Salamanca Ferias

Running between the 7th and 15th September, the Salamanca ferias have proved a great success - and there are still two more days to go!

For just over a week the city has been buzzing, its streets constantly teeming with people enjoying the huge range of food, drink and entertainment on offer. The week was set in motion with an incredible fireworks display over the Puente Romano - hundreds of people gathered on the top of the hill to watch the show over the river.

By day, lunching at the street stands, or casetas, is a firm favourite, with delicious pinchos including delicacies from all over Spain. Jamón Serrano, paella and lomo (pork) are among some of the most popular tapas, while some casetas have side-stepped the traditional flavours and opted for more adventurous combinations, such as mini burritos, turkey with apple puree and caramelised onions or, for those with a very sweet tooth, chocolate croquettes with mojito ice-cream. What's more, you can enjoy one of these delicious pinchos with a caña (beer) or soft drink for a very reasonable 1.80€.

For the evening, perhaps after a few more pinchos and cañas, many head to the plazas to relax and watch all sorts of street performances. Whether its drama, dance, acrobatics, singing or parades, there is something to entertain everyone. For even more excitement, the Plaza Mayor is the location of the biggest performances of the ferias, which take place on a huge stage with big screens for the crowds to watch. The atmosphere is great and I have certainly never seen so many people in the Plaza before, even during Spain's World Cup win!

So far, the ferias have been a great success and, along with the thousands of residents and visitors in Salamanca, I'm definitely planning on making the most of the last couple of days!