Keeping the Bull Run Tradition at Pamplona

Ernest Hemingway put Pamplona on the map with his exposition of the bull runs in his best seller “The Sun Also Rises”. Pamplona has long been a center of attraction with the bull-run tradition from the medieval times where herdsmen drive their bulls across the plains and town streets into the bull ring within the city.

Pamplona is an important city between Castilia and France which embodies a diverse architecture, cuisine, culture, tradition and customs since the days of past epochs. The various influences from the Visigoths, Moors, Franks and Romans shaped the city to what it is today.

St. Fermin festival

One of the most popular festivals in Pamplona is the St. Fermin festival in July. Hundreds of international visitors come to Pamplona to join in the festivity which brings thousands of locals across the region.

Thousands of people of all races throng the city streets to watch dozens of bulls released to run the cordoned city streets directing the bulls to the bull ring before confronting skilled matadors. Older folks and families are wise to observe the annual ritual from a safe location while adventurous thrill-seekers participate in excitement.

Outcome

Although the bull run is part and parcel of a steep tradition in Pamplona, there is a certain level of risk involved where participants and by-standers can be injured in the event. One such undesirable incident is the death of an American youth who was gored to death in 1995 by a bull. Another runner was experienced the same fate in 1924.

Many young and enthusiastic runners are still game to participate in the Bull Run despite the risks involved which only heightens the mystique of the festival. Tourists are advised to stay on the safe sidelines to observe the event while they are free to join in the merry making later in the night with music, dancing, singing and fireworks. There are plenty of activities which liven up the place and festival during the eight day event.

Satisfaction

The experience one feels during the San Fermin festival in Pamplona and villa spanje   is unlike any other experience on a holiday. The bull running event may last only a few minutes but the experience would last a lifetime. It is definitely an experience that would change the outlook of a participant which money cannot buy.

Hence, it is not surprising that tourists flock to Pamplona for a personal experience with the most talked about tradition in Spain.

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Panoramic Treks and Trails of Ronda

Ronda is a mystical town in Malaga that is set in the surroundings of dark and angular mountains. The whole drama unfolds with the majestic natural landscapes around Ronda which lies on the isolated sierra ridge that is divided into two by El Tajo, a majestic gaping river gorge that drops steeply down 130m at its other sides. The gorge gives sight to a spectacular 18th century Puente Nuevo which is an ancient arched bridge with tall whitewashed houses seemingly sitting on its edges precariously.

Town attractions

Within the town, Ronda offers a tranquil environment for a leisure stroll by Río Guadalévin for some extraordinary views down donkey tracks leading through the vast rich valleys. Along the way, bird watchers would enjoy sighting lesser kestrels in their nests while flying to and fro from the high cliffs right below Alameda Park. Further down the same spot, one can view other feathered species like crag martins. Ronda is well visited by day trippers from all around Costa del Sol.

Ronda can be enjoyed in three sections; its northwest is the modernized Mercadillo quarter; Ciudad lies across the ancient bridge; at the south is the San Francisco suburb. Ciudad is an ancient Moorish town that has retained the Moorish characteristics through its houses with several fine Renaissance mansions. There are many intricate paths for a visitor to discover through random wandering.

Further discoveries

One can cross the bridge to Calle Santo Domingo which is also called Calle Marqués de Parada that would lead to No. 17 Casa del Rey Moro; this 18th century mansion has Moorish foundations and a lovely garden which is open to the public on a daily basis. An interesting underground stairway called the Mina leads the way down to the river in 365 steps.

The river is the main source of water supply in times of old especially when the city was under siege; this ancient site also has a viewing balcony to admire the towering rock walls of Tajo and its species of birds that make their habitat there.

Going on one would locate Marqués de Salvatierra Palace which is an excellent Renaissance mansion that displays an odd form of Adam and Eve sculpture on its portal. No visits to the house interior are allowed since 2000. At the foothills, one would find two ancient town bridges called Puente Viejo and Puente de San Miguel, vakantievilla spanje ; the former was built in 1616 while the former is a Moorish single span structure with amazing sturdiness.



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Available Attractions in Pamplona

Pamplona’s greatest attraction is in July at the San Fermin festival. One can join the thousands of observers and participants in this festival which is more a tradition than religious although there is a strong religious stance to it. There are many attractions in Pamplona that would occupy the visitors’ time effortlessly with a full satisfaction.

