Fiestas del Pilar

Fiestas del Pilar is a grand festival in Zaragoza, Spain. It is based on a belief that Virgin Mary appeared to Saint James standing on a pillar. Nuestra Señora del Pilar is a cathedral located in the middle of Zaragoza, in the old part of the city.

Zaragoza has over 600 000 inhabitants, but during Fiestas del Pilar it is increased to over 2 000 000. The holiday is nationally and internationally known, since very many of the visitors come from abroad. In 2007 there was a large spread of nationalities taking part in celebrations, from Finland to Australia. I is a custom that averyone in the festival wear a red checkered scarf.

The holiday lasts for 7 days, during which the city is extremely lively. Every day at 8 o'clock in the morning there is an event called vaquillas, that is amateur bullfighting in the towns bullfighting ring, or Plaza de toros. Everyone who is brave enough, can participate in this event, in which many people get injured every year.

In the nights people gather to the main street of Zaragoza to see concerts of different music, from techno to rock. There are also outside-nightclubs which draw close to 100 000 partiers in a single place.