In the middle of the Mediterranean coast, Valencia city, celebrates each year the final days of the winter and the arrival of spring with spectacular fires and pyrotechnics. From March 15 to 19 (the feast of Saint Joseph, day of the father in the whole country), Valencia is given over to a carnival of bonfires, fiesta, fireworks and a healthy dose of satire known as Las Fallas, the fires.

Displayed on every corner all over the city are colourful ninots, giant papier-mâché figures often 20 feet tall or even more that have been paraded through the streets and then placed in fantasy groups to tower over excited spectators. Each one in some way satirises a political figure, or a soap star, or more exotic creatures from the movies, TV, sports idols, or simply imagination. Some of them are grotesque – others playful and charming – all are larger than life and up for public scrutiny.

 Every day at 2pm firecrackers rip through the Plaza del Ayuntamiento in an noisy event called la Mascletá. This concert of gunpowder is very popular and involves different neighbourhood groups competing for the most impressive volley, ending with the terremoto, (literally means “earthquake”) as hundreds of masclets exploting simultaneously. While this may not be for the frail or faint-fainthearted, you understand how hearted, the Valencians got their valiant name.

Another important event is the Ofrenda de Flores a la Virgen de los Desamparados, a beautiful ceremony every March 17 and 18, that honours Valencia’s patron Virgin. Thousands of Falleras and Falleros arrive to the city from every corner of the Comunitat (Valencia State) and take the streets wearing traditional costumes and dancing to their neighbourhood or village bands as they wend their way to the Plaza de la Virgen to offer bouquets to the giant image of the Virgin.

Historians say that the origins of the festival go back to the time when carpenters cleared out their workshops and talleres at the end of winter, throwing out odds and ends of wood and old candles and lighting them on the street the day of Saint Joseph.

Nowadays, celebrations draw to an end with a fabulous firework display in the Paseo de la Alameda, called the Nit del Foc (literally “The Night of Fire”), on March 18. All Fallas burn all over the city the following night (including the winner of the competition) in a tremendous spectacle of fire and joy. Valencia is at that moment like Nero´s Rome, a city in flames. That’s why Valencians call this the best firework fiesta in the world! Don´t miss it!

 The Fallas Programme 2011

 1 March

·                    2pm. Mascleta (Plaza del Ayuntamiento).

2 March

·                    2pm. Mascleta (Plaza del Ayuntamiento).

·                    5:30pm. Children’s ninot parade: Glorieta - Calle La Paz - San Vicente - Plaza del Ayuntamiento - Marqués de Sotelo