Festivals and Rituals of Spain

The Spanish take their celebrations - fiestas - seriously, whether putting on another self for Carnival, proving one's mettle in the face of the bulls, or hiking miles carrying a statue to fulfill a religious vow. The public and private Spain meet in the fiesta, as do centuries-old rituals of pagan origin, solemn religious rites, animal cruelty and joyous revelry. This large, handsome book spotlights 187 photographs taken over a 20-year period beginning in 1973. The colourful and dramatic photos by prize-winning Spanish photographer Garcia Rodero are the main feature, accompanied by a lengthy introduction and detailed notes by novelist Caballero Bonald...