NOW that we no longer have to live through the Glastonbury Weekend – from over 2,000 miles away, in Andalucia – we can get back to the important business of contemplating our own Spanish fiesta season. Let’s face it – this goes on all summer, and beyond. Based on the recent experiences at the rather marvellous San Juan in Lanjaron, it’s easy to forget your “fiesta urvival kit” and end up with burnout.
Reporter “Calamity Jo” happily dishes out “fiesta survival” advice – but does not always follow it herself! Don’t be a calamity! Be prepared!
So here is the 2025 Spanish Fiesta Survival Kit: tried-and-tested (or sometimes forgotten!) items that can make or break your party experience. Whether you’re a hardened ‘fiestero/a” or just want to stroll around watching people in their flamenco dresses, these accessories can make the difference between a chilled experience or burnout with heatstroke!
1. Adequate sun protection
Most fiestas taking place over July and August will subject you to the full-on force of the sun. Especially for women who don’t want wrinkles, take your sun cream along. Factor 50 is good for the face, and vital if you are over 50. And maybe factor 30 for the body, Nobody enjoys sunburn! As well as fiesta survial, we can have facial survival!
What it solves: Avoiding the “speckled hen” look or the “gamba guiri” special.
Why it matters: I personally used zero sun cream at a campsite in Almeria and literally woke up to visible freckles and wrinkles. No exaggeration. Factor 50 is the minimum for your face and décolletage; Factor 30 for arms and legs is just about acceptable. Reapply. Or you will be in the laser salon getting rid of ‘manchas’ for the next two years.
2. Protein bars – a must for fiesta survival
When running around a larger fiesta site, those stops for ‘tapas’ or even a ‘racion’ might not be sufficient to counteract the exertion. Carry some protein snacks for fiesta survival and enrurance (not ones that melt). Put them in your handbag. If you start feeling depleted, these are perfect. Also good are bananas but if you don’t eat them quickly, they will squish in your bag!
What is solves: Sudden hunger pangs between DJ sets, parades, and hiking a gadzillion times to your hotel for a shower, change outfit, or to charge your phone
Why it matters: The human body is not designed to exist on crisps – or nothing, I’ve been to fiestas where there are gaps in food provision or you’re just too busy. And end up running on empty.
3. Elegant (or cheap) fan
Spanish revellers have years of experience and a handy fan can help with the feeling of nausea (or fainting) at that midday Santa Misa or mass ‘paella’ in the plaza. They don’t cost much. Men can carry them too (who really cares!). People are more concerned about fiesta survivl than who is transporting them flexible plastic friend!
What it solves: That attractive feeling that you are about to ‘swoon’ (polite word) in front of the town dignataries and old ladies.
Why it matters: Fanning yourself looks elegant. Collapsing outside the town hall does not. Buy a decent one at the local bazaar or even get a special one – but you’ll probably lose or break it anyway!
4. Reusable water bottle
So you have been drinking ‘vino’ all day. That’s very dehydrating! Remember that water is life and fiesta survival relies on staying hydrated! Take a sports water bottle or, at very least, an empty plastic bottle. Fill it at the town fountains (“fuentes”) and do remember to drink SOME of it, not just the booze! Also this avoids paying for ‘agua con gas’ in bars.
What it solves: Staying hydrated between cervezas. Saving money and yourself!
Why it matters: Spanish towns are blessed with public fountains (fuentes) offering potable water. Save money and save yourself!
5. More than one footwear option
OK, so we don’t need to copy Ivanka Trump or the almacen at ASOS, but taking the required footwear is important. Those casual canvas boots that are now sweaty (and dirty) won’t look good at night. High heels are a disaster when you tromp 2km to get a ‘pinchito’. And any pool break requires sliders. Pack ’em all.
What it solves: Athlete’s foot, wearing your dirty trainers at night, or falling around in heels at the local 4×4 display on the ‘campo’.
Why it matters: Daytime fiestas demand one sort of footwear; nighttime something slightly smarter. If one pair gets wet or filthy (don’t ask), you are doomed to look a mess.
7. More than one handbag and scarf
Elegant Spanish ladies tend to coordinate their clothes and accessories and not look a mess! Some colours will go (see the picture below) but you want to look like an elegant ‘senorita’, not like the town clown!
What it solves: Day-to-night outfit coordination to the max. Avoid clashes.
Why it matters: One small crossbody bag for daytime essentials, and a smarter option for evening. And maybe your pool bag. It’s annoying to see that the one bag you brought clashes with most of your shoes. If you have an animal print bag, it will likely clash with other patterns.
6. Bikini in your bag
So many fiestas will have an open pool or even a massive public fountain. Never forget your bikini. However, maybe don’t stuff it in your camera bag and lose it immediately… ahem!
What it solves: Impromptu pool parties and unexpected fountains or hoses.
Why it matters: You are going to look a bit daft in an obvious bra, or miss the fun!
7. Kimono or light gilet
You need something elegant for if the temperature starts dropping. A Kimono is versatile as it’s ideal for evening but could also look elegant as a poolside cover-up. Check out the Armario de Freya in Orgiva for some bespoke ones. Equally, an elegant gilet. No, we don’t mean the bobbly one you walked the dogs in yesterday!
What it solves: Elegant layering when the sun sets or modesty is required. Not your old cardy! Urgh!
Why it matters: A kimono looks glamourous around the pool and instantly upgrades your outfit at night. Just try not to rip or loose it!
8. Neckband phone holder
OK, so we like to use our phones but please don’t turn into one of those people who waves them all night at the DJ. Would you really want to wave it at a Spanish fiesta DJ anyway?
What it solves: Putting your phone down and it being nicked, Easy access if you need to use it.
Why it matters: It keeps your hands free and your phone safe. Just try not to look like you’re welded to it permanently.
9. Portable USB charger and cable with plug
OK, so you mullered your phone recording that random reggaeton DJ. It’s a real downer if you cannot recharge it! Your fiesta survival does rather rely on not being incommunicado! And being able to call your lift home.
What it solves: Avoiding total social exile .
Why it matters: You will run out of battery. This is not hypothetical. Carry a charger that you have… charged first! And yes, bring the correct cable. Otherwise, you’ll be searching for your pals all night in a crowded plaza.
10. Vitamins, Rescue Remedy and Paracetamol
Don’t leave it to chance! Ensure these are easily accessible! Fiesta survival demands hangover cures!
What it solves: Fairly obvious!
Why it matters: You will not want to hike to your car at 7am to retrieve your painkillers. Keep them in your bag. Vitamins can’t prevent everything, but they do help. So does Aquarius and electrolyte drinks.
Don’t be like Calamity Jo at San Juan. Get your fiesta survival kit prepapred – and use it!