Flour Festival, Viano Do Bolo, Spain
OK, we all know the Spaniards are a little off-centre when it comes to their festivals. I am sure you are aware of bull running (most famous on at Pamplona) and La Tomatina (perhaps the dirtiest food fight of them all). Well, here’s one that you might not have heard of before.
This one takes place in Ourense, which is in Galicia (North Wet Spain, bordering Portugal) in the run up to lent and lasts for about three weeks. However, the main action takes place in the 5 days preceding Lent when, you guessed it – the town becomes a blanket of white. Fortunately they tend not to go for the eyes – the perfect shot being anywhere between nose and chin – so keep your mouth firmly shut & I’d be tempted to wear swim goggles just in case!! Local etiquette dictates that men usually ‘attack women’ and visa versa. Know one quite knows why flour – perhaps its something to do with ash Wednesday?
The last Sunday sees a kind of drumming contest (the Folion) – where huge drums are struck by seemingly anything - including shovels as part of the parade that winds its way uphill to the local sports hall. Here the entire town sits down to a feast accompanied by pipe bands and more drumming (on the tables this time).
Normally a quiet and un-spoilt part of Spain, as with all good Spanish fiestas this is an opportunity for the locals to really go for it. Expect loud music into the small hours, great free food – chorizo, androlla and red wine.
Interestingly – there are a couple of similar festivals:
• Another flour festival in Galaxidi, Greece
• The day of the Powder where talc is thrown on Shrove Tuesday in Tolox, Andalucia, Spain
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