Europe's wildest street party sees giant papier-mâché effigies of politicians and celebrities paraded through the streets before being consumed by flames and fireworks - think bonfire night multiplied by 100.

Light sleepers or anyone looking for an early night might be advised to give this one a miss. Plus there's the usual local street parties and copious alcohol consumption, and have you ever noticed how the Spanish manage to do all this with a bit of charm?

If Las Fallas isn't enough, La Tomatina, the annual tomato-throwing festival is held in the nearby town of Buñol every August.