T For Travel

I had no idea that when it comes to fiestas and festivals that there are tons in Spain. So, I was bound to see one no matter where I was or what ever time of year it is in Spain. I was fortunate enough to be in Seville during one or the more important events, the Semana Santa, also known as Easter Week. It was a deeply religious celebration and was some what overwhelming.

Easter Week, or the Passion of Christ is celebrated through out all of Spain. The festivities begin with the Domingo de Ramos, or Palm Sunday, and ends with Lunes de Pascua, or Easter Monday. It’s a celebration of life itself and the whole country of Spain comes alive. Each area of all the cities, towns and villas, apparently, put their own accent on the celebration. They are all different, but they all portray the same life, culture, music, dance and color, and all with a very deep religious meaning.

All I had to do to watch the celebration was to go out on my balcony of one of the luxury hotels Seville Spain has and enjoy the procession make their way throught the streets, carrying religious icons and symbols of their faith. In Seville, there are well over 100 of these images through out the city. The procession went on for miles and lasted until the early hours of the morning and every night through the Easter Week. Semana Santa has to be experienced first hand to be fully understood and appreciated. No words would convey or describe the emotions that flow like the river wherever you go. So, If you do have an opportunity to either watch or participate in this festivity, you will not regret one moment of doing so and it will leave a lasting impression on your soul.

The beaches in the Spanish city of Valencia close to capital, in the Northern region of the city are usually quite popular, especially with the visitors coming from the other parts of the country.  However the beaches in this city are the least affected by tourism, and retain the traditional customs that have not been influenced by foreign travelers from other countries in the world.  In Castellon, the city to the north, just bordering Valencia, the architecture is a mix of industrial buildings and warehouses, surrounded by the traditional buildings that are lining the mountains.  Every year this area attracts many young fans of music for their international music festival that includes the most famous bands and musicians performing today.

Further down the coast is the resort town of Benidorm.  While this is a favorite party spot and the playground of the rich and famous, this is a location that is filled with tourists, so be prepared.  Located here are also the locations of the parks of the region, the Aqualandia Water Center, the wildlife reserve, Terra Natura,  and the popular theme park, Terra Mitica.  If the rapid fire world of the parties and the nightlife of tourist spots are not one’s scene, there is a village with the combination of wide open spaces and nature hikes throughout the mountains, combined with luxury hotels.  Valencia, Spain offers up fun and excitement, but is far more off the beaten track than Benidorm.

The mountains are great place to escape the summer heat of the city, with many rivers, water falls and cool mountain breezes.  Surround the city are the open fields of the rice paddies, wherein grows on the ingredients of the recipes that the city of Valencia is well known for, the seafood paella.  Surrounding the plantations and located through the mountains, are various wildlife reserves that also offer solace and quiet walks through nature and the plants, the birds and the animals indigenous to the region.  All the regions have much to offer those vacationing in Spain, different things for many different personalities of world travels, but all uniquely Spain.