Easter in Valencia, Semana Santa, Holy Week

Easter in Valencia - Semana Santa (holy week)

Valencia likes to celebrate, and how better to follow on from the vibrant and noisy Las Fallas celebrations than with the Easter, Semana Santa, holy week festival.

 

In Valencia Easter celebrations are known as "Semana Santa Marinera" because it is celebrated mainly by the maritime areas of Cabanyal and Grau, in an attempt to hold on to their identity and traditions, having formerly been separate towns.  Consisting of a full week of parades and fiestas in celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ, starting with Palm Sunday, the commemoration of Jesus arriving in Jerusalem, all the houses, buildings and roads are adorned with Palm leaves for the procession.

Processions of 28 different "brotherhoods" all with their own coloured robes and pointed hoods (which could easily be mistaken for the KKK) and floats mounted with statues of Jesus parade around the maritime district to music from their own accompanying bands.

Processions are held in Valencia but the main events are based around the maritime districts of Cabanyal and Grau.

Easter in Valencia in general brings good weather, which the locals like to enjoy with picnics on the beach or in the nearby countryside.

A great atmosphere envelopes the city of Valencia during Easter, Semana Santa, a good time to take in the atmosphere of the historic old quarter, El Carmen, with its many open air plazas and artisan shopping.

Take a visit to the Semana Santa Museum where you can see all the costumes, regalia and images from the history of Easter in Valencia including video of past processions. Although this doesn´t match up to seeing it live with the atmosphere in the streets.

Easter is a great time to visit Valencia, Semana Santa in Valencia. An apartment on the beach or an apartment in the historic old quarter of Valencia would be ideal in order to enjoy all that Valencia has to offer during its Easter Celebrations.

Links

Apartment on Valencia Beach

Apartment in Valencia City

Las Fallas Programme

Las Fallas Programme

So here we are in March and Las Fallas is starting to warm up...today they have closed off over 300 roads so the party tents and statues can start to be mounted.

 

Here is a brief run down of the main Las Fallas Programme for 2011...

 

Thursday 10th

2.00pm - Mascletá (fireworks and fire crackers displya) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (town hall square, just follow the crowds!)

6.00pm - Armed Forces Tribute to Valencia´s Falleras in the San Juan de la Rivera Barracks, Paseo de la Alameda.

 

Friday 11th

2.00pm - Mascletá

 

Saturday 12th

2.00pm - Mascletá

11.00pm - Cabalgata Folklórica (Folklore Parade) finished by a firework display in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento

 

Sunday 13th

2.00pm - Mascletá

 

Monday 14th

2.00pm - Mascletá

3.00pm - Closing ceremony of the "ninot infantil" exhibition

 

Tuesday 15th

8.00am - Planta of all "childrens Fallas"

2.00pm - Mascletá

6.00pm - Closing ceremony of the "ninot infantil" exhibition

12.00midnight - Firework Display in the Paseo de la Alameda

 

Wednesday 16th

8.00am - Planta of all Fallas

2.00pm - Mascletá

4.30pm - Childrens Fallas award ceremony, in front of the town hall.

1.00am - Firework Display in the Paseo de la Alameda

 

Thursday 17th

9.30am - Fallas award Ceremony in front of the Town Hall.

2.00pm - Mascletá

4.00pm - First day of the Flower Offering to the Virgen de los Desamparados (La Ofrenda), Plaza de la Virgen

6.00pm - Ballooning display in the RiverTuria Gardens in front of the Torres Serranos

1.00am - Firework dispaly in the Paseo de la Alameda

 

Friday 18th

11.00am - Tribute to the Poet Maximiliano Thous at the monument dedicated to his memory, Calle Sagunto, followed by Mascletá

12.00noon - Tribute to Master Serrano at the monument dedicated to his memory, Avenida Reino de Valencia, folllowed by Mascletá

2.00pm - Mascletá

4.00pm - Second day of the Flower Offering, plaza de la virgen.

