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                    <title><![CDATA[Newsroom Spain]]></title>
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                    <lastBuildDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 22:30:52 +0200</lastBuildDate>
                    <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:15:19 +0200</pubDate>
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                        <title>Gaudí 2026: Celebrating the Centenary of an Architectural Visionary</title>
                        <link>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/gaudi-2026-celebrating-the-centenary-of-an-architectural-visionary/</link>
                        <guid>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/gaudi-2026-celebrating-the-centenary-of-an-architectural-visionary/</guid><pp:caseid>756347</pp:caseid><description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align:justify;"><span>Spain is set to mark a major cultural milestone in 2026 with the centenary of the death of Antoni Gaudí, one of the most renowned architects in the world. A nationwide programme of exhibitions, cultural events, and immersive experiences will invite visitors to rediscover his ground breaking work, much of which has been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span><strong><u>Barcelona at the Heart of Gaudí 2026</u></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>Barcelona and wider </span><a href="https://www.catalunya.com/en" target="_blank"><span style="color:#E64C4C;"><span>Catalonia</span></span></a><span> will act as the epicentre of the celebrations, hosting a wide-ranging programme across more than 75 venues, including museums, public spaces, and cultural institutions. At the centre is the Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s most ambitious project, where a milestone will take place on <strong>10 June 2026</strong>, the anniversary of his death, with the inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ. Rising to 172.5 metres, it will mark a symbolic moment in the basilica’s long construction.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>Across the city, Gaudí’s most celebrated works, including Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, and Park Güell, will host exhibitions, performances, and installations. Highlights include immersive digital art experiences and façade projections at Casa Batlló, a symphonic premiere at the Palau de la Música Catalana, and community-led celebrations at Park Güell, which will also mark the centenary of its opening as a public park.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span><strong><u>Beyond Barcelona, the "Gaudí Way”</u></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>The centenary will offer visitors the opportunity to explore the architect’s early influences in Reus and nearby Riudoms, where his connection to nature and craftsmanship helped shape his distinctive architectural style. His legacy extends beyond Catalonia through a unique cultural route linking the only three buildings he designed outside the region. Known as the <strong>“Gaudí Way”</strong>, it connects destinations across northern Spain and offers a broader perspective on his work.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>In </span><a href="https://www.turismocomillas.com/en" target="_blank"><span style="color:#E64C4C;"><span>Comillas</span></span></a><span>, El Capricho</span><i><span> </span></i><span>is one of his earliest creations which stands out for its vibrant ceramic decoration featuring sunflower motifs and nature-inspired details. In </span><a href="https://leon.es/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#E64C4C;"><span>León</span></span></a><span>, Casa Botines blends Gothic and modernist influences and today hosts exhibitions dedicated to Gaudí and Spanish art, whereas nearby </span><a href="https://turismoastorga.es/en/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#E64C4C;"><span>Astorga</span></span></a><span> is home to the Episcopal Palace, an imposing neo-Gothic building often likened to a medieval castle. Throughout 2026, these sites will host guided tours, exhibitions, and cultural events as part of the centenary programme.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>On the island of </span><a href="https://fundaciomallorcaturisme.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#E64C4C;"><span>Mallorca</span></span></a><span>, Gaudí’s influence can be seen in the restoration of Palma Cathedral, La Seu. His early 20th-century intervention transformed the interior by enhancing natural light, reconfiguring the space, and introducing distinctive decorative elements. A dedicated exhibition will explore his contribution to the cathedral during the centenary year.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span><strong><u>A Nationwide Celebration</u></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>Officially recognised as an event of exceptional public interest, Gaudí 2026 brings together institutions across Spain to celebrate the architect’s enduring legacy. From Barcelona’s iconic skyline to coastal towns and historic cities, the programme highlights both the scale and diversity of his legacy.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">For all press enquiries contact Jessica Harvey Taylor on&nbsp;</span></i><a href="mailto:Jessica.harvey@tourspain.es" target="_blank"><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><u>Jessica.harvey@tourspain.es</u></span></i></a><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;or the Spanish Tourist Office’s PR agency LOTUS on&nbsp;</span></i><a href="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" target="_blank"><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><u>spain@wearelotus.co.uk</u></span></i></a><span style="text-align:center;">.</span></p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[News,Highlight,Gaudi,Barcelona,Architecture,Arts,Festival,Anniversary]]></category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2026 12:15:00 +0200</pubDate>
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                        <title>WHERE TO GO THIS AUTUMN: SPAIN THROUGH ITS FESTIVALS</title>
                        <link>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/where-to-go-this-autumn-discover-spain-through-its-festivals/</link>
