Posts Tagged ‘Flamenco’

Event: Spanish Flamenco in June – Olé!

June 5th, 2013 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
Flaming June.  If you really want to see some sunshine this June then you’d better book up quick!  Spain has all the sunshine, the Summer in Britain has already been and gone - 2 days was it?! How about really feeling the heat ?  As in the full-on passion of Spain?  I’m not taking about a holiday romance, but the celebration of Flamenco.  In June, you can see and hear it all at the Suma Flamenca Festival – in the hot capital, Madrid.  Pack your frills and heels…and best sense of rhythm!

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Fería time in Seville

April 2nd, 2013 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
What are you up to later this month?  Thinking of a trip to sunnier climes, a boost to your well being?  Where better than Spain this Spring to do just that.  How about a fería to beat all ferías too?  Head to Seville this April, and join in with all the razzmatazz of the Seville Fería.  And Seville isn’t so bad either. After all the snow and rain of the UK  treat yourself and make a Spring date with some Spring sunshine and the Fería of Seville.

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February Festivals – San Cecilio in Granada

January 30th, 2013 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
You’ve thrown off the blanket of  UK Winter and decided on some early sunshine – good for you!  Escape the dark days and long nights and head for the Winter sunshine of Southern Spain, where the sunrise and sunset are just incredible this time of year, and the views stunning.  Have you recovered from all of the New Year parties and festive fun?  Great – let’s indulge in a little more then – head for Granada and help to celebrate a Saint for February – it’s the day of San Cecilio – and Granada is planning a party.

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January in Spain. Part 3 Barcelona and Flamenco

December 17th, 2012 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
What do you conjure up when someone mentions Spain to you? What tends to spring to mind? I guess it depends on what region you like to visit, so I guess sun and sand if you are a Costa lover or a beach lizard, maybe the perfect paella comes to mind if you love the east coast, but certainly Flamenco – especially so in Andalucía – but, the passion of Flamenco can be felt in the north next month too. Come to Catalunya – to Barcelona – and feel a little of it yourself! Time for the biggest Flamenco festival on the calender in Barcelona – De Cajón!

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10 FREE things to do in Seville

October 31st, 2012 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
A holiday on a budget?  Well, we’re all a little shorter in the cash department these days, and with Christmas looming a holiday is probably the thing you need most, but the last thing on your shopping list. It is possible with a trip to Spain, and there are lots of different ways to stretch that cash. Take a look at  Seville – a city that is stunning in architecture and bathed in warm sunshine. If you choose to book a week or two for a holiday in Seville, then you’ll find plenty of choice with the usual budget airlines.  Self catering accommodation allows you to cook fresh local produce and save a few cents by eating in. Things to do for free too? Of course!

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All the Fun of the Fair at Mijas…

September 6th, 2012 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
Roll up, roll up… Get down to Mijas Pueblo today for the start of a great event.  Mijas Pueblo Feria starts off with a bang and continues until next Tuesday with fun and games for all. So if you´re staying along the Costa del Sol  and looking for something fun to do with the kids then hop in the hire car and treat yourself to a great Spanish Fería!

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Carol Byrne
A night out watching a Flamenco performance is often the highlight of your special Spanish Holiday.  Particularly when performed on a balmy night in one of the Gypsy barrios of Seville or Granada.  But it´s not just about the music…take in the colourful swish of  red clothing and the use of the Abanico or Spanish fan.  Watch as the mysterious dancer entrances you with clacking heels, a turn of her wrist and a sweep of the shawl…even clothing has its own language and every movement a secret signal or code. What is the history of the Spanish shawl?  Where did it come from?  Let´s find out…

Read the entire post » Covering up – the Spanish Shawl and the Silk Route

Strumming along to the music of Córdoba

July 4th, 2012 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
Well, happy Fourth of July!  Noooo, don´t panic…. Spain doesn´t actually celebrate that particular one – we have enough fiestas of our own to contend with!! Should you happen to be lucky enough to be in the Córdoba area this week, then remember to bring your guitar and a spare set of strings – yesterday kicked off the start of the 32nd International Guitar Festival in Córdoba.  So put away that star spangled banner and join in…

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An excursion from Málaga

May 28th, 2012 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
Perhaps you´re planning to spend a couple of week this Summer on the famous Costa del Sol? Good choice!  A seaside holiday with all the attractions of Spain´s sunny South coast – you´re guaranteed a great time.  Have you hired a car too? Then make the most of it by taking an away day or two inland – an afternoon or a full day away from Málaga and the coastal resorts – see what this area of Spain wears underneath it´s sunny holiday jacket!

