Travel: Zaragoza | El Pilar Festival

"I want a balloon"

"Zaragoza (Saragossa) is a vibrant, elegant and fascinating city. Located on the banks of the mighty Río Ebro, the residents comprise over half of Aragón's population and enjoy a lifestyle that revolves around some of the best tapas bars in the province, as well as superb shopping and a vigorous nightlife. But Zaragoza is so much more than just a good-time city: it also has a host of historical sights spanning all the great civilisations that have left their indelible mark on the Spanish soul.

The El pilar festival is held every year in the city of Zaragoza. The trip was held by one of Madrids student organisations BeMadrid. Typical of me to drag someone along with at 5am to go on an adventure. But literally I was awake at 5am and en route by 6am. It was one of those mornings that really made me question life and everything in it. But when money is involved and tickets have been bought you can't really say no now can you. Obviously or should I say typically we were one of the first to arrive. Thing is we live so far that it's more than necessary for us to leave on time or even earlier otherwise it all goes down the drain. Nothing a cup of coffee couldn't fix (not the wisest drink to have with a four hour coach journey ahead though, but you live and you learn). We had met at the theatre of the bulls - where I believe the running of the bulls used to take place, could be wrong though - we literally stood and watched the sun rise before we went on our way. A quick roll call and we were off.

Not really knowing what to expect, except for a load of flowers built up really high, I was still quiet excited. Especially when the Sangria and Tinto was given to us, I knew it would be an interesting trip. Fast forward through the day and after our drinks we sat down to eat and then had some free time to kill before the festival. We explored and visited the church, did some shopping and reconvened in the evening. The festival was lively to say the least, cut out the excessive smoking and rain and it was a really good show. With time to spare after the show the only thing I wanted was food but I guess in a typical Spanish style we ended up clubbing instead. I think I had one croquetta and danced for three whole long hot hours. Was it fun? Yes. But did I want my bed? Yes now more than ever.