6.00pm - Ballooning display in the RiverTuria Gardens in front of the Torres Serranos

1.30am - "Nit de Foc" Grand night of Fireworks in the Paseo de la Alameda

Saturday 19th

11.00am - Flower offering to San José on the Puente de San José, followed by a Mascletá

12.00noon - Solemn Mass in honor of the Patron Saint Joseph in Valencia Cathedral

2.00pm - Mascletá (the last in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento for this year)

7.00pm - Cabalgata del Fuego, Parade of Fire in the city centre

10.00pm - Cremá, the burning of all the childrens Fallas

10.30pm - Burning of the winning childrens Falla

11.00pm - Cremá, Burning of the childrens Falla in the Town Hall (plaza del ayuntamiento)

12.00midnight - Cremá, burning of all Fallas 

12.30am - Cremá, burning of the winning Falla

1.00am - Fireworks and burning of the Fallas in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (town hall square)

Programme provided by the Central Fallas Committee.

View Programme Online

Last Minute Accommodation for Las Fallas  

Spanish attempting English, bless ´em!

Spanish speaking English

I had a lovely conversation yesterday with a couple of Spanish friends, both mature in age. The first said "I know English!" (in Spanish of course) ..."owar" was the next word to come out of her mouth. "I know that one!" stated my other friend..."owar yoo" came the reply! I was creased up laughing. Its not the first time the Spanish have left me in stiches with their attempts at the English language, its great. I remember when I lived in a village, the first year of my moving to Valencia. Now in the villages they speak a very closed Valencian and I found it very hard to understand, but they were always very keen to show off the few words of English that they knew.

I remember one particular conversation between 2 neighbours trying to out do each other with their vocabulary, the conversation went a bit like this...

1st neighbour "hello"

2nd neighbour "goodbye"

me "hahaha"

1st "nor, eat, sow, wet" complete with arm movements pointing in the correct directions.

2nd "muza, faza" (mother father)

me "hahahahahahaha"

and so it went on, can´t remember much more but it was hilarious. Do you have any funny conversations that you remember? Would love to hear about them here...

Valentines Day in Valencia

Valentines Day in Valencia, ideas for a romantic day in this beautiful city.

 

So the most romantic day of the year is aproaching, St. Valentines, so I thought I would give you some ideas of how to treat that special person to a romantic time in Spain´s 3rd City, Valencia.

 

Start the day with a breakfast on one of Valencia´s many open air plazas - The Plaza de la Virgen has a lovely tranquil feel to it, totally pedestrianised with a large fountian offering that relaxing water effect. (photo)

 

Then from there a short stroll past the Cathedral in to the Plaza de la Reina where you can take a romantic Horse and Cart ride through the most historic areas of the city, peacefully trotting through the winding streets admiring the architecture that dates back over 2000 years. (photo)

 

Don´t forget to pick up some flowers from one of the many florists around the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (town hall square) (photo)

 

Or how about burning off a little bit of energy, why not wander down in to the dried up River bed and hire a "bicycle for 2", you can tandem ride the whole length of this beautiful leisure gardens that was once the River Turia.

There are cafes with open air terraces for that "almuerzo" (elevens´s) or lunch.

A cycle along the River Turia in one direction will take you to the City of Arts and Sciences, a beautiful space age leisure zone offering a science museum, IMAX cinema, Shaded garden walkway "Umbracle" and the Oceanografic Aquarium complete with Dolphin show. Or in the other direction..to a beautiful Lake with large Swan peddle boats, and the Bioparc Zoo, a journey into Africa awaits you inside this new generation zoo. (photos)

 

Another option is to head out to the beach, its long palm tree lined promenade is lined with wonderful seafood restaurants ofering the best in Mediteranean cooking.

You can make use of Valencia´s new bike hire system..Valenbisi to help you get around, just sign up online or at one of the pay stations, and you can jump on and off bikes all over the city, a great way to get around.

 

Then as evening comes, check out the best of the Restaurants in Valencia, modern and sophisticated or traditional and homely, there is something to suit all tastes. Beach front, city centre or the trendy Avenida Francia with views to the Opera house.

Why not take in a film or the theatre, check out Whats on here. Theatre in Valencia Cinema in Valencia

 

If you are thinking of coming to Valencia and are looking for accommodation then what could be nicer than a lovely beach front apartment with beautiful views over the harbour - Port Saplaya Apartment or maybe you want to be in the heart of the historic city centre - Historic City Centre Apartment

 

Hopefully I have given you some food for thought, whatever you plan for St. Valentines, I hope you have a wonderful and romantic day.

