mascletà (an orchestrated pyrotechnic sound display), the vibrant Ofrenda de Flores (Flower Offering), and the dramatic fiery climax, La Cremà, where the elaborate monuments are consumed by fire.

The Sechseläuten Spring Festival is Zurich’s centuries-old traditional holiday which symbolically marks the end of winter and the start of spring. Its main attractions are the vibrant procession of Zurich’s guilds, whose members parade in historical costumes, and the spectacular, fiery climax: the burning of the Böögg. This large snowman effigy, stuffed with fireworks, is set ablaze, and its quick explosion is said to predict a warm, sunny summer.

The Moors and Christians Festival in Alcoy is a grand reenactment of the historic 1276 battle between Moorish invaders and local forces. The event features over 10,000 participants in authentic costumes and culminates in a dramatic “battle” using medieval firearms and gunpowder. This tradition honors San Jorge, the city’s patron saint, who legend says intervened to help the Christians to victory.

The Lisbon Iberian Mask Festival is a vibrant cultural event that celebrates the ancient, pagan, and traditional masked rituals of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). Its most famous attractions are the spectacular parades featuring dozens of unique masked characters, often adorned with colorful costumes, horns, and bells, as well as the lively display of ancient traditions, such as fire runs and seasonal dances.

The Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake is an eccentric annual tradition where competitors chase a 4-kilogram wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down an incredibly steep, 180-metre hill. The cheese, which can reach speeds of up to 110 kilometres per hour, is nearly uncatchable, making the main attraction the chaotic spectacle of participants tumbling down the near-vertical slope. The first person to reach the bottom wins the cheese.

The “The Great Sunday” Festival in Domulgeni, Florești, is a premier celebration of Moldovan rural heritage. Held each year on Pentecost day, the event features homes decorated with walnut branches and fragrant herbs. Visitors can explore traditional crafts, folkloric rituals, and the village’s famous smoked sausages. It offers an authentic immersion into Northern Moldova’s culinary and cultural traditions along the scenic banks of the Răut River.