Posts Tagged ‘Music’
Go Mad at Festimad 2M in Madrid
March 29th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
A holiday in Spain, maybe with a little music thrown in for good measure you think? How about a LOT of music? If you’re considering a visit to the capital city this April, then maybe keep in mind the event of the month. April is when Festimad 2M comes to Madrid. It’s also the anniversary of an important date in history, celebrated in Madrid at the same time. Want to know more? Then grab your guitar – maybe your earplugs too – and come to Festimad 2M in Madrid.
Read the entire post » Go Mad at Festimad 2M in Madrid
Read the entire post » Go Mad at Festimad 2M in Madrid
January in Spain. Part 4 Canary Islands
December 18th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
A little Winter sunshine to warm your bones and some Vitamin D to set you up for the year ahead. What a nice thought, and where better than the Canary Islands, where you can lounge around on the beach even at this time of year, due to the proximity to Africa and the year round warm temperatures without having to spend 2 days of your holiday on a plane. If you’re also a classical music buff then even better to choose the Canaries for your Winter break – sunshine and music, the perfect combination – without the long haul!
Read the entire post » January in Spain. Part 4 Canary Islands
Read the entire post » January in Spain. Part 4 Canary Islands
Shhh…A secret shared. Musical Murtas in the Alpujarras
July 31st, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Ever arrived somewhere for a holiday and just longed for somewhere a little more traditional, a tad more real?
Well, allow me to share with you my secret location, in fact my home for the past 6 years and some…you won’t find it in many guidebooks, and it’s not on the way to anywhere else!
But your first glimpse of Murtas on the Contraviesa will leave you spellbound, flat roofed Berber styled houses tumbling down a mountain higher than Ben Nevis, throwing open views right down to the Costa Tropical and the mountains of Morocco beyond, with a sweep behind to the snow capped Sierra Nevada and the impossibly pretty surrounding countryside.
Why here? Well, that’s hard to explain…..it’s a little like casting a fishing line, and once you’re reeled in….you’re hooked!
And next week the hills are alive… with the sound of music!
Read the entire post » Shhh…A secret shared. Musical Murtas in the Alpujarras
Read the entire post » Shhh…A secret shared. Musical Murtas in the Alpujarras
Covering up – the Spanish Shawl and the Silk Route
July 13th, 2012 by 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
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
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…
Read the entire post » Strumming along to the music of Córdoba
Read the entire post » Strumming along to the music of Córdoba
Ibiza Rocks – come to the opening party
May 22nd, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Or come to several opening parties! The big name clubs on this Balearic Island will all put on opening parties during the month of June – come and join in the fun. Rather relax? Ibiza has that too, with a rustic beauty and sunsets like nowhere else on earth. Family friendly? That too – the Spanish Tourism Office have been working hard to promote family tourism in the last couple of years - with results that have put Ibiza on the map as a top Spanish destination for everyone...so come on….join in the party!
Read the entire post » Ibiza Rocks – come to the opening party
Read the entire post » Ibiza Rocks – come to the opening party
Activities for April – in sunny Spain
March 14th, 2012 by 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!
Read the entire post » Activities for April – in sunny Spain
Read the entire post » Activities for April – in sunny Spain
Spring into Spain! What’s on in February and March…
February 13th, 2012 by 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…
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
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!
Read the entire post » A Fine Romance – Valentine’s Day in Spain
Read the entire post » A Fine Romance – Valentine’s Day in Spain
Off broadway! – on Gran Via, Madrid
December 30th, 2011 by Carol Byrne
The smell of greasepaint and the glare of the footlights…
January and the lull after Christmas is a great time to go to the theatre, for a pantomime with the whole family or a night watching the actors tread the boards at the theatre.
Musicals have always held a strong pull, and Spain – specifically Madrid - is perhaps a surprising host for some of the most famous musical productions in the world.
Read the entire post » Off broadway! – on Gran Via, Madrid
Read the entire post » Off broadway! – on Gran Via, Madrid
Party time for January in Spain
December 28th, 2011 by Carol Byrne
You might think with Christmas festivities drawing to a close that once the New Year celebrations are out of the way that you can put away your party hat and whistle for a while. But if you plan a January visit to Spain then you can think again!
This is the country that likes parties, fireworks and music, and lots of loud noise – and January is no different – fiestas are not just for the Summer!