 

Links:

 

City of Arts and Sciences

Bioparc Zoo

Valenbisi

Restaurants in Valencia

Theatre in Valencia

Cinema in Valencia

Port Saplaya Apartment 

Historic City Centre Apartment

Tips for enjoying Las Fallas, Valencia

Tips for enjoying Las Fallas, Valencia

 

Are you planning to visit Valencia for the Las Fallas fiesta this March? if so here is a crucial guide as to how to get the most out of this spectacular fiesta..

 

In March Valencia is filled to overflowing for the Las Fallas festival of Fire, accommodation gets booked up very quickly and especially during the main events..15th-19th March, movement around the city can get very restricted.

 

First a WARNING...if you have never been in Valencia for Las Fallas please be warned that this festival is based on Firecrackers, gunpowder and fire! Everyone from as young as they are able to hold one, will be throwing/lighting firecrackers and fireworks at every turn of the corner! Its almost like walking in a war zone sometimes.  All in good harmless fun though.

 

Don´t expect to take a car into the city centre, every year I am amazed at how many try to get their car as close as they can, causing no end of traffic congestion. The buses and taxis are able to pass through areas that cars can´t, so first TIP..Don´t even attempt to take your car into the city of Valencia during Las Fallas!

 

Las Fallas actually starts each day with "la despertar" when the "falleros" walk around the streets playing trumpets and throwing fire crackers in order to wake everyone up ready to start the days fesitivities. This starts about 8am. These falleros party most of the night too, so I reckon that most of Valencians sleep for the whole month of April to make up for lack of it in March!

You might think that the "siesta" hour is a good time to hit the streets, but with so many tourists around that is not necessarily true.

My TIP to avoid the crowds whilst viewing the statues is to start early, even with the "despertar" they don´t seem to hit the streets too early. Then you have the whole day to get around, slowly and steadily as there is so much to see.

My next TIP is to plan your route around the Fallas, there are guides available showing the major prize winning statues, so make sure you get to see the best.

TIP- lunch early! the restaurants and bars will fill very quickly, but fortunately the main lunch rush deosn´t start til 2pm for Spanish folk. The falleros all have lunch at their prospective "casals" (large tents mounted in the streets in order to hold their private celebrations). These casals put on their own private fiestas, many with discos in the streets. So keep an eye for those.

TIP - look out for the Paella competition days, each casal holds there own, they cook the paellas of all different sizes in the streets over log fires. As a tourist, take a long a spoon, they will be only too glad to let you taste, every Valencian is proud of their Paella!

TIP- if you are not actually staying in the city centre, then to get in and out and night could be very tricky, check your local area, there is bound to be a local "Ninot" (statue) that will be burnt on the night of the 19th close to you, and certainly you will get a better view, with less hastle than if you try to watch the main events in the city centre.

 

TIP- link to: Apartment available for Las Fallas with balcony views to the local Ninot 

This apartment is situated in a beautiful beach resort with views to an internal harbour from all its rooms and balcony. With access to the city via taxi or bus and metro, it makes this the ideal "hassle Free" way to enjoy the Las Fallas fiesta, you can enter the city during the day and return to the tranquil beach and marina setting for a chilled evening. Then enjoy the local festivities on the terraces below or from your balcony above.

 

TIP- link to: Las Fallas Programme 2011 check out the Programme to make sure you don´t miss anything!

 

TIP- The days of the "ofrenda" (flower offering) it is great to find an open air terrace and enjoy the atmosphere as all the "falleras" parade around the city in full traditional dress with bands playing traditional music, lovely.

 

TOP TIP- You cannot visit the Las Fallas without being present at atleast one "Mascletá" (daytime firework display) in the Town Hall Square (Plaza Ayuntamiento). To get the full effect, get there early, it starts at 2pm on the dot, but to be in the think of it you will need to guard your place from about 12.30 onwards! but don´t worry if you can´t wait around that long or don´t like crowds (and I mean crowds!), there is plenty of space on the outskirts, and you will most definately be able to hear even if you are on the edge of the crowds.

TIP- if you are close...open your mouth to protect your ear drums!

