Designed in the 50s by a local advertisement agency for just a few peseta’s, the logo of the Sherry brand Osborne has made it to the unrivalled National Symbol of Spain. When a government ruling forbade signs along the highways, it caused a national uprising to save the big black bull, that today still features the Spanish countryside and inspires artists and travellers.
The Devil's Dance
Spain
Festivals & Events
In Catalonia they know how to party. When the dresscode says ’devil’ the location must be hell. Surrounded by hundreds of fire crackers that go off at the same time, strings of fireworks that cause a sparkling rain and fire breathing dragons, crowds of satans and she-devils run for the lifes. No Festa Mayor is complete without the Devil’s Dance...
World biggest Food Fight
Spain
Festivals & Events
What started as mischief 50 years ago, turned into the biggest foodfight in the world. Every year in August the sleepy agricultural town of Bunol attracts tens of thousands of young visitors from around the world who come to battle each other with tomatoes. Tons of them! All imported from the other site of the country, because no tomatoes are grown anywhere near Bunol! The whole spectacle only takes one hour, leaving streets filled with the biggest marinara salsa imaginable - but it takes endless showers to remove the stuff. And while the youngsters move on to the beaches of the Costa Blanca, the citizens of Bunol are cleaning their pueblo. Until next year.
Human Towers of Catalonia
Spain
Festivals & Events
Human towers, ten rows of people on top of each other, topped off by a nine year old child, who first has to free climb the human stairway for 15 metres to reach the summit... This act rightfully belongs in the circus, but is instead performed on town squares by acrobatic Catalans, who value their culture more than their limbs...
Spain's Sparkling Sensation
Spain
Food & Drink Culture
Spain's most succesful drink is no longer Sherry - it's Cava. Many civilizations ago already, the Fenicians discovered the wine growing potential of the hills now surrounding Barcelona. Catalonia boasts over 300 Cava houses, of which Cordoniu and Freixenet are the best established. Like its benchmark Champagne, Cava profits from limestone rich soil. But for 10 euro a bottle it is much more affordable.
Barcelona; off the Rambla
Spain
City Reports
Gaudi, the Cathedral, the Boqueria Market – there’s plenty to keep you busy in Barcelona, and increasing numbers of people visit the city each year. But where’s the wonder once you’ve already checked the Sagrada Familia off your list? According to insiders, you’ll find the answer just right of la Rambla, in the wonderful barrio’s of El Borne and Barceloneta.
Mont Serrat
Spain
Travel
Coto Donana Wetlands
Spain
Nature & Wildlife
The Coto Donana, the former hunting grounds of Spanish kings, is by
far the most well-known and most important nature reserve in Spain. It
is where many birds and several threatened species such as the Iberian Lynx
have found a safe haven. The WWF was grounded in the 1950s to protect these
fantastic wetlands. Today, visitor numbers are strictly limited to 250 per day.
Europe's last Cowboys
Spain
Human Interest
The cowboy is almost extinct in Europe, because in order
to have cowboys you need free-roaming cattle (preferably a little wild), and
that is no longer a common reality. In well-organized Europe, horses are in
their stalls, cows in their fenced-off fields – or worse, in feeding factories
lining up for slaughter. In Andalusia however, cowboys are alive and kicking,
herding cattle just as they have done for centuries.
Rueda's Wonder Grape
Spain
Food & Drink Culture
Until recently, not many people had heard of Rueda, the wine region in
Castilla-Léon, on the south bank of the Duero river. Even in Spain the name
hardly raised an eyebrow – but now it’s renowned as the place where the best
white wine in the country is produced. Thanks to a very special little
wondergrape called Verdejo.
Sherry Wine
Spain
Food & Drink Culture
Tapas, fiesta, flamenco and fino - the famous bone dry sherry wine. Ask
any Andalusian and he will say the same thing: no party is complete without
sherry. How come they know how to drink it and we don't? With us it's just Bored
Housewives who are seen with it, with them it's Bullfighters & Don
Juan's. So what's the secret?