Town offerings

The town center is a well planned structure with Plaza del Castillo located right in the city center. This spot is a lovely place to enjoy Pamplona at any time of the day with its beautifully tree-lined paths that lead to some of the city’s exciting ancient monuments such as the majestic cathedral that has a splendid French Gothic interior. This cathedral showcases some beautiful cloisters and impressive sculptures. The ancient walls, Roman artifacts and quality art pieces are sights that would be worthy of more than a look. The Navarre Museum houses many of the excellent art and history relics of the region for those who are interested in the colorful history of Pamplona and its surroundings.

Stay options

Pamplona has a rich and colorful history which can be discovered leisurely. There are numerous value hotels at the city center to cater to holidaymakers who want to get a taste of Pamplona like the locals.

There are many suitable stay options in Pamplona and its surroundings which are very affordable to tourists. Many of the hotels at Pamplona are comfortable with modern facilities. Their proximity to the city center makes them an attractive choice of stay which makes traveling to places of interest easy and convenient.

Most hotel options in Pamplona have very relaxing facilities for their guests; the public lounge is air conditioned to allow guests to relax and interact with one another after some sightseeing in the city.

All hotels in Pamplona and  vakantiehuis spanje would be fully booked months in advance to July for the San Fermin festival.

Bull running

The bull running and bull fights are two major happenings during the San Fermin festival. There would be thousands of people in the city for these spectacular sights where men and bulls run together on the streets with humans trying to avoid the bulls. The bulls are lured to the city bull ring for a stand off with skilled matadors.

Tourists throng Pamplona to get a first hand experience of the bull running and bull fight. The adrenalin runs high at the astounding sight of fearless men in smart matador attire teasing the luring the bulls in the ring before overcoming the beast with a stab of the sword for victory.


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Amazing Ronda Attractions

Ronda town has plenty of amazing attractions which draw large crowds to it every year. The town and its surroundings offer beautiful natural landscapes that are tranquil and ideal for a relaxing holiday for the lone individual or family.

Ancient beauties

There are obvious hump-shaped cupolas at the river banks on the southwest region as well as unique glass roof-windows at old Baños Árabes which are open to the public for viewing at no cost. A 13th century old Roman bath has been recently restored utilizing the Roman system that offers cold, hot or tepid baths. Great effort has been put in to preserve this ancient structure. There are well preserved barrel-vaulted ceiling as well as octagonal brickwork pillars that support horseshoe arches which showcase the impressive architectural sophistication of that epoch.

At the Ciudad quarter stands Plaza Duquesa de Parcent which is Ronda’s town square that is of exquisite beauty. In the center is Santa María La Mayor Cathedral which stands in the site of a former Arab mosque. One can view the graceful external structures that combine Gothic, Renaissance and Moorish styles. Hence, it is not surprising to see a belfry on top of an ancient minaret on this monument. Although the inside is not as impressive, there are still interesting arches sporting Arabic calligraphy and other Arabian components such as an old Arab mihrab which is a prayer niche.

On the plaza’s west stands Casa de Mondragón which was a Moorish palace that is opened for public viewing. There are 3 well preserved patios of original stuccowork with a well carved ceiling. A museum exists to showcase local archeology with Moorish offerings.

At the plaza’s northeast stands Museo Lara housing the best works of rondeño Juan Antonio Lara. The family owned and ran a local bus company with Señor Lara being an avid collector of fascinating antique clocks, armaments, pistols, musical instruments, archeological finds, cinematographic equipment and cameras since childhood. These are showcased in Museo Lara.

Historical beauties

Towards the end of Ciudad lies the remains of Alcázar  vakantiehuizen spanje   after the French destroyed it in 1809. The fortress was once virtually impregnable which served as the Moorish capital until 1485 before Granada fell to other hands 7 years later.

There are exquisite town gates of Moorish descent as well as Re-Conquest influence in their celebration of winning the region again. The Puerta de Carlos V stands next to the Alcázar before entering San Francisco suburb as a reminder of their conquest.


