5 Best Performing Arts in Catalonia, Valencia, and the Costa Blanca, Spain

If you want nonstop nightlife at its frenzied best, come during the climactic days of Las Fallas, March 15–19 (the festival begins March 1), when revelers throng the streets to see the gargantuan ninots, effigies made of wood, paper, and plaster depicting satirical scenes and famous people. Last call at many bars and clubs isn't until the wee hours, if at all. On the last night, all the effigies but one (the winner is spared) are burned to the ground during La Crema, and it seems as though the entire city is ablaze.

The summer event in Blanes that everyone waits for is the fireworks competition, held every night at 11, around July 23–26 (dates vary year to year; check the website for the schedule), which coincides with the town's annual festival. The fireworks are launched over the water from a rocky outcropping in the middle of the seaside promenade known as Sa Palomera while people watch from the beach and surrounding area as more gunpowder is burned in a half hour than at the battle of Trafalgar.

The coastal town of Benicàssim (86 km [53 miles] north of Valencia) is backed by dramatic mountains, and the Mediterranean laps long, sandy swimming beaches. Since the 1990s, the town has made a name for itself on the indie-music circuit, and thousands turn out for the annual Festival Internacional de Benicàssim in mid-July. Past headlining artists include Nick Cave, Björk, Arctic Monkeys, and Queens of the Stone Age.

Valencia's monthlong festival, in July, celebrates theater, film, dance, and music. Check the website for the latest updates.

Tarragona's center for music, dance, theater, and cultural events stages performances ranging from castellers (human-castle formations, usually performed in August and September) to folk dances.