The Taste of Jabugo Ham
Spain
Food & Drink Culture
What does a Spaniard say when he finds something
wonderful? Estupendo? Fantastico, maybe? There is an expression
Spaniards use to describe something superb: de pata negra. This Iberian
form of Serrano ham has mouths watering all over the country – and even has
poems penned in its honour.
Don Quichot Route
Spain
Travel
Don Quichot, the world famous book of Cervantes, is
celebrating it's 400th anniversary this year. Don Quichot, the wanderer who
together with his trusty shield-bearer Sancho Panza set out in search of
adventure... We follow a route through the heartlands of Spain, Castilla
and La Mancha, which explores some of the most famous places associated with the
legend, unearthing just what it was that made the man such a
marvel.
Europe's most exotic event
Spain
Festivals & Events
Why do over a million Spanish go completely nuts every
Pentecost by the sight of a simple Maria statue? To understand their hysterical
devotion Jochem Wijnands did what outsiders never do: he joined the singing,
dancing and praying pilgrims in the long march to their absolute idol: the White
Virgin of El Rocio. Two years in a row. And he discovered the true nature
of this unique event.
Bullfight Controversy
Spain
Culture & Art
Bullfighting is the heart and soul of the traditional Spanish culture. La
Fiesta Nacional it is called. But at the same time it is very controversial with
many, who argue that killing animals for fun is a civilized people
unworthy. Photojournalist Jochem Wijnands spent two years in Spain to report on
this complex phenomenon.
Gaudi's Barcelona
Spain
Culture & Art
Guadi is without a doubt Spain's greatest architect, and Barcelona was his
playground. For decades he built and designed buildings that give testimony to
his greatness, including the unfinished cathedral Sagrada Familia. One could
spend days walking around visiting Gaudi sites - and still wanting
more.
Festival of the White Virgin
Spain
Festivals & Events
Those who want to catch the true spirit of the Basques
should visit the Basque capital, Vitoria-Gasteiz during summer. That’s when the
fiestas of the White Virgin take place, during which Europe’s oldest culture is
celebrated. And the Basques certainly know how to throw a party – opening 30,000
bottles of champagne simultaneously, and that’s just for
starters...
Sensational Seville
Spain
City Reports
Seville is more than the famous buildings such as the
Giralda and the Alcazar – or tapas under the orange trees. There are the gypsies
and their flamenco, nightspots and parties with the jet set: here is a
step-by-step guide on how to get to grips with the more exciting things Seville
has to offer.
Pueblos Blancos Route
Spain
Travel
The snow-topped peaks of the Sierra Nevada, the deep blue sea, olive groves stretching all the way to the horizon and – of course – the picturesque pueblos blancos; the little white villages dotted throughout Andalusia’s landscape. These little settlements almost appear as if they were placed simply to awaken feelings of romance within reckless travellers making their way through the region. The route visits the most beautiful pueblos blancos of Andalusia.
Picos de Europa
Spain
Active Travel
This breathtaking mountain range along the Atlantic coast of
Spain packs an incredible amount of interest in a very small area. Offering a
large variety of walks, fascinating scenery and Europe’s longest cable car, the
Picos de Europa and its surrounds are also renowned for their mouth-watering
local produce – from Cabrales cheese to the cider brewed by anyone with enough
space in their backyard.
Pamplona Bull Running
Spain
Festivals & Events
Infamous for its running with the bulls, the nine-day
festival in Pamplona is a celebration often little understood by the outside
world. For the locals it is an occasion to strengthen their feeling of unity and
identity, the running itself a show of courage and
valour.
Spain´s Wild West
Spain
Festivals & Events
Spaghetti Westerns? They should have actually been called Paella Westerns, given the backdrop of these films was purely Spanish – the Tabernas desert. This is the place where hundreds of westerns and other movies were filmed; there’s even a small place here called ‘Mini-Hollywood’. The former film sets are now open to the public, complete with cowboys and showdowns...