                        <guid>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/where-to-go-this-autumn-discover-spain-through-its-festivals/</guid><pp:caseid>590979</pp:caseid><pp:boilerplate><![CDATA[<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);">-</span><strong>Ends</strong><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);"><span style="text-align:center;">-</span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">For further information on Spain as a visitor destination, please visit&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.spain.info/" target="_blank"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">www.spain.info</span></a><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"> or email&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:Spain@wearelotus.co.uk"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">spain@wearelotus.co.uk</span></a><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);">If you’d like to be featured, please share you articles with&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:Spain@wearelotus.co.uk" target="_blank">Spain@wearelotus.co.uk</a><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);"><span style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;using the header ‘feature suggestion for Spain’s Newsroom’.</span></span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:start;">&nbsp;</p>]]></pp:boilerplate><description><![CDATA[<p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span>Unique and unusual festivals in Spain are not only an excellent experience in themselves, but they also provide a fantastic excuse to see beautiful areas of the country through a different lens. Here are five upcoming Autumn festivals in Spain not to be missed.</span></p><p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span><strong>Relive history in Spain’s sunny region of Murcia: 20-29 September</strong></span><i><span><strong>&nbsp;</strong></span></i></p><p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span>The </span><a href="https://www.turismoregiondemurcia.es/en/event/fiestas-de-carthagineses-y-romanos--M425245/"><span>Carthaginian and Romans Festival</span></a><span> takes place in the Region of Murcia and commemorates the capture of the city of Cartagena in the year 209 BC Scipio during the second Punic War. The six-day festival has been celebrated since 1990 and is declared a festival of International Tourist Interest by UNESCO. Visitors to this popular festival will take to the streets to see the historical re-enactments, such as the Roman marriage between Hannibal and Imilce.</span></p><p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span>Murcia has over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year with a coastline bathed by the warm waters of two seas. Its coast, known as the Costa Cálida (the balmy coast), is home to endless beaches and small coves which offer multiple options for leisure, sports and well-being.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span><strong>Have a taste of Spain at the Saffron Festival in Castilla-La Mancha: 19-27 October</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>Held every year in <strong>Consuegra</strong>, <strong>Toledo</strong>, the </span><a href="https://www.spain.info/en/calendar/fiesta-rose-saffron/"><span>Saffron Festival</span></a><span> celebrates the cultivation of saffron and the traditional culture of Castilla-La Mancha. The festival, established in 1963 and recognised as a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest, introduces visitors to the cuisine and culture of the region through its gastronomy, history, craftsmanship and customs centred around saffron.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>Consuegra is an important town in Toledo due to its gastronomy and Roman origins. Located at the foot of the Cerro Calderico ridge, the town has an impressive castle with a beautiful keep. There are also twelve preserved historic windmills in the area, one of which is named “Sancho” in honour of Don Quixote.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span><strong>Spectate the towering Castellers in Tarragona: 1-2 October</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>Tarragona celebrates the tradition of the </span><a href="https://www.spain.info/en/calendar/castells-competition-human-towers/"><span>'castells'</span></a><span> in spectacular fashion. The popular event, awarded the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity designation, involves people creating human towers up to a height of between six and ten tiers. The 'colles castelleres' (Catalonia's 'castelleres' club) kicks off the event in the old bull-ring, the Tàrraco Arena Plaza, to create a fantastic spectacle where teammates climb over each other, one by one, to create the tallest tower possible.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>Catalonia’s Tarragona is home to an enormous range of Roman ruins and is a World Heritage Site itself, due to its excellently preserved city walls, circus, and amphitheatre. The sea-side city on the Costa Brava offers unfettered access to the plethora of beautiful sandy beaches which surround it.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span><strong>Sample local delicacies at the Seafood Festival in Galicia: 3-13 October&nbsp;</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>O Grove, on the coast of&nbsp;Galicia, celebrates its local cuisine by hosting the annual </span><a href="https://www.spain.info/en/calendar/seafood-festival/"><span>Seafood Festival</span></a><span>. During the celebrations,&nbsp;delicious local seafood dishes <strong>are served at special prices</strong>. The excellent regional produce attracts thousands of people every year, setting the culinary standard for Spanish seafood and earning&nbsp;<strong>O Grove</strong>&nbsp;its nickname of "seafood paradise".</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>Ancient maps have O Grove as an island off the lush Galician coast, but today it forms an impressive peninsula due to sedimentation. As well as fishing and mussel gathering, the town is known for being a major spa resort due to the therapeutic properties of its waters and mud - and the salts and soaps made from them.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span><strong>Watch the streets of Zaragoza come alive with colour at Pilar Fiestas: 5-12 October</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>In October,&nbsp;Zaragoza&nbsp;celebrates the </span><a href="https://www.spain.info/en/calendar/fiestas-pilar/"><span>Pilar Festival</span></a><span> which fills the streets with fun, colour, and entertainment for over a week. Visitors enjoy theatre performances, concerts, children's entertainment, classic dance, craft exhibitions, all kinds of music, and many more events. On 12 October, thousands of people take to the streets in traditional costumes to leave flowers before the Virgin del Pilar. On 13 October, at dusk, the city celebrates ‘the Offering of Fruit’ with the Rosario de Cristal; a huge procession takes place with everyone holding glass lanterns through the streets of Zaragoza.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>Zaragoza is one of the oldest cities in Spain with over 2000 years of history evident across the city: baroque, gothic, medieval and renaissance architecture can be seen throughout its streets. It is renowned for the colossal Basilica del Pilar, its Roman foundation, cultural diversity, and the approachability of its people.</span></p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[Festival,Highlight]]></category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 28 Aug 2024 12:08:00 +0200</pubDate>
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                        <title>THREE KINGS DAY IN SPAIN 2024</title>
                        <link>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/three-kings-day-in-spain-2024/</link>
