The Incomparable Festivity of Fire in Spain

Also known as "the fires," Las Fallas exists as among the most incomparable festivities in the Spanish country, particularly in Valencia. Starting out as a normal feast day offered to St. Joseph, the famous patron of carpenters, the feast day turns out to be a five-day festivity that starts from March 12 until March 19.

Aside from the kaleidoscopic fireworks, the festivity features the so-called ninots, which are big cardboard statues that are displayed in more than 350 parks or intersections in the city. These life-sized ninots are celebrated because they usually depict current events or satirical scenes such as corrupt Spanish poiticians or celebrated ordinary celebrities. These ninots are produced by Spanish organizations for about 6 months and ordinarily cost US$75,000 or more.

Except for the most distinguished ninot that people preserve in the museum, all ninots are destroyed by teenaged Spanish men using axes and fireworks regardless of the expenses and sizes. During this period, no streetlight is on while the people chant before they set the ninots on fire explicitly when midnight strikes. Because of the uniqueness of such activity, the celebrated Las Fallas celebration causes the population to swell up to approximately 3 million, though Valencia comprises almost 500,000 denizens and the city is ordinarily calm during ordinary days.

Lively Parties in the Unrelenting Ibiza Island

Having settled for years in a city where attending night parties is as standard as breathing, it has become my tradition to eye for a party wherever I go. Beach party, pool party, or even pajama party-- name it and you will unquestionably see my body rocking to the groovy melody. So, when a fellow invited me to a holiday adventure in a Mexican island, I hesitated to go. Island escapades just don't suit me; I can't just glare at the shining sun, bask in the beach waters, spot shapely bodies, and color my whole body tan. But my fellow perennially called me and I couldn't say no to his polite pleadings.

So, we went to the unsullied, unrelenting Ibiza Island. I remember going to Las Salinas where bodies were covered by small pieces of clothing and there were even some who were actually uncovered. How's that for a nice picture, eh?

But the picture of beaches soon bored me as foreseen. My fellow, after observing my sudden change, brought me to several parties (yes, several for I couldn't count them already). I had a very nice time in the pool party not just because there were almost naked bodies around but because of the cool water and the generous Mexican friends I made. Then, we set off to disco bars and right then, I realized how discos could be that so seducing. But my fellow knew I loved dancing so, we set off to a music bar, a perfect venue for shaking my body.

Undeniably, all was fun in my total nightlife in Ibiza Island. With my island experience intact, I at present have an idea where to set foot in case I grow tired of my city party sprees back home.

Remembering a Joyous Empanada Incident

When I was only seven, my parents brought me along with them to Spain when they had a very significant business convention in that country. I remember breaking down while on the plane because I did not want to be with them. I presumed that being in that country would be very boring and I realized that leaving my fellows back home would be some sort of betrayal to our friendship. However, I did not have any other choice that time so I just came with my folks.

We stayed in an old rest house in Spain and while my parents were on the convention, I was with the company of the suite's caretaker. I met the caretaker's daughter who was also seven years old like me and we became good fellows right away. I will never forget my fellowship with her because it was her who introduced me to the mouthwatering empanada. Empanada is a single turnover that is overfilled with some vegetables, fruits, and meat. I will always cherish my fellowship with her because through her, I had the chance to experience the mouthwatering taste of the empanada that she gave me.

Today, every time I see or eat an empanada or a turn over, I always remember that little lady that I had a special fellowship with during my stay in Spain.

The Wonderful Spanish Abanico: The Best Fashion Accessory During The Early Iberian Society

In the early days of Spain, the most modern accessory for women was the beautiful Spanish fan. Used not only as a versatile cooling tool, Spanish fans have created their exceptional mark in the Romantic Era. During the 19th century, Spanish women would use fans to hide or express amorous feelings towards a courting male, complete with the batting of their dark eyelashes under the exquisite embroidered fans. These lace-embroidered masterpieces were also regarded as a status representation in the Spanish Iberian society.

Nowadays, you can hardly see this wonderful accessory being used by the charming Spanish women. However, a band of Spanish artists have been trying to revive this memorable tradition, by drawing their artworks on the surfaces of the delicate fans. Usually known as "abanico" in Spanish, these folding canvasses have been the major tools used by abstract artists to express their vision and to promote the comeback of Spanish fans into the world of fashion. The typical designs used are elegantly colored floral patterns, but present-day Spanish artists are trying to modernize and create fans with unusual shapes and colors, similar to a stained glass painting. The delicate Spanish Fan is not as notable as it was before, but it is undeniably a fashion accessory rich in Spanish history.

Picturesque Views Atop the Opulent Cortijo de la Reina Hotel

One Spanish hotel that is undeniably unique is the Cortijo de la Reina Hotel located in the territory of Malaga. This is essentially because the hotel sits atop a mountain, about 800 meters high, and opulently looking over the nearby sea as well as over the green valleys nestled at its foot.

Yet, that is not the only thing that fortunately makes the Cortijo de la Reina Hotel exceptional. The hotel also happens to be part of an area measuring 150,000 square meters that houses the Montes de Malaga National Park, making it a particularly remarkable Spanish monument.

Aside from that, the Cortijo is composed of two divergent buildings, both of which are built with several modern facilities. The first building carries ten double rooms, each having a private bathroom, highlighted by a suite on the upper floor that happens to have a jacuzzi as its supreme attraction. The second building, meanwhile, is typically smaller, having only two bedrooms, but nevertheless have two separate bathrooms apart from the flat terrace that can be found in either of the two rooms.

All of the rooms found in the two buildings of the Cortijo have such features as air-conditioning system, television, a mini-bar, telephone, heater, a safe box, and a bathroom that has a separate heater. Some bedrooms, however, have extra amenities that typically include either a salamander cooking stove or a pleasing fireplace.