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Check out La Coruna City

La Coruña is situated at the north-west of Spain; it is a vast land of green landscapes. Its Galician name stems from the past Celtic-Roman heritage with a mystical allure. Lugo is its neighbor on its east with the majestic Atlantic Ocean is at its west while Pontevedra lies at its south and Biscay Bayon is at its north. La Coruna enjoys moderate climate with frequent rain that waters the numerous nature parks around the Atlantic islands.

History

La Coruña can be said to be an ancient city to have been founded by Hercules according to a local legend. However, the Celts, Phoenicians and Romans came trading at the La Coruña port since 2 B.C. when the place was discovered to be rich in minerals.

This city has had the honor of Julius Caesar visiting it in 62 B.C. Hence, it is not surprising to find a high Roman influence in terms of language, religion and culture.

Location

La Coruña is situated strategically to enable its fishing and textile manufacturing industries to blossom while acting as a commercial port which is very active. There have been many expeditions to discover new land and sea routes departing from this port. Hence, La Coruña became famous in the nautical arena.

It is also greatly involved with the Spanish Armada as well as Sir Francis Drake’s reprisal. La Coruña was awarded city status in 1446 with King Juan II authorizing its free commerce with England. Hence, La Coruña bloomed and blossomed in leaps and bounds in its trading and economy.

Its strategic location enables easy access through flight from all around the world as it is a popular holiday destination. Football fans are happy to view the Deportivo de la Coruña Deportivo de la Coruña in action; they are the city’s top-ranked division football club.

Blend of old and new

La Coruña took on modernistic structures in the 19th century to combine the old and new tastefully. The traditional agricultural and fishing industries are well blended to co-exist with the new fashion and textile industries; all of which are now success and famous in their own rights.

La Coruña is the holidaymakers’ ideal choice of holiday destination with its pleasant climate and beaches with a wide variety of water sports such as scuba diving, sailing, fishing and surfing, vakantievilla spanje .

Tourists would enjoy the early morning catches at the La Coruña ports with daily fish auctions. There are long promenades along the La Coruña beaches for an enlightening stroll with many attractions and museums.

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Spain offers numerous opportunities and vakantiewoningen spanje you select for all popular regional vacation : Costa Blanca , Costa Maresme , the most beautiful destinations in Spain. And here you can read my articles at Alissha Johnson's Articles and my bookmarks at Alissha Johnson's Bookmarks.

Spanish Fiestas & Folklore

Spain is one country that celebrates many festivals stemming from its many traditions and folklore. There are many occasions which the locals celebrate joyously in full costumes and merry making and there are festivals which are of a more solemn nature like the religious pilgrimages which are famous worldwide.

Traditions

Traditions are heavily inculcated into the hearts of the locals from centuries ago; one of the most celebrated fiestas from traditions is Semana Santa or Easterweek. It is celebrated in most of the major Spanish cities and towns with colorful and impressive processions.

Other festivals celebrated in Spain include the long celebration of Feria del Ganado of 10 days. There would be a lot of merry making with folkloristic groups performing many regional dances while great feasting happens simultaneously as it is a culinary festival.

Santiago celebrates the Apostle Saint James festival with its famous pilgrimage in July. Great fireworks follow the solemn procession with huge masses from all over Europe to join in this revered festivity.

Origins

Most fiestas in Spain are stemmed from folklore of ancient cultures which have impacted and influenced the nation. The various conquests of the nation from Iberians, Moors, Romans and Christian Re-Conquest have laid down their individual and unique traditions that have been entrenched into the lives of the inhabitants over the ages.

The Spanish fiestas are varied in characteristics, style, form and duration. They can be profoundly spiritual with a high solemnity while others can be quite informal or elaborate with full costumes or traditional attire. The Spanish fiestas are usually cheerful with a lot of merry making that comes with music, dancing, singing and fireworks.

For example, the Corpus Christi fiesta is celebrated in “Las Huelgas” monastery to commemorate the victory over the Moors in the year 1212. This is a joyous festival where a lot of merry making happens to fill the atmosphere with revelry through the colorful processions on the streets.

Almost all towns and cities in Spain would indulge in every fiesta celebrated in the nation for the locals love fiesta celebrations. They take every opportunity to live life to its fullness with spectacular processions adorned in traditional attire and beautifully decorated horses and coaches, vakantiehuis spanje.

Many Spanish fiestas include bullfights and folklore dancing, singing and music with many musical performances. Espinosa de los Monteros performs an ancient pagan war dance ritual stemming from the earlier era’s influence. The month of September welcomes the Moorish dances known as “Canta la Mora”.