                        <guid>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/three-kings-day-in-spain-2024/</guid><pp:caseid>614383</pp:caseid><pp:boilerplate><![CDATA[<p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:center;">For more information on Spain as a tourism destination, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.spain.info/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">www.spain.info</span></a><span style="color:#AD1519;"><span>&nbsp;</span></span><a href="https://twitter.com/spain_inuk?lang=en" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">@Spain_inUK</span></a>&nbsp;/ Spain on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/spain.info.gb/?brand_redir=184786328961" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">Facebook</span></a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;<a class="ck-anchor" id="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" name="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" href="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">spain@wearelotus.co.uk</span></a></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:center;">If you’d like to be featured on Spain's newsroom, please share your articles with&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Spain@wearelotus.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">Spain@wearelotus.co.uk</span></a>&nbsp;using the header ‘feature suggestion for Spain’s Newsroom’.</p>]]></pp:boilerplate><description><![CDATA[<p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>EL DÍA DE REYES: CELEBRATE THIS UNIQUE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL IN SPAIN</strong>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">With December around the corner, the UK is preparing to celebrate Christmas. In Spain, Christmas Day is important, but perhaps even more important is el Día de Reyes, celebrated annually on 6<sup>th</sup> January. The 12<sup>th</sup> night after Christmas, Three Kings Day (or, as it is known in the UK, Epiphany) is celebrated across the Spanish-speaking world to honour the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">On 5<sup>th</sup> – 6<sup>th</sup> January, Spanish people celebrate el Día de Reyes with colourful costumes, vibrant street parades and a special round cake …with a hidden surprise! On the evening of 5<sup>th</sup> January, floats pass through streets carrying effigies of the Three Kings or, in some areas, actors dress up in extravagant costumes taking on the role of ‘los Reyes’. As the parade passes, the crowd is often showered with sweets. That night, children put out a shoe, into which gifts are left by the Three Kings, similar to Father Christmas traditions across the world. On 6<sup>th</sup> January, presents are unwrapped, and families join to enjoy the Roscón de Reyes, a traditional and brightly decorated cake containing a tiny king or queen figure: the lucky diner who finds a statue in their slice then receives special attention throughout the day. Some cakes also include a fava bean, with the unlucky finder having to pay for the cake!&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Across Spain, cities, towns and villages come together to participate in the festival, and visitors to Spain during January are warmly welcomed to join in. Here are six of the best parades on 5<sup>th</sup> January.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>MADRID</strong>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">It’s no surprise that the Spanish capital’s el Día de Reyes parade is spectacular: the Three Kings parade on decorated floats for 2.5 hours through the streets of Madrid, surrounded by dancers, acrobats and musicians. The parade ends with a traditional speech of well-wishing from ‘los Reyes’ before a magnificent fireworks spectacle lights up the city at Plaza de Cibeles. Visit </span><a href="https://www.madrid-traveller.com/three-kings-day-in-madrid/" target="_blank"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><u>here</u></span></a><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"> for more information.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>ALCOY, ALICANTE, COMUNITAT VALENCIANA</strong>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">The oldest parade in Spain, Alcoy’s celebration has been held since 1885 and, in November 2001, it was declared a Festival of National Interest. This charming festival starts on the Sunday before 6<sup>th</sup> January with a parade of children dressed as shepherds, known as ‘les Pastoretes’. On the following days, the town prepares for the main parade: on 4<sup>th</sup> January, a messenger announces the Kings’ upcoming arrival, and the town is lit up with watch fires on the hill of Sant Cristòfol. On 5<sup>th</sup> January, the main parade takes place, with actors dressed as the Kings parading through the town. Visit </span><a href="https://alcoytoday.com/three-kings-celebration/" target="_blank"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><u>here</u></span></a><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"> for more information.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>BARCELONA, CATALONIA</strong>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Catalonia is known for doing things differently, and Barcelona’s Día de los Reyes celebrations are no exception. La Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos – the Three Kings Parade – starts by boat, with the Kings arriving on the Santa Eulàlia schooner before being greeted by the mayor. From there, the Kings process through Barcelona’s streets on extravagant floats, with helpers throwing out sweets and treats to the eager crowd. Visit </span><a href="https://www.barcelona.cat/nadal/en/three-kings/three-kings-parade" target="_blank"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><u>here</u></span></a><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"> for more information.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>MÁLAGA, ANDALUCÍA</strong>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">One of Spain’s largest parades, the Málaga parade can contain up to 20,000 kg of sweets, distributed throughout the parade by the Three Kings and their helpers. Around 14 floats process through the streets; in 2024, the Kings themselves will spend the previous night at the Alcazaba Fortress, previously a royal residence. The parade comes to a close with the Kings making an offering to the Nativity at the doors of Málaga Cathedral. Visit </span><a href="https://www.guidetomalaga.com/events-in-malaga/christmas-in-malaga/three-kings-parade-in-malaga/" target="_blank"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><u>here</u></span></a><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"> for more information.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>SEVILLE, ANDALUCÍA</strong>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">The Three Kings Parade in Andalucía’s historic capital, Seville, is one of the longest, and liveliest, throughout Spain. On their six-hour-long journey, the Three Kings are surrounded by carriages, floats, musicians and crowds, all extravagantly decorated to create an astounding spectacle. Visitors to this spectacle need stamina, as its length and excitement makes for a long party! Visit </span><a href="https://www.visit-andalucia.com/three-kings-seville/" target="_blank"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><u>here</u></span></a><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"> for more information.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>MALLORCA, THE BALEARIC ISLANDS</strong>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Residents and visitors on Spain’s islands do not miss out from the fun, with Mallorca’s celebration being a particularly special affair. Parades take place throughout the island, filling Mallorca with a carnival atmosphere that is infectiously exciting. Palma, the capital city of the island, has the largest celebrations, with one parade at the port area of S’Arenal consisting of tractors carrying the Kings along the coast. Christmas markets across Mallorca are also open during the lead-up to el Día de Reyes, with gifts for the occasion being just as, if not more, important as at Christmas. Visit </span><a href="https://mallorcaunderthesun.com/three-kings-parades-in-mallorca/" target="_blank"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><u>here</u></span></a><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"> for more information.&nbsp;</span></p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[Festival,Religion]]></category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 22 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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                        <title>NEW YEAR IN SPAIN 2024</title>