 

Well I could go on...but best to keep this to reasonable reading length! If you are coming, enjoy yourselves!

 

Links

Routes around the Las Fallas

Apartment available for Las Fallas with balcony views to the local Ninot (statue)

Las Fallas Programme 2011

Hotels for Las Fallas in Valencia

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Renewing Residency Card in Spain

Renewing Residency Card in Valencia, Spain

 

This is my first hand experience, having just completed the renewal of my "tarjeta de Residencia" Residency Card today!

 

I also had to change my address, so, not being able to contact the comisaria (police station of issue) by telephone, I took the initiative and decided to get a certificate of Padron before I went.

Now as I am already "padronado" all I had to do was go to the Junta Municipal for my district with my Residency Card (which is out of date!. so took passport along as back up!) and they issued the certificate there and then in an instant.

The worst part was expecting there to be queues and a long wait, but having arrived 30 minutes before they open, i found myself second in the queue, so all very quick and painless.

 

Then my next trip was to the Comisaria for renewal of DNI etc. (not the same as the place if you are applying for the first time!, so be aware). Again worried about queues, I arrived 20 minutes before opening, and again was second in the queue.

A very "stern" policeman (for not wanting to use a rude word) came out on the dot of 9am and started shouting orders for everyone to form an orderly queue and if they were there with friends and not wanting actually do any paperwork then to "clear off" in no uncertain terms. I must admit, we were all in an orderly queue until he appeared, so i guess he has learnt over the years and puts order straight away!

 

I entered straight away and took my seat, asked for renewal of my TR and change of address, he asked for my card and padron! (pat on back for my initiative!). He then asked if i had paid the "FEE" ..."what fee?" I asked, there is a 10€ fee, he issued me with a form which I had to take to a bank and pay, then return with all the previous documents and my Passport! (fortunately again my initiative one through as I had my passport in my pocket!)

 

So a quick dash to the bank, payment made and returned to find no queues at all, the (this time almost polite) policeman ushered me right through, I handed over all the documents and the very nice man handed me the NEW CERTIFICATE of Residency.

He advised me that this certificate doesn´t have to carried on me, it is solely for use if demaded by banks or other official uses. I must carry ID issued by own country be it an ID card or Passport. I asked if a photo Driving Licence was sufficient and his answer was that a DL is solely for permission to drive, some shops may accept it for use with credit cards etc but it is not an ID.

 

So there you have it. My next test/mission is to change my UK driving licence to a Spanish one as it is about to expire this year, so keep following my posts here....

Formula 1 in Valencia

Formula 1 training in Valencia

 

All 12 teams from the F1 world championship will be trainging at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Cheste Valencia next weekend, a session that will open the World Championship season of 2011. The highlight for the mainly Spanish audience will be Fernando Alonso who is exptected on the 1st and 2nd of February, it has been announced by Ferrari that he will be introducing the new F150 car in which he will race this year.

 

The main bulk of teams will be training at the circuit in Valencia from the 1st-3rd of February, but it is thought that 5 teams will present their new cars on the 31st January.

 

The spectacular will be opened by Sauber with Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi and Mexican Sergio Perez showing off the new C30 at 11am on Monday. Also to be presented that day is the new Lotus Renault with drivers Robert Kubica and Vitaly Petrov.

 

This will be followed on Tuesday by the presentations by the reigning World Champion Team Red Bull and their drivers Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. The earlier start of 8.30am will see the new car built to retaining the title.

 

The presentations then continue with Toro Ross and GP Mercedes W02 car to be driven by Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg.

During these days the practice sessions for modifying and testing starts a 10.00am, on the 2nd and 3rd of February the  training will start an hour ealier at 9.00am. All 3 days close at 17.00.

 

The general entrance fee is 5€ for the 3 days which gives access to the Yello, Blue or Green stands. If you want to enter the boxes or Orange gallery the price will be 10€ per day.

 

DISCOUNT

If you buy tickets for the training session at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Cheste, Valencia, you will benefit from a 15% discount on your purchase of tickets for the European Grand Prix to be held on 26th June in Valencia Street Circuit.

 

Buy Tickets for the Formula 1 Training Session at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit Cheste, Valencia

Reserve Accommodation in Valencia