Discovering Madrid
Spain
City Reports
Most everyone is in agreement when it comes to Barcelona,
but with Madrid the camps are often divided. Some find it fantastic – others
not. But only those who don’t know it very well take a shine to Madrid.
Because hiding underneath the hard exterior is a dynamic city with many
surprises – more Spanish than Spain
itself.
Water, water, everywhere...
Spain
Festivals & Events
In Andalusia, water is imbedded with emotion; it is
something that can be bound with much passion. It may be difficult for outsiders
to understand, but here water is considered – and called – liquid gold. Whoever
is blessed with a surplus of pure water is rich, as it is often in short supply
in many areas of Spain during the summer. And Lanjaron, a small town in the
Alpujarras, has plenty of it - which is what they celibrate during the water
festival in June.
Spanish horse: Pura Raza Española
Spain
Culture & Art
The Spanish horse – better known as the Andalusian – is as
much a part of southern Spain as the Spanish themselves. There isn’t a festival,
celebration or pilgrimage that doesn’t include them; a monumental breed of horse
that has made its mark in the history of the world. There are few full-blood
Andalusians to be found in the world, but the majority of horses in southern
Spain are blessed with the lion’s share of Andalusian
genes.
Green North of Spain
Spain
Travel
Spain’s north coast provides a welcome break for those
who’ve had their fill of the hectic pace and heat of the costas along the
Mediterranean. Here, rolling green hills and stunning mountains dither along
behind arguably the most beautiful stretches of beach in Europe. Culture is
provided by San Sebastian and the stunning Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
Costa Brava Marine Park
Spain
Travel
The Costa Brava is primarily known for its
beautiful beaches, to which sun worshippers flock throughout the summer. Its
crystal clear waters and rich marine life play second fiddle, however, to the
stretches of sand along the coastline. Divers come from all over the world to
experience the Costa Brava Marine Park of Estartit, one of the most beautiful
diving spots of the
Mediterranean.
Spring in Córdoba
Spain
City Reports
When May rolls around in Cordoba, the air is thick with the aromas of jasmine and orange blossom – and after a chilling winter, the Cordobans open up their famous patio's for everybody to visit. That same month the colourful Cruzes de Mayo festival is celebrated.
Al Andalus Expreso
Spain
Travel
Al Andalus Expreso is a luxurious train cruise, which visits all the mayor places of interest such as Granada, Seville, Cordoba, Ronda and Jerez. The train itself consists of vintage cars which date back to almost a century ago. Is there a better way to discover Andalusia?
Feria
Spain
Festivals & Events
From April till October, the whole of Spain is under the spell of the
Feria. This giant party is much like the Spaniards themselves:
down-to-earth, traditional and boisterous. It started out as an annual fair
where villagers from the region came together to trade goods, but also to meet
old acquaintances or, with any luck, to acquire a new spouse. These days the
trade of goods has made way for drinking and dancing – but the flirting is
still rampant. As are colorful flamenco dresses, horse parade's and gypsies
reading palms.
The Castles of Castilla - La Mancha
Spain
Travel
The empty plains of Castilla - La Mancha are home to a significant share of Spain’s many castles. Here, in the small but strategic positioned villages, on the rolling hills or where the road crosses the river, the Spanish kings and dukes built castles to protect themselves against other noblemen and the armies of the Moors. A touristic route links the most interesting castles with eachother.
Windsurfing Moves
Spain
Sport & Adventure
Windsurfing is a classic favourite among summer sports and in the last two decades it has developed into a professional sport in its own right; this article teaches you five moves, step by step. From an easy to learn beach start to a high speed 360 degrees salto jump.
Carnival in Cádiz
Spain
Festivals & Events
Cádiz , a port city and the oldest in Spain, is host to one of the most spectacular carnivals in the world. Genoan merchants have been credited for livening up this once conservative Christian festival, bringing colour and flair to the town in the late Middle Ages. Today it is the city's most anticipated event, boasting 10 days of celebration and a time-honoured choral competition.
