Corpus Christi

One of Spain's most important Catholic feasts celebrating transubstantiation (bread and wine into Body and Blood of Christ). Toledo : most spectacular in Spain—procession includes "la Custodia de Arfe" (16th-century Gothic monstrance made by Enrique de Arfe, 3 metres tall, 260 kg silver/gold, encrusted with 260 precious stones). Procession leaves Toledo Cathedral at 10am, parades through Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Calle del Comercio, Zocodover. Streets carpeted with flowers (alfombras florales)—residents create complex floral carpets (15+ metres square) using flower petals, colored sawdust, coffee grounds, rice, lentils. "Tarasca" (mechanical dragon figure) leads procession (symbol of triumph over evil). Barcelona : "Ou com balla" (Dancing Egg)—empty eggshell dances on water jet in Barcelona Cathedral cloister fountain (placement at 10am, "dances" for 3+ hours until eggshell breaks or falls). Seville : "Corpus Christi" procession through Cathedral—children who made First Communion that month walk in white robes, throw rose petals. Sitges : "Corpus Christi de Sitges"—flower carpets (catifes de flors) on Carrer Major main street, similar to Toledo. Pro tip: Toledo hotels booked 6+ months in advance—stay in Madrid (30 min by high-speed train)