A journey through the fiestas and traditions designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO

In Catalonia, all year. Literally towers formed by people, which can reach as high as 10 tiers. The tradition of creating these towers or castells, as they are known in Catalan, is at least 200 years old, and they usually form part of village fiestas in the region. People of all ages take part. The base is usually the strongest men, with women and older boys forming the intermediate levels, and smaller boys and girls climbing to the top of these ephemeral structures. They are always created in crowded festivals, with the public lending support, and accompanied by traditional music. More information

In many traditional fiestas, especially at Easter. Thousands of drums beat in unison for hours and hours, day and night. At first deafening, the sound soon becomes fascinating and the trancelike state of the drummers seems to spread to those around. This tradition forms part of many popular fiestas, often relating to Easter and its rituals. This is the case for the tamboradas of Hellín (Albacete, Castile-La Mancha), Calanda (Teruel, Aragon) and Mula (Region of Murcia). The drum festival of Donostia-San Sebastián is also famous, held on the night of 20 January in honour of the city’s patron saint.

In Berga (Barcelona), in May-June. Associated with the traditional feast day of Corpus Christi, this festival combines the sacred and profane in its origins, with parades and theatrical shows in the streets. The big event takes place in the main square, which is transformed into a fiery hell full of demons, angels, dragons, giants and dwarfs, dancing among the flames to the beat of the drums. The fiesta is especially lively after dark, and there is also a child-friendly version on one of the mornings. It has been held, almost continuously, since the 15th century. More information

Algemesí (Valencia), 7 - 8 September. For the main fiesta of Algemesí, a small town in Valencia province, the streets are filled with theatre, dance and concerts. UNESCO’s recognition emphasises the high level of participation by the locals, who take part enthusiastically in the fiesta, which dates back to Medieval times. The parades attract thousands of people to the four historic districts of Algemesí: Valencia, La Muntanya, Santa Bárbara and La Capella. More information

All the churches in Mallorca celebrate this festival the night of 24 December. An example of medieval religious folklore which has come down to us practically unchanged, and takes place in almost every municipality on the island of Mallorca. The chant is sung by a boy or girl accompanied by the playing of an organ. At least two younger children take part in the ceremony, as well as people of different ages, ensuring the tradition is passed on through the generations. More information