                        <link>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/new-year-in-spain-2024/</link>
                        <guid>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/new-year-in-spain-2024/</guid><pp:caseid>613358</pp:caseid><pp:boilerplate><![CDATA[<p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:center;">For more information on Spain as a tourism destination, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.spain.info/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">www.spain.info</span></a><span style="color:#AD1519;"><span>&nbsp;</span></span><a href="https://twitter.com/spain_inuk?lang=en" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">@Spain_inUK</span></a>&nbsp;/ Spain on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/spain.info.gb/?brand_redir=184786328961" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">Facebook</span></a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;<a class="ck-anchor" id="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" name="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" href="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">spain@wearelotus.co.uk</span></a></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:center;">If you’d like to be featured on Spain's newsroom, please share your articles with&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Spain@wearelotus.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">Spain@wearelotus.co.uk</span></a>&nbsp;using the header ‘feature suggestion for Spain’s Newsroom’.</p>]]></pp:boilerplate><description><![CDATA[<h4>CELEBRATE NEW YEAR LIKE A SPANIARD IN 2024</h4><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Across the world, people come together on 31<sup>st</sup> December and 1<sup>st</sup> January to ring in the coming of the New Year, with traditions ranging from jumping waves in Brazil to eating noodles in Japan. Spain, too, has a number of charmingly distinctive ways to welcome in the coming year on New Year’s Eve. From eating 12 grapes to wearing red underwear, here are some of the most unique Spanish traditions to celebrate the New Year.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>Eat 12 grapes as the clock chimes midnight</strong>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Perhaps the most famous Spanish New Year’s tradition is to eat 12 grapes as the clock strikes midnight (charmingly named ‘</span><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">las doce uvas de la suerte</span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">’ - the twelve grapes of luck). According to tradition, each grape represents one month of the coming year, and to eat all 12 is a sign of a fortuitous year to come. At 12am on New Year’s Day, families and friends gather together across Spain and, when the first chimes of the New Year clang, people old and young attempt to eat one grape per chime of the clock. The tradition stems from Madrid, where thousands of people gather together in the Puerta del Sol on New Year’s Eve, waiting for the clock to strike midnight.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">For more information on visiting Madrid, visit </span></i><a href="http://www.esmadrid.com/en" target="_blank"><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><u>www.esmadrid.com/en</u></span></i></a><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">.</span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>Pop a bottle of cava... and pop something gold in the glass</strong>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">The New Year is often celebrated with a glass of something bubbly, and in Spain, it is traditional to raise a toast with a glass of cava, a sparkling Spanish wine. However, for added luck, Spaniards often drop a small gold item into their glass, such as a piece of jewellery or a coin, and make a wish: if the drinker manages to finish their drink, it is said that they will receive their request. Cava originates from the Spanish region of Catalonia, and the region can still lay claim to some of the finest vintages. Travellers to Catalonia should not miss sipping on a glass of this ‘denominación de origen’ listed wine, which is a strong contender to Italy’s prosecco and France’s champagne.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">For more information on visiting Catalonia and Barcelona, visit </span></i><a href="http://www.catalunya.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><u>www.catalunya.com</u></span></i></a><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"> and </span></i><a href="http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><u>www.barcelonaturisme.com</u></span></i></a><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">.</span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>Tuck into a bowl of lentils on New Year’s Day</strong>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">On New Year’s Day, people throughout Spain can be found enjoying a hearty bowl of lentils, often with the addition of circular slices of chorizo. Whilst January is a chilly month, this tradition is not simply about warming up, with the circular lentils said to represent coins, a sign of good luck for the year ahead. Lentils are enjoyed throughout Spain, though most often associated with this versatile legume are the northern regions of Asturias, Galicia and Cantabria.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">For more information on visiting Asturias, Galicia and Cantabria, visit </span></i><a href="http://www.turismoasturias.es/en" target="_blank"><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><u>www.turismoasturias.es/en</u></span></i></a><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.turismo.gal/" target="_blank"><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><u>www.turismo.gal</u></span></i></a><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"> and </span></i><a href="https://cantabriaspain.co.uk/" target="_blank"><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><u>https://cantabriaspain.co.uk</u></span></i></a><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">.