I think I remember these taking place on a smaller scale every weekend when I was in high school and college in the States .... I would put up Spains teen drinking stats against the US anyday of the week.

MadridMan,

You are correct. I definitely posted this incorrectly. I was thinking of Matador's drinking pictures in this thread when I read the article. Nonetheless, it has nothing to do with the original subject matter. I should have started a new thread on people's thoughts on these botellones. OK back to Spanish Vacations

the article above sound alot like what happens in Britain every weekend, young people binge drink the weekend away. The Daily Mirror (I think) has been running a campian against the exteneded drinking hours brought in the tony blairs goverment

Back on topic, this is a long weekend for those who live in Madrid (lucky man MadridMan) and I've noticed alot more Spanish out with tourist maps doing the tourist thingy this weekend, that inspite of the cooler rainy weather. Went out for a walk last night and got soaked!

I've also noticed over the last few weekends at Placio Real and large groups of young Spanish queuing to get in, they must be on a school trip or something becuase I can't imagine a 17 year old being that interested in history and culture.

Are we talking about spring break for college students? Botellons happen frequently throughout the week in spain, but in march when the weather changes, especially in sevilla. It is called the fiesta de la primavera.Thousands of students go over to the expo center in seville and drink all day long. Honestly it is a great experience(sevilla 2003). It was a great way to meet people.Usually these events are not violent. During semana santa some spaniards go to the costa del sol.

Everyone knows you spend Semana Santa stuck in traffic on the highway!