‘Ugly competition’ keeps Spain smiling

MEN and women of all ages have come out to compete in Bilbao’s annual ‘ugly competition’ contorting their faces into the foulest expression they could manage – the uglier, the better.

The contest provided a bit of comic relief amid the ongoing economic crisis, proving that Spaniards have not lost their sense of humour.

It was the highlight of Bilbao’s ‘Big Week’, a nine-day festival which started in 1978 which features fireworks, concerts, and bullfights along with food stands and dancing in the streets.