</span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>Wear red underwear</strong>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">The tradition of wearing red underwear in some parts of Europe during New Year may date back to the Medieval period, and the colour has long been associated with romance. Donning red underwear on New Year’s Eve is said to bring good luck in the wearer’s love life and, across Spain in the lead-up to New Year’s Eve, shop windows can often be seen filled with crimson undergarments. The twist in some parts of Spain is that red underwear is only lucky if given as a gift; a love-seeking individual will not benefit from its charm if they purchase the garments themselves.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>Cross your fingers and buy a lottery ticket</strong>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Lotteries are a big deal in Spain: the Christmas lottery, initiated in 1812, is one of the largest in the world. Each year on 6<sup>th</sup> January, Spaniards across the country also take a gamble on ‘El Sorteo del Niño’ (the Lottery of the Child), which coincides with Three Kings Day (Epiphany), and which is the second biggest in Spain after the Christmas draw. Millions of people buy a ticket in the New Year and eagerly await the results, with top prizes reaching €2,000,000 euros. The origins of the lottery are disputed, though many believe it dates to 1868, and it has been suggested that the name ‘El Niño’ refers to the baby Jesus, whose visit by the Three Kings is celebrated on 6<sup>th</sup> January. Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that this beloved New Years tradition is a lot of fun, and visitors to the country in early January are highly recommended to join in the entertainment.&nbsp;</span></p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[Festival]]></category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 19 Dec 2023 16:48:00 +0100</pubDate>
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                        <title>‘TAPALMA’ TAPAS FESTIVAL</title>
                        <link>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/tapalma-tapas-festival/</link>
                        <guid>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/tapalma-tapas-festival/</guid><pp:caseid>613307</pp:caseid><pp:boilerplate><![CDATA[<p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:center;">For more information on Spain as a tourism destination, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.spain.info/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">www.spain.info</span></a><span style="color:#AD1519;"><span>&nbsp;</span></span><a href="https://twitter.com/spain_inuk?lang=en" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">@Spain_inUK</span></a>&nbsp;/ Spain on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/spain.info.gb/?brand_redir=184786328961" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">Facebook</span></a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;<a class="ck-anchor" id="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" name="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" href="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">spain@wearelotus.co.uk</span></a></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:center;">If you’d like to be featured on Spain's newsroom, please share you articles with&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Spain@wearelotus.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">Spain@wearelotus.co.uk</span></a>&nbsp;using the header ‘feature suggestion for Spain’s Newsroom’.</p>]]></pp:boilerplate><description><![CDATA[<h4><span><strong>‘TAPALMA’ TAPAS FESTIVAL TO HELP VISITORS EAT THEIR WAY AROUND PALMA THIS NOVEMBER</strong></span></h4><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>Palma de Mallorca, the picturesque capital of the Balearic Islands, is gearing up to welcome food enthusiasts from around the world to the highly anticipated “TaPalma” Gastronomic Festival this November. This celebration of culinary excellence includes the renowned tapas and cocktail contest, which will take place on the 20<sup>th</sup> November, as well as a gastronomic route from the 22<sup>nd</sup> until the 26<sup>th</sup> of November. The tapas routes around the city are perfect for discovering some of Palma´s most unique neighbourhoods</span>, from <span>Santa Catalina or Portixol to Paseo Maritimo. Furthermore, the festival has created a “TaPalma” app which visitors can download for further information, guides and even a tapa catalogue.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>‘TaPalma’ will showcase the rich gastronomic heritage of Palma de Mallorca, offering an exciting fusion of traditional and contemporary flavours, by bringing together the best chefs and bartenders on the island. The contest event is set to be held at the</span> <span>Palau de Congressos de Palma, a stunning building inspired by the city´s Mediterranean surroundings, blue waves, sun and sandy beaches. For its 6<sup>th</sup> edition at the venue this year, there will be three different categories: best tapa; best cocktail; and best themed tapa. Chef Igor Rodrigez will be leading the judging panel together with the renowned chef José Cortés, president of The Association of Affiliated Chefs in the Balearic Islands.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>Visitors to ‘TaPalma’ can expect an impressive lineup of chefs, who will create exceptional dishes using the finest local ingredients. This festival is a unique opportunity to savour the flavours of the Balearic Islands and explore the diverse culinary influences that have shaped Palma de Mallorca’s tapas food scene. For their 18<sup>th</sup> edition, this year, more than 50 bars and restaurants from all over the city will create special tapas for around €4 for 3 tapas including a beer to celebrate the occasion.</span></p><p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:center;"><span>For more information about Palma as a tourist destination, please visit </span><a href="http://www.visitpalma.es/" target="_blank"><span>www.visitpalma.es</span></a></p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[Balearic Islands,gastronomy,Festival]]></category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Oct 2023 13:42:00 +0200</pubDate>
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                        <title>SIX UPCOMING MUSIC FESTIVALS IN ASTURIAS</title>
                        <link>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/six-upcoming-music-festivals-in-asturias/</link>