About the Author

Spain offers numerous opportunities and vakantiewoning spanje you select for all popular regional vacation : Costa Blanca , Costa Maresme , the most beautiful destinations in Spain. And here you can read my articles at Alissha Johnson's Articles and my bookmarks at Alissha Johnson's Bookmarks.

Interesting Fuerteventura for the Tourists

Fuerteventura has as many interesting delights for the tourists as its long name. There are wonderful surprises awaiting the tourists’ discovery. Fuerteventura belongs to the Canary Islands situated closest to Africa.

Background

Fuerteventura is an island that surfaced out of a volcanic activity that happened twenty million years ago. Hence, Fuerteventura is shaped by the natural forces of wind, rain and soil erosion after the volcanic activity. It has plenty of natural formations in terms of vast green plains, lava flow remnants and volcanic mountains which are deemed ‘protected sites’.

Its strategic location at the tropics makes it an attraction holiday destination that offers white sandy beaches with clear turquoise waters and warm climates of 22º C all year round. It is well known as a surfer’s paradise with lots of beach activities available such as kite surfing and beach volleyball. There is a consistent blowing of Sahara dessert winds to refresh the land and inhabitants.

Fuerteventura is the oldest island among the Canary Islands cluster.

History

The first inhabitants at Fuerteventura are supposedly from North Africa; their presence is supported by recent archaeological discoveries in caves and other settlement locations where ancient tools and earthenware were uncovered.

The Phoenicians purportedly arrived at Fuerteventura around 11BC before the Spanish, Portuguese and French came over.

Spain regained control in the 19th century with Queen Isabel II declaring the island to be a free trade zone with a name change. However, Fuerteventura gained independence in the following century when it became part of the province of Gran Canaria.

With its first airport in 1940, Fuerteventura has been flourishing as one of Spain’s more popular tourists’ holiday destinations.

Main industry

Today, the main industry in Fuerteventura is tourism. Many tourists enjoy the island’s year round tropical climate. However, other industries support the island’s economy; these include fishing, agricultural and business activities.

There are many popular tourist attractions here such as scuba diving, windsurfing, kite-boarding and fishing. Deep sea fishing is popular with avid fishermen from all over the world to enjoy this marine paradise in the Atlantic waters. One would probably sight whales, dolphins, marlins and exotic turtles.

Tourism is huge at Fuerteventura with plenty of beach and water activities on popular beaches such as Gran Tarajal, Pájara and Corralejo, vakantiehuizen spanje.

Avid golfers would enjoy their game with great golfing courses that have been designed and planned to blend with the wind conditions for the best golf game ever. The golf courses overlook panoramic sea views.

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Spain offers numerous opportunities and villa spanje you select for all popular regional vacation : Costa Blanca , Costa Maresme , the most beautiful destinations in Spain.

Almachar - The famous region of Spain

There is a famous region in the province of Malaga with the name of Axacquia. Almachar is situated in that region. It is a village having the reputation of being a white village of Spain. It is a small village having a small population of around 2000 people living in it. The height of village is 230 meters from the sea level. The exact location of the village is at a distance of twenty six kilometers from Malaga.

Almachar is a village that was established by the Arabs. Most of the village was constructed in the sixteenth century. There is a famous church in this village by the name of San Mateo Church that belongs to the sixteenth century. There is a famous Raisin Museum in this village that is worth exploring. It is a unique museum having two floors and it shows the economic development of the village in recent times. This museum is located inside the village near the tourist office from where lots of information can be obtained before visiting it.

The village of Almachar is very well built in this era. It is neat and clean having sign boards that lead people to their desired locations. There are many festivals celebrated in this village whole year round. The most famous festival of Almachar is Fiesta de Ajoblanco. It is celebrated in the month of September every year. In this festival people enjoy a local drink that is made from garlic, olives, vinegar, salt and almonds.

There is a grape monument in the village of Almachar near the car park. That is probably the best place for starting the exploration of village. The best way is to park the car in the car park and explore the village by foot because it is hard to find any space for car parking inside the village.