What does Spain have planned for next month? Let’s see…
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Discovering Duende in Triana, Seville.
December 3rd, 2011 by 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!
Read the entire post » Discovering Duende in Triana, Seville.
Read the entire post » Discovering Duende in Triana, Seville.
Morella – no place for the kids!
November 21st, 2011 by Carol Byrne
In the area known as El Maestrat, in the north of Castellón, lies a relatively undiscovered beauty spot.
Where the river Bergates runs along the bottom as it meanders down to the Ebro, above lies the perfectly preserved medieval Morella.
Enter through any one of the six gateways hewn into the 2.5km wall to discover a maze of twisting streets spread out in the shape of a Spanish fan.
Explore the ancient alleyways and climb to the ruined castle which had a famous builder, but do remember to leave the kids at home! Why? Well, read on…!
Read the entire post » Morella – no place for the kids!
Read the entire post » Morella – no place for the kids!
Classical Music – listen in style on the Canary Islands
November 7th, 2011 by Carol Byrne
Think January – think cold winds, sleet and snow…No! Think again!
Log onto Spain Holiday and browse the selection of properties in the Canary Islands for this coming January. Why? Well, if you enjoy the elegant strains of classical music, then you are in for a treat.
What´s the occasion?
The Canary Islands International Music Festival held throughout January and February, on the major islands. So book now for a holiday with a difference – and sunshine too of course!
Read the entire post » Classical Music – listen in style on the Canary Islands
Read the entire post » Classical Music – listen in style on the Canary Islands
Graus – dancing, singing…and sausages?
September 2nd, 2011 by Carol Byrne
Spanish towns, villages and cities love a party. It’s said that somewhere in Spain there is a fiesta for every day of the year, which is to be easily believed. If you like dancing, then the best place for you to visit in September is Graus, in the province of Aragon where you can join in later this month with La Mojiganga – a satirical step is required!
Read the entire post » Graus – dancing, singing…and sausages?
Read the entire post » Graus – dancing, singing…and sausages?
A weekend in Jerez de la Frontera
August 26th, 2011 by 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.
Read the entire post » A weekend in Jerez de la Frontera
Read the entire post » A weekend in Jerez de la Frontera
Aranda de Duero – a holiday labyrinth!
August 19th, 2011 by Carol Byrne
Whether it’s for the late Summer music of the Sonarama Festival, which is held every July, or the September fiesta of wine that the area is most famous for, visit Aranda de Duero in Castile y Leon - a Spanish holiday worth raising your glass to!
As the official website states with confidence – No la Pierdas de Vista - or in English: Don’t miss it!
So, miss this lovely place at your peril!…how are your navigation skills by the way? Fancy discovering some tunnels with a difference? Walk this way….!
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Festival Vino del Somontano 2011
August 2nd, 2011 by Carol Byrne
Wine and song – that wonderful combination! The city of Barbastro holds a 4 day extravaganza starting next week on the 4th August, come and join in – and while you’re there, explore neighbouring Alquézar. Where is the party at? Head on up to the wonderful region of Huesca, in Aragon, Northern Spain… and take part in a gastronomic, wine and music filled few days! Cheers!
Read the entire post » Festival Vino del Somontano 2011
Read the entire post » Festival Vino del Somontano 2011
Acting, Art and ….Aubergines? Almagro!
July 31st, 2011 by Carol Byrne
In the province of Ciudad Real, Castile la Mancha, you will find the city of Almagro – nestled within the hills of the Paleozoic mountain range. A volcanic region, the landscape is interesting, but the city more so. Totally rebuilt and conserved in the original style, it offers you more sights than you can shake a stick at. Add in a little theatrical glamour and you can discover a city of surprises not a million miles from Madrid.
So book your flight to Barajas airport and enjoy Almagro in August!
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Cheers! Uncorking the best of Cambados
July 30th, 2011 by Carol Byrne
Looking for the best place to raise a glass this week?
Look no further than the Galician town of Cambados, where you can join in the revelry and enjoy sampling a glass or two of Albariño, which is modestly considered to be Europe’s best white wine. Join in with the music and entertainment, pack your corkscrew and clink your glass as we say: Cheers to Cambados!
Read the entire post » Cheers! Uncorking the best of Cambados
Read the entire post » Cheers! Uncorking the best of Cambados