                        <guid>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/six-upcoming-music-festivals-in-asturias/</guid><pp:caseid>572857</pp:caseid><pp:boilerplate><![CDATA[<p><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);"><span style="text-align:left;">For further information on Spain as a visitor destination, please visit&nbsp;</span></span><a href="http://www.spain.info/">www.spain.info</a><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);"><span style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;or email&nbsp;</span></span><a href="mailto:Spain@wearelotus.co.uk">Spain@wearelotus.co.uk</a><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);"><span style="text-align:left;">.</span></span></p>]]></pp:boilerplate><description><![CDATA[<h6 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:center;"><span><strong>Asturias is known for its exciting variety of annual festivals and has something for everyone. &nbsp;Here are six upcoming music festivals for lovers of every genre.&nbsp;</strong></span></h6><p style="margin-left:0cm;"><span style="color:#AD1519;"><span><strong>1. The&nbsp;Gijón Sound Festival</strong></span></span></p><ul><li><span>When:<strong> April 20 – 23</strong></span></li><li><span>Where: <strong>Gijón</strong></span></li><li><span>What: <strong>The Gijon Sound Festival mixes many different styles of music including pop, rock, jazz, country, blues and focuses on participation and inclusivity while promoting a sustainable approach.</strong></span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:0cm;"><span style="color:#AD1519;"><span><strong>2. LEV Festival</strong></span></span></p><ul><li><span>When: <strong>April 27 – 30</strong></span></li><li><span>Where:<strong> Gijón</strong></span></li><li><span>What: <strong>LEV festival celebrates its 17th year with four days of events in different areas of Gijón, with an&nbsp;impressive line-up of local, national and international artists&nbsp;in which&nbsp;concerts&nbsp;and&nbsp;audio-visual performances&nbsp;resound across the city.</strong></span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:0cm;"><span style="color:#AD1519;"><span><strong>3. Reggaeton Beach Festival</strong></span></span></p><ul><li><span>When: <strong>July 01 - 02</strong></span></li><li><span>Where: <strong>Avilés</strong></span></li><li><span>What: <strong>Hip hop music is&nbsp;one of the great attractions in the musical and cultural summer of Asturias.&nbsp;Considered&nbsp;one of the largest hip hop music festivals held in Spain, this festival features performances by artists such as Justin Quiles, Kevin Roldán and Nicky Jam.</strong></span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:0cm;"><span style="color:#AD1519;"><span><strong>4. Boombastic:&nbsp;</strong></span></span></p><ul><li><span>When: <strong>July 20 - 22</strong></span></li><li><span>Where: <strong>La Morgal Llanera</strong></span></li><li><span>What:<strong> This eclectic festival is only a year old and provides room for different types and styles of music, ranging from&nbsp;hip hip to pop, from indie&nbsp;to electronic.&nbsp;This year the capacity has increased from 40,000 to 55,000.</strong></span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:0cm;"><span style="color:#AD1519;"><span><strong>5. The Tsunami Gijón:&nbsp;</strong></span></span></p><ul><li><span>When:<strong> July 27 - 29</strong></span></li><li><span>Where: <strong>Gijón</strong></span></li><li><span>What: <strong>The Tsunami festival offers punk-rock lovers&nbsp;a series of incredible concerts&nbsp;with an intense program of&nbsp;more than 35 bands&nbsp;which fill the Hermanos Castro Park.</strong></span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:0cm;"><span style="color:#AD1519;"><span><strong>6. Riverland Festival:&nbsp;</strong></span></span></p><ul><li><span>When:<strong> August 24 - 26</strong></span></li><li><span>Where:<strong> Arriondas</strong></span></li><li><span>What: <strong>The Riverland Festival, born in 2019, is one of the newest events on the cultural scene in Asturias for this spring-summer. It takes place on the banks of the river Sella in Asturias.</strong></span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:center;"><a href="https://www-turismoasturias-es.translate.goog/conecta/noticias/noticia-detalle/-/publicador/los-mejores-festivales-en-asturias-para-esta-primavera-verano/kgGteJTaPSl2;jsessionid=DF8E105635EEE82644358ACB8428E0DB?p_p_auth=r4CS4xdI&_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc"><span>More information here</span></a></p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[Music,Asturias,Festival]]></category>
            <pubDate>Thu, 20 Apr 2023 15:53:00 +0200</pubDate>
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                        <title>26 SPANISH EASTER CELEBRATIONS DECLARED FESTIVALS OF INTERNATIONAL INTEREST</title>
                        <link>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/26-spanish-easter-celebrations-declared-festivals-of-international-interest/</link>
                        <guid>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/26-spanish-easter-celebrations-declared-festivals-of-international-interest/</guid><pp:caseid>568646</pp:caseid><description><![CDATA[<p style="margin-left:0px;"><span>Holy Week is celebrated in early April and is a very culturally important festive period in Spain. Throughout the country incredible processions take place that are followed by grand celebrations where visitors can marvel at the artwork and enjoy the local gastronomy.</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span>The General Secretariat of Tourism of the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade, has awarded 26 celebrations with the distinction of </span><i><span>Festivals of International Interest. </span></i><span>As well as Seville, those declared of interest are those of Malaga and Granada in Andalusia; Zaragoza and Teruel, in Aragon; Crevillente and Orihuela in Alicante, Cáceres, Badajoz and Mérida in Extremadura; Ferrol and Viveiro in Galicia; Cartagena, Jumilla, Lorca and Murcia in Murcia; León, Cuenca, Hellín, Toledo, Valladolid, Zamora, Salamanca, Medina de Rioseco, Medina del Campo, Palencia and Ávila in Castilla-La Mancha and Castilla y León.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>As well as the iconic </span><i><span>Semana Santa</span></i><span> processions of Seville and Malaga, there are many lesser-known Easter celebrations that have been awarded this title in Spain that are waiting to be discovered.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span><strong>SEE PASSIONATE PARADES, BIBLICAL EMBROIDERY AND HORSE-DRAWN CHARIOTS FROM THE PARADOR DE LORCA</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>Listed as an area of artistic and historical importance in 1964, Lorca, is a city that lies within the region of Murcia in south-eastern Spain, an area strongly influenced by Roman, Christian and Islamic civilisations. Murcia is particularly famous for its flamboyant religious parades at Easter, and there is no better way to see them than taking to its streets in Lorca. Here, travellers can catch a glimpse of easter-themed silk and golden embroideries, a 100-year-old tradition where stories of biblical tales are handwoven into the banners, capes and chariots that illuminate the city’s parades.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>Located in the city’s castle grounds, </span><a href="https://paradores.es/en/parador-de-lorca"><span>Parador de Lorca</span></a><span>&nbsp; shares its space with medieval remains and archaeological sites, enabling guests to continue their journey into the region’s unique historic and cultural heritage. Highlights include a tour of the historic remains of a 15th century synagogue preserved within the Parador’s walls and panoramic views of the parade from its modern, outdoor terrace.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span><strong>CHECK IN TO THE PARADOR DE SALAMANCA FOR A UNIVERSITY EASTER RITUAL</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>Salamanca, just west of Madrid, is home to a UNESCO listed city centre and prestigious 12<sup>th</sup> century university, which makes for an emblematic backdrop to take in the city’s Easter celebrations. Quirky street performers and traditional food stalls flood the city’s central square, and its Maundy Thursday service is particularly unique to Salamanca. Professors dress in academic robes and pass under a crystal urn swinging from a 10th century archway. Attendees are treated to traditional cakes and chocolates to mark the occasion.