¿Hablas Español?
Spain
Culture & Art
Learning Spanish in your own country is often a difficult task, and of course it’s much preferable to take the course in Spain itself – but where? This article suggests Salamanca, the university city of Spain and the birthplace of Castilians, and shows what it is like.
Moros y Cristianos Festival
Spain
Festivals & Events
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Walking in Basque Country
Spain
Active Travel
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A windsurfer's paradise
Spain
Sport & Adventure
Tarifa embodies a certain feeling, an undescribable something-almost like
being at the end of the earth. It's far too easy to get lost in its beautiful
beaches and the local obsessions of wind and beach surfing. After just two weeks
away, you may never want to return...
Tarifa: where Europe ends
Spain
Travel
Tarifa is the most southern point of Europe – that’s obvious from looking at a map but it actually feels that way when you’re there. It’s almost like being in another dimension where time and space have no part to play – all the lead roles here have been taken by the sea.
Grazelema Biosphere Reserve
Spain
Active Travel
The rain in Spain falls mainly on... this stunning mountain range in the Spanish province of Cadíz. Established as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1975 and spanning 52 000 ha, this national park is fortunately only victim to its considerable rainfall during autumn and winter. Walks are the best way to experience its lush, green scenery – a number of which are included in this guide.
Canary Islands Cruise
Spain
Travel
Often times you hear people say they’re off to the Canary Islands – a general term for a beach holiday on just one of its luxurious dunes. However a great way to get acquainted with the islands is to take a cruise. Then you’re really doing the Canaries – all of them – with someone else at the helm, allowing you to restfully experience everything the region has to offer.
Secret of Sound
Spain
Culture & Art
The Spanish guitar is one of the symbols of Spain and one
of its most succesful export products. It produces a sound no
other guitars in the world can match. What is the secret? The Spanish guitar is
an amazing instrument formed by thousands of parts, which all are put together
in the right order to produce the perfect sound. It can take a skilled craftsman
months to finish one guitar! The Spanish guitar is embedded in tradition, a
piece of art, a poetic statement.
Active Holidays in Catalonia
Spain
Active Travel
Mention Costa Brava and most people think of Lloret de
Mar, two weeks’ sunbathing, pubbing, clubbing and an overdose of sangría. But it
has another side; the Osama region. Just off the beaches start the mountains and
forests of Montseny, only interupted by the occassional village. Best to be
explored on foot, walking from farmhouse to farmhouse on ancient Roman
paths.
Canoeing in Spain
Spain
Active Travel
Artificial lakes with church towers of submerged villages
still showing, slow rivers that meander through lush lowland forests, impressive
white water rapids that transport icecold water from the mountains, and, last
but not least, the river sella race, the biggest cano championship in the world:
in other words, the North of Spain is the closest thing on earth to the
cano-heaven.
Salamanca City Tour
Spain
City Reports
Salamanca is the jewel of the Spanish renaissance; a city
established more than three thousand years ago. Today it is the university city
of Spain, with almost one-third of its population registered as students, and is
surrounded by beautiful green forests and rivers.
Guadix Cave Dwellings
Spain
Human Interest
The landscape when leaving Granada via the freeway
changes abruptly from the rolling green hills of the Sierra Nevada to flat,
parched plains one could easily mistake for the Wild West. But embedded in the
dry red rock is an underground city – now home to around 5000 people. The first
evidence of underground dwellings in Guadix pre-date Christ; now most are fitted
with modern amenities.
Skiing in the Pyrenees
Spain
Active Travel
Skiing in the Spanish Pyrenees is fun, cheap and
guaranteed good snow. Its popularity has increased in recent years due to its
accessibility within Europe, good prices and the promise of good skiing, season
after season. El Formigal is a small town just south of the skiing region, where
snow scooter tours and dog sleds are just two of the many things on
offer.