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Flaming June in Spain

May 8th, 2012 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
We always said that years ago – Flaming June…but as I recall there was never anything remotely hot about it! At least not on Northern European shores…this June book a respite from the damp squib of early British `Summer´ weather and come to Spain instead – let´s see what´s on…

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Activities for April – in sunny Spain

March 14th, 2012 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
April – It´s not all about Easter!  Although, if you do happen to spend April in Spain, then Easter   -Semana Santa – really is the big parade and one not to be missed.  Spanish style is the only style when it comes to the biggest celebration of the year and Seville is one of the best shows to see, but what´s on the rest of the month? Put the kettle on and have a read – there´s more to the start of a warm Spring in Spain than just the chocolate eggs!

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Carol Byrne
The cold nights of Winter are offset by the days filled with bright sunshine and blue skies already here in Spain, with daytime temperatures already creeping up along the south coastline.  Spain is truly wonderful for the clarity in seasonal change, and we know that Spring will bring heat and displays of blossom and flowers all over the country, what better time is there to escape? So, what’s on in Spain for the coming months? There’s always something going on – so with this month and next in focus – take a few days out and plan a visit to a Spanish destination, and combine your holiday with an event!

Read the entire post » Spring into Spain! What’s on in February and March…

A Fine Romance – Valentine’s Day in Spain

January 17th, 2012 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
  Well, will she say yes? To what? …..Your marriage proposal of course – St. Valentine’s day is just around the corner – next month – so if you’re going to do it – then propose in style in Spain.  A weekend away as well as a sparkling diamond?  How can she turn you down?! Plan February 14th with sunshine in mind – take a trip to Romantic Spain and choose a special place to spring your surprise!

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Discovering Duende in Triana, Seville.

December 3rd, 2011 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
What exactly is Duende? Well, I guess whatever it means to you…a good feeling, the magical spirit of a place, an embodiment of character, and the name given to the soul of Flamenco – when the singer gets carried away on the soul of the song – a word that sums up special Spain. Seville. Simply one of the most special cities in Spain.  Whether you´re visiting for the Cathedral, the Royal Palaces, other tourist attractions of Seville or just to soak up the sun in the `Frying Pan´ of Spain – then take an afternoon in the district of Triana – and discover your own Duende!

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vernon
Many years ago the best advice I received from someone living in the country went as follows:- “Being on holiday in Spain,Vernon, is very different from living here full time.” I confess that back then I didn’t fully understand what my friend was on about. But I do now. Spain is a great country in which to have a holiday. It is a spectacular country to tour and see in all its varied splendour. And living here full time can be an unforgettable experience, but it is very different from simply being on holiday. Don’t take my word for it, listen to the words of my final trio of people I’ve met on my travels – all of whom have settled in the country and all of whom have worked at it. Literally.

Read the entire post » People I’ve met in Spain – take 3 girls

Finding Flamenco

September 1st, 2011 by vernon

vernon
I was alarmed recently when speaking with Spanish friends at how they fear for the future of flamenco – in all its forms. How can a cornerstone of Spanish culture be under threat? Surely there are still many locations in Spain that promote flamenco and keep it thriving.

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A weekend in Jerez de la Frontera

August 26th, 2011 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
We all love a Spanish city break, a couple of nights or a few days of city heat, bustling bars and sights to discover.  Try out the jewel in the heart of Andalucía , where you can explore the bewitching baroque splendour of Jerez de la Frontera, and celebrate it’s style overload with a glass or two of sherry accompanied by the passion of flamenco

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The Marbella Feria comes to town

June 6th, 2011 by Louise Brace

Louise Brace
Each year, every village, town and city throughout Spain pays homage to its local saint with a week or more long celebratory festival, known as a ‘feria’. The popular Andalusian resort of Marbella, situated on the Costa del Sol is no exception. The Marbella Feria de San Bernabe (Saint Bernard) takes place this year from 6-12th June and combines all the traditional pomp of a typical Spanish feria with a touch of hip snaking Latin groove.

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Jerez Flamenco Festival

February 10th, 2011 by Louise Juhlin

Louise Juhlin
It is all about the passion for Flamenco! The Jerez Flamenco Festival is the world’s leading Flamenco festival and soon it is to take place in the city of Jerez in Andalusia. The 25/02 to the 12/03/2011 are the dates to be heading south to get a feel of the colorful shows with world famous dancers, singers and guitarists.

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John Kramer
Following yesterday’s meeting in Nairobi, the UNESCO Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage added a total of 34 elements to the prestigious list. Spain has had Flamenco, Catalunya’s “Castells” – the Catalan human towers and the chant of the Sybil on Mallorca officially recognised.

Read the entire post » Flamenco added to the UNESCO’s list of cultural heritages