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>Situated on the left bank of the river Tormes, strategically located opposite the historic city centre, lies the </span><a href="https://paradores.es/en/parador-de-salamanca"><span>Parador de Salamanca</span></a><span><strong>. </strong>It’s a modern and elegant building that provides easy access and an exceptional viewpoint from which to watch Salamanca’s most iconic buildings come to life at Easter. Guests can take in the sights while swimming in the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool, relaxing in the garden or lounging in its large, spacious bedrooms through its elegant, large windows.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span><strong>UNCOVER A NAUTICAL SIDE TO EASTER WITH PARADOR DE FERROL</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>Easter in Ferrol, a coastal city located in Galicia, northern Spain, is closely linked to its nautical heritage, having been a major naval port since the 18th century. The most unique event takes place on Good Friday and is characterised by a parade of military and naval representations, including sailors, marines, and soldiers. They carry religious figures and a 130-year-old urn made of rosewood and glass, that has been carefully preserved by the local religious community, through the heart of the city centre.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>Housed within a typical Galician mansion, </span><a href="https://paradores.es/en/parador-de-ferrol"><span>Parador de Ferrol</span></a><span> enables guests to soak up the distinctly maritime atmosphere that Ferrol brings to Eastertime. Nautical elements, including world maps and navigation tools, flood the hotel’s hallways, whilst traditional and locally sourced dishes such as Galician scallops and octopus are available for tasting in the Parador’s seafood restaurant.</span></p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[Festival,Religion]]></category>
            <pubDate>Thu, 30 Mar 2023 13:17:00 +0200</pubDate>
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                        <title>A SPANISH CHRISTMAS</title>
                        <link>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/a-spanish-christmas/</link>
                        <guid>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/a-spanish-christmas/</guid><pp:caseid>3874</pp:caseid><pp:subtitle>Christmas in Spain is full of tradition. As everyone&#039;s favourite time of year draws ever closer, check out four of the best Spanish Christmas traditions:</pp:subtitle><pp:boilerplate><![CDATA[<p><span>For further information on Spain as a visitor destination, please visit</span>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.spain.info/">www.spain.info</a>&nbsp;<span>or email</span>&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Spain@wearelotus.co.uk">Spain@wearelotus.co.uk</a><span>.</span></p>]]></pp:boilerplate><description><![CDATA[<p>El Gordo – Meaning ‘The Fat One’, El Gordo is the Christmas Lottery and a fundamental part of the Christmas build-up in Spain. Pretty much everyone in Spain buys a ticket for El Gordo and families and friends gather around the television on 22nd December to see if they have won. The excitement in the air is tangible&nbsp;for one of&nbsp;Europe’s biggest lotteries.</p><p>Nochebuena – Christmas Eve in Spanish is Nochebuena, a time for families to come together to enjoy the most elaborate meal of the Christmas period. The basic rule of thumb is to eat ‘well’ and the meal will start late (around 10pm) and often run on until well after midnight.&nbsp;Although some Spaniards enjoy ‘pavo trufado de Navidad’ (Christmas Turkey stuffed with mushroom truffles), seafood and roasts such as lamb or suckling pig are also popular. The meal will have a number of courses starting with tapas or appetisers and will often include an abundance of Spanish meats, cheeses and pâtés. Dessert will almost always include turrón, a sweet nougat of Moorish origins made of toasted almonds and washed down with strong coffee or a small glass of Spanish brandy.</p><p>Although Father Christmas does pay a visit, he will probably leave one gift as the main presents are brought by the Three Kings&nbsp;on 6th January.</p><p>NocheVieja – News Year’s Eve in Spain is called NocheVieja and again families will often join together to enjoy another big feast. The cities and towns are decked with colour and Christmas decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. At midnight, families and friends will head to the streets to take part in the tradition of eating 12 grapes, one on each of the 12 chimes as the clock strikes midnight.&nbsp;Legend has it that a year of good luck and prosperity will be granted to those who manage to eat all the grapes before the last chime.</p><p>One of the most atmospheric places to enjoy New Year’s Eve is the Puerta del Sol plaza in Madrid. Thousands of people gather here to watch the clock strike midnight and the head to the many bars and nightclubs to celebrate the New Year into the early hours of the morning.</p><p>Los Reyes Magos – On 6th January, Spain celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany when the Three Kings arrived in Bethlehem. For Spanish children this is the most exciting day of the year when they wake up to find that Los Reyes Magos (the Three Kings/Wise Men) have left gifts for them. The Three Kings parade through the streets of cities, towns and villages handing out sweets and small gifts to children, accompanied by colourful floats and music. Alcoi in Alicante holds one of the most impressive parades and is known as the oldest in Spain.</p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[Religion,Festival]]></category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 22 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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                        <title>MADRID CELEBRATES THE CITY’S FIRST WORLD HERITAGE SITE WITH LUZMADRID FESTIVAL</title>
                        <link>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/madrid-celebrates-the-citys-first-world-heritage-site-with-luzmadrid-festival/</link>