There is a large square near the entrance of village. There is a resting place available in this square and there is a bar located in the same vicinity. The bar has excellent views from its terrace which makes it very much enjoyable for the visitors. The beauty of Almachar is that there are nice restaurants, bars and shops in the village and vakantiewoning spanje . The souvenir shops in the village are excellent in this respect. There is also a famous butcher shop located in this village. Almachar is an excellent place to spend a holiday in Spain.

Spain offers numerous opportunities and vakantiehuis spanje you select for all popular regional vacation : Costa Blanca , Costa Maresme , the most beautiful destinations in Spain . And here you can read my articles at Alissha Johnson's Articles and my bookmarks at Alissha Johnson's Bookmarks.

Donana National Park

Spain is a country blessed with natural beauty. There are many natural parks in Spain for the same reasons and they are well maintained by the authorities. The largest national park in Spain is located in the region of Andalucía. It is named as Donana National Park and it is considered among the highly important parks of the world for the same reasons.

Andalucía is the best region of Spain when it comes to places and areas of interest. There is Costa del Sol and the dry mountains located in this region. There are diverse landscapes, historical places, desert, valleys and mountains present in this region. This region comprises of around 17% of the total territory of Spain. It is the largest region having the best standard of life in Spain. That is the same reason the largest national park of Spain is located in this region.

The total area of Donana National Park is around 50,000 hectares. This park is located in few provinces of Southern Spain that fall in the region of Andalusia. The climate in the park is mild and for the same reasons it is an ideal place for wildlife and plant life. This park is protected by the authorities and it’s open for enjoyments only. There are many visitors that head towards this park for the purpose of camping, for enjoying beach life and for recreational activities.

There are many bird watching locations in this park. There are cycling routes and walking paths in this park for the facilitation of visitors. Similarly there are information centers in the park for visitors. There are natural waterways and pine trees within the park that look fabulous. There are many people that stay in the towns and villages around this park in order to have great views of the natural wildlife that is present in the park.

This park was created in the year 1969. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in the year 1994. This park was a royal hunting place in the twentieth century before its creation. For the same reasons it captured the interest of the government of Spain and villa spanje   ever since. The best way to explore this park in a short span of time is by getting a ride on the boat that moves from Sanlucar de Barranmeda. The boat stops at two places showing most parts of the park to the people riding on it.

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Aragon - In the north east of Spain

In the north east of Spain the region of Aragon is located. There are many reasons of fame of this part of Spain. It is worth seeing in many respects. Aragon has a great history especially the town of Calatayud is famous in this respect. There are three provinces in the region of Aragon which include Zaragoza, Teruel and Huesca.

The most visited part of Aragon is the province of Zaragoza. The reason is that it is located between Barcelona and Madrid. As these two are the most visited cities of Spain, this province naturally gets tourist attention. This region has many villages and towns that are historical having very natural and refreshing lifestyles. For the same reasons the natives in the region have traditional thoughts and appearance. The people in this part of Spain are very patriotic and that very fact is apparent from the customs and cultural songs of this region.

A reason of fame of Aragon is Ferdinand who belonged to this region of Spain. That guy married the Queen Isabella of Spain in the fifteenth century. Another famous person from this region was Catherine who married Henry VIII. Aragon is not lacking behind when it comes to bull fighting and running. As it is a historic region, this tradition exists in almost all parts of the region. Bull related traditions are followed in different shapes in various parts of this region as there are various festivals celebrated in that respect. Aragon has bull running festivals mostly in the month of September every year.

The capital city of the region of Aragon is Zaragoza which is located in the Zaragoza province and spanje vakantiehuizen . This province is most populated in the region as majority of the population is living in it. Most of the Aragon consists of valleys, green areas, landscapes, orchards and pastures. The total area of the region is more that 47000 kilo meters. The main languages spoken in this region include Spanish and Aragonese.

There is a famous river in the region by the name of Ebro which is a good source of irrigation in the region. The main sources of income of this province include tourism, agriculture produce and local industry. There is a famous dance by the name of Jota that is liked in many parts of Spain. This dance originated from this region of Spain when a couple performed it first time in the eighteenth century.

Spain offers numerous opportunities and villas lloret de mar you select for all popular regional vacation : Costa Blanca , Costa Maresme , the most beautiful destinations in Spain . And here you can read my articles at Alissha Johnson's Articles and my bookmarks at Alissha Johnson's Bookmarks.