Lanjarón, home to the famous natural springs of the Alpujarras, in the province of Granada, adds an unusual twist to the annual festival of San Juan Bautista (Saint John the Baptist).

The coastal towns along the Costa Tropical celebrate the 23rd of June by setting up camp on the beaches and indulging in an all night barbeque, accompanied by much music and dancing. In contrast, the locals of Lanjarón celebrate 23rd June by staging a huge water fight, drenching anyone and everyone who crosses their path.

Known as the Fiesta del Agua y del Jamón (the Water and Ham Festival), battle commences on the stroke of midnight; buckets are filled, water pistols are aimed and even hosepipes are directed from balconies in a good natured frenzy of hydro-mania. Anybody is considered fair game in this crazy fiesta. By the end of the battle the whole town resembles a gushing river.

After a quick dry off the party really gets going with copious amounts of beer washing down equally copious amounts of mouthwatering jamón. And of course, what Spanish fiesta would be complete without a dazzling spectacle of ear-blasting fireworks illuminating the night sky? This fiesta is a must for anyone visiting Las Alpujarras on June 23rd.

More information about Lanjarón and its fiestas can be found here.