                        <guid>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/madrid-celebrates-the-citys-first-world-heritage-site-with-luzmadrid-festival/</guid><pp:caseid>478762</pp:caseid><pp:boilerplate><![CDATA[<p><span style="color:black;"><span>For more information on Spain as a visitor destination, please visit&nbsp;</span></span><a href="http://www.spain.info/"><span style="color:black;"><span><u>www.spain.info</u></span></span></a><span style="color:black;"><span>&nbsp;or contact&nbsp;</span></span><a href="mailto:Spain@wearelotus.co.uk"><span style="color:black;"><span><u>Spain@wearelotus.co.uk</u></span></span></a><span>&nbsp;</span></p>]]></pp:boilerplate><description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align:justify;"><span>With the&nbsp;Landscape of Light having recently been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Madrid is now marking the occasion&nbsp;with the LuzMadrid festival, the&nbsp;International Festival of Light. The creative experience will involve over twenty works from national and international artists and will take place from 8pm-12pm on the 29 to 31 October 2021. The works will make the city shine brilliantly projecting videos onto buildings and featuring incredible light installations. The festival is free to visit.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>The emblematic buildings that will be transformed with a myriad of light features include El Retiro Park,&nbsp;Puerta de Alcalá,&nbsp;Prado Museum,&nbsp;Cibeles Palace among others. There is a tour available to ensure visitors do not miss any of the beautiful sculptures on show, however the sites are also available to visit as tourists please.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>There are many famous names from both Spain and the rest of the world that are creating fabulous works for this year’s event including designers such as Onionlab, Maxi Gilbert, Antoni Arola, and Erik Barray as well as Javier Riera, Juanjo Llorens and Alicia Moneva among many others. The LuzMadrid festival will celebrate the Spanish capital in spectacular fashion and reinforce why its Landscape of Light was recently the city’s first inscription into the prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.</span></p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[Madrid,Festival,UNESCO]]></category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 25 Oct 2021 13:11:42 +0200</pubDate>
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                        <title>VALENCIA TO HOLD SPECIAL EDITION OF FAMOUS LAS FALLAS FIRE FESTIVAL IN SEPTEMBER 2021</title>
                        <link>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/valencia-to-hold-special-edition-of-famous-las-fallas-fire-festival-in-september-2021/</link>
                        <guid>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/valencia-to-hold-special-edition-of-famous-las-fallas-fire-festival-in-september-2021/</guid><pp:caseid>470945</pp:caseid><pp:boilerplate><![CDATA[<p class="paragraph" style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:#282828;"><span>For more information on Valencia as a visitor destination and how to celebrate the festival visit</span></span><span> </span><a href="http://www.visitvalenica.com"><span style="color:#0563c1;"><span><u>www.visitvalenica.com</u></span></span></a><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color:black;"><span>For more information on Spain as a visitor destination, please visit www.spain.info or contact Spain@wearelotus.co.uk.</span></span></p>]]></pp:boilerplate><description><![CDATA[<p class="paragraph" style="text-align:justify;"><span>Valencia has announced that it will finally hold its famous Las Fallas celebrations this September, as both March 2021’s festival and last year’s event were cancelled due to the pandemic. The new dates for Las Fallas are 1-5 September and have been selected as the school holidays will still be running, the weather will not have turned from summer, and it does not coincide with the city’s patron saint festivals.</span></p><p class="paragraph" style="text-align:justify;"><span>Las Fallas festival, featured on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, is held to honour San José and takes its name from the huge, cartoonish, papier-mâché models that fill the streets of Valencia during the festival. The festival features firework displays, live music, traditional costumes and elaborate live decorating exhibits, such as the Ofrenda de Flores where flowers are placed on a giant sculpture of the Virgin Mary. However, the highlight of the week is the final night of the festival when the sculptures are ceremoniously set ablaze during&nbsp;</span><i><span>Nit de la&nbsp;Cremá.</span></i>&nbsp;</p><p class="paragraph" style="text-align:justify;"><span>According to local legend, the traditions of Las Fallas originated Pre-Christianity from the spring cleaning practices of pre-Christian Iberian carpenters. During winter, they would construct parots, wooden beams with torches which allowed them to continue their work despite having fewer hours of daylight. To mark the transition from winter to spring, the carpenters would pile up the parots and burn them in the streets. The craftsmen started to hold competitions for the biggest bonfire and would place crafted shapes and characters in the centre.&nbsp;These traditions then evolved into artists spending a year&nbsp;hand decorating fantasticallly intricate structures to be burnt during the&nbsp;festival that's&nbsp;celebrated by thousands today!&nbsp;Here's how to celebrate this September:</span></p><p class="paragraph" style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</p><p><span><strong><u>Wednesday, 1st September</u></strong>&nbsp;</span></p><ul><li><span><strong>8.00 am</strong>&nbsp;-&nbsp;Plantà&nbsp;(set-up) of all the children’s&nbsp;</span><i><span>fallas</span></i><span>&nbsp;(sculptures).</span></li><li><span><strong>10.30 am</strong>&nbsp;- Reading of the ‘people’s verdict’ and proclamation of the Ninot Indultat (the only figure saved from burning) for 2021.</span></li><li><span><strong>Midnight</strong>&nbsp;- Nit de L'albà (fireworks display) on the&nbsp;</span><i><span>fallas</span></i><span>&nbsp;(sculptures) around the city.</span></li></ul><p><span><strong><u>Thursday, 2nd September</u></strong></span></p><ul><li><span><strong>5.30 pm</strong>&nbsp;- Children’s fallas awards ceremony to pick the best fallas.</span></li></ul><p><span><strong><u>Friday, 3rd September</u></strong></span></p><ul><li><span><strong>9.00 am</strong>&nbsp;– Award ceremony to pick the best fallas. The winner will be erected in the City Hall.</span></li><li><span><strong>5.00pm–midnight</strong>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<strong>Ofrenda&nbsp;(offering) of flowers</strong>&nbsp;to Our Lady of the Forsaken.</span></li></ul><p><span><strong><u>Saturday, 4th September</u></strong></span></p><ul><li><span><strong>9.00am–midnight</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Ofrenda&nbsp;(offering) of flowers</strong>&nbsp;to Our Lady of the Forsaken.</span></li><li><span><strong>1.30 am</strong>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<strong>Nit del Foc&nbsp;</strong>(fireworks display) at different locations around the city.</span></li></ul><p><span><strong><u>Sunday, 5th September</u></strong></span></p><ul><li><span><strong>10.00 am</strong>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<strong>Ofrenda</strong>&nbsp;(offering) of flowers by the Falleras Mayores (Queens of las Fallas) of Valencia and their Courts of Honour before the image of the Patriarch at San&nbsp;José Bridge.</span></li><li><span><strong>6.00 pm</strong>&nbsp;- High Mass in honour of St Joseph at Valencia Cathedra</span></li><li><span><strong>8.00 pm</strong>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<strong>11.00 pm</strong>&nbsp;- *Cremà&nbsp;(burning) of the&nbsp;</span><i><span>fallas</span></i><span>&nbsp;in Ayuntamiento Square.</span></li></ul><p><span><strong><u>Every day at 2.00 pm</u></strong>&nbsp;- Mascletà (loud fireworks display) at different locations throughout the city.</span></p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[Valencia,Festival]]></category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2021 10:22:27 +0200</pubDate>
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