Get set for New Year at Fuente Carreteros

Spain's Fuente Carreteros region helps holidaymakers build the buzz in the run-up to New Year with its la fiesta de los locos, or the fiesta of the mad. Dancing and singing fill the streets every year during December, with a strong influence of the Tirole immigrants in the region.

Madness is a strong theme, with dances called La Loquilla, or madness, and la danza de los locos, the dance of the mad ones. The dance of the bear is another favourite, as a man dressed as a bear taunts local children. And the dances live up to their name, featuring swords and gun shots, which will be sure to get the party going in advance of New Year.

And once the dancing has finished, visitors and participants get together to enjoy sweet cakes and anis, which a favoured local tipple. They then feast on a giant paella, said to be enough for the whole village.