Ferias (Justine)

To end with the public days, i have decided to speak: the ferias. The ferias are celebrations most famous of Spain. Ferias are celebrations annual in all over of Spain. They are characterized by bullfight, and celebrations in the streets.

Feria of Seville

Feria of Seville is the most popular of ferias of Spain. This event is organized each year, 2 weeks after the “Semana Santa” (Holy week). 

During few days, streets are decorated with lanterns and lights. Furthermore, a fair with more 1000 exponents are also made. In this “casetas” is possible to eat and drink the Spain specialties; for example the tapas, el tinto de verano…

In the same time, the inhabitants wear suits Sevilians. For the women is “dress flamenco” and for the men traditional costume campaigns and arriving on horses and carriages.

People can see also tournaments bull in the arenas of the city.

My point of view of this blog

I hope you are interested by the different topics of this blog. We wanted share a new culture, traditional way of life in Spain, and put light on different things was composed the Spain but aren’t very famous in the world.

It was very difficult for me to write in English because I don’t have the basic vocabulary of this language, is difficult for me not translate the French in English. Also, although I try to make right sentences with the good grammar, the good structure and with the vocabulary enriched, It was very difficult. I don’t know if I improve consistently my English, but now, I’m not scare to speak in English. My vocabulary is basic, make errors but doesn’t matter, if you really share in English, I be able to. Gesture, key words… permit to understand me. 

The Gran canaria (Pierre)

Dear readers, in this cold period, let's get some sun with a travel in the Gran canaria.

The Gran canaria is an spanish island in the Atlantic ocean. the second most populous island of the Canary Islands. 

It purposes a great diversity of activity related to water : to practice sports in a such beautiful place could be an amazing experience !

I will try to give you the desire to travel over there through the presentation of several activities and sports.

Wakeboarding in the Gran canaria
Do you know this water sport ? Created in the 80's and less famous than waterskiing, this discipline allows the most spectacular moves ! 

Wakeboarders are usually towed by a boat launched at a speed of 30/40 km/h. Waves allow the possibility of great jumps and moves. 
Then, this activity could be quite hard for beginners because of differents things : firstly it could be a little bit complicated to get out of the water (you're starting into water), secondly when you're falling with a speed of 30/40 km/h, water becomes like a wall and falling could hurt yourself. But if you're not afraid, it woud be an amazing experience with great sensations


Submarine exploration
If you're looking for softer activities, this one will suits you perfectly ! Indeed, what a pleasure to admire the underwater calm. 
There is no such things in the world in comparison of the submarine world's silence.
Then, I think you would enjoy this activity whatever your tastes or your mood because this is an universal experience of quiet and peace ! 
The fish diversity, the amazing colour of the sea, the corals are many reasons to get interested and to want to discover this universe.

Well, if you're not satisfied with these activities, reading or sleeping on the beach couldn't be that bad !

"The day of Constitution" (Justine)

What is the 6 December of 1978 ?

Cool, the Spanish are a public day the 6^th December! But what is it? The 6^th December is a public holiday for Spanish because is the “day of Constitution”.

The Spanish constitution was created and was endorsed after the referendum of 1978. This constitution governs the people’s rights and duties for 1978.

It’s a major turning in the history of Spain, because with this constitution, the monarchy was created and the authority of Franco was once and for all was ended.

Since 1939 to 1975, the chief Franco was governing Spain. His authoritarian regime lost Spain in the particular situation during 36 years. The subject that the regime of Franco is too complicated and large for develop this thing is this article. But, if you know more of the history of franco, see this link: http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francisco_Franco

Regards to the constitution, with this law ; democratic parliamentary monarchy was etablished but also:

• *   Power’s separation between the State and the religion.
• *      The apparition of the 3 powers: legislative, executive, parliamentary
•      The “comunidades autonomas” (=regions) emerged

So it's an important day for the Spain History.

spain golf

A new study of European golfers reveals that Spain remains the No.1 travel destination for visitors from the UK, France, Germany and Scandinavia, with more than 28% of respondents playing golf in the country over the past 12 months.
The findings form part of a new research document entitled ‘European Spotlight on Golf Tourism to Spain’, which was commissioned by Reed Travel Exhibitions, organisers of IGTM (November 11-14, 2013, Costa Daurada, Catalonia, Spain), and produced by SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC.
Of the 28.5% of golfers who travelled to Spain to play golf, 12.7% went to the Costa del Sol, 3.9% went to the Costa Brava region, 3.2% visited the Canary Islands and 8.7% went to other areas.
The research also revealed the popularity of other destinations with 17% visiting Portugal, 16.1% travelling to Great Britain & Ireland, 7.5% booking trips to Turkey, 7.1% visiting France and 6.9% booking long-haul golf trips to the USA.
The in-depth research also highlighted:

• The average duration for a Spanish golf trip is seven nights
• Golf visitors to Spain predominantly stay in four and five-star accommodation
• Visiting golfers spend between €170 (British golfers) to €230 (Scandinavians) per day
• Golfers arrange between five and six rounds of golf during each Spanish holiday
• During the course of a week’s holiday, golfers play up to four different Spanish courses.

The Spanish study also revealed that a golfer’s nationality impacts on their choice of region they are likely to visit, with British and Scandinavian golfers preferring the Costa del Sol; French golfers more likely to visit Costa Brava; and German golfers travelling to all regions, including the Canary Islands.
Peter Grimster, IGTM Exhibition Manager, said: “This latest study proves that Spain remains at the heart of the European golf tourism industry and illustrates why thousands of golfers still put its golfing regions at the top of their wish list.”
Some of the key contributing factors that put Spain ahead of its rivals was the standard and range of the country’s golf courses, consistent levels of high quality accommodation and the favourable year-round climate.
Peter added: “As Spain is the host country for this year’s IGTM we will, of course, be welcoming a host of representatives from across the country, including 100 resorts, clubs and tourist boards, showcasing the country’s finest golf spots including host destination Catalonia, as well as Andalucía and the Balearic and Canary Islands.”
As host to IGTM 2013, the Catalan region of Costa Daurada is rapidly growing its reputation as a golf destination. Three years ago, less than 2% of total rounds played on the Costa Daurada were by international golfers. Today, that ratio has increased to 30% and continues to grow.
A summary of the report, with some additional findings, will be presented at IGTM, the premier global event for golf tourism, taking place at the PortAventura Convention Centre, Costa Daurada, Catalonia, Spain, November 11-14, 2013.

Sangria (Mathilde)

SANGRIA

I would not leave you without the famous recipe of Sangria! Want to make a drink with your friends? Then this is the drink for you!

Little story

The original sangria comes from Spain during the century 19^th. It originates from the Spanish word "sangre" which means "blood. Sangria is a fundamental element of Spanish culture.

Sangria is where the feast and feria begin!
Traditional drink of Spain and Southern France, the Sangria is a symbol of hospitality and conviviality.
It is usually served as an appetizer and can be divided into small quantities for a time of sharing with friends or high volume to meet the needs of large evening.

Ingredients

·         2 liters of red wine

·         20 cl of cognac

·         20 cl Cointreau

·          2 oranges

·          1 lemon

·         2 apples

·          2 bananas

·         2 kiwi

·         80g sugar

·         1 stick of cinnamon

·         1 vanilla pod

·          1 pinch of nutmeg

·          3 or 4 peppercorns

Preparation

·         Cut the fruit into pieces.

·         Pour all ingredients in a bowl.

·         Let marinate in the fridge for 1-2 days.