The Travel Memoir Review

An exploration of some of the world’s most curious, enigmatic and surprising festivals and why they have stood the test of time.

Review by Fran McElhone

• Author: Daniel Stables
• Book First Published: 2025
• Publisher: Icon Books
• Rating: ★★★

How our ratings work:

★★★ – Loved it. Highly recommended. Transcends interest in the location alone
★★☆ – Liked it. Recommended, especially if you’re interested in the location
★☆☆ – Didn’t like it. But may still appeal to those interested in the location

The Gist

Travel writer Daniel Stables’ first book sees him traverse the globe experiencing some of humans’ multifarious festivals and telling us all about them.

We don’t learn why he chose the ones he did, but he made a suitable selection as they are as varied as they are, at times, wacky. Each chapter is devoted to a different festival and the book takes us on a journey beginning with festivals celebrating renewal through to those celebrating death, via an eclectic and auspicious assortment.

The author’s first-hand accounts are potted with anecdotes from locals and participants, and rather than being a narrow account of the festival he is privy to, the chapters reflect his research efforts and are fleshed out with his references to other shindigs similar to the chapter’s main event.

Stables provides those of us who will never get to have these incredible experiences ourselves with a colourful insight into the frivolous extremes of human behaviour in the name of…..what?

Why do humans dress up in costumes and run amok, travel miles upon miles on foot for days on end, and cause themselves GBH once a year?

The Guts

Stables tells us why and explains how sometimes the reasons have morphed over the years. For example, the Up Helly Aa festival in Shetland, Scotland, began as a celebration of the changing seasons but became a celebration of the archipelago’s Nordic heritage.

The evolving question of – why people do the things they do – a fundamental one if you want a deeper understanding – always simmered under the surface. In this sense the book’s scope extended into the realms of anthropological, sociological and religious discourse.

In this way it provided an insight into human nature and human integrity. It prompted me to question how much our participation in festivals is down to genuine esoteric motivations and how much is down to ego-centric motivations fueled by the physical and mental need of an annual cathartic blow out; a chance to let our alter-egos run riot and let off steam.

A local in Venice told Stables about why the city’s carnival had endured to such an extent for almost 900 years:

“This is what anthropologists describe as a liminal state: an in-between quality, generated by transformative experiences or events, which is characteristic of ceremonies, rituals and festivals in societies across the world.”

We are introduced to Catholic Reuben, Stables’ guide throughout Spain’s multi-day pilgrimage in honour of the Virgin Mary, the ‘Romeria de El Rocio’ who declares:

“I’m a conservative Catholic, I don’t think you should mix religion with partying.”

And then a few pages later Stables describes finding him:

“Morphed into some kind of louche lounge lizard, sherry in hand, a cigarette in his mouth, and a young woman on his knee”.

We learn that often, drunkenness and debauchery accompany festivals while societal norms and previously held principles go out the window. Anyone who has been to a festival will understand.

Why Read Fiesta?

Fiesta is brilliantly evocative and thought-provoking thanks to Stables’ skillful, enjoyable, prose and non-judgmental storytelling. He provides just enough colour and detail to spark your imagination so you feel you’re there with him, while prompting contemplation of their wider context. Information and contemplation both lead, not only to a greater understanding and appreciation of others, but also tolerance.

Call me a cynic, and maybe I’m wrong, but I came to the conclusion that the majority of people taking part in these festivals weren’t in it to invoke the deeper meaning associated with participating, but rather because it’s human nature to want to blow off steam once in a while. Which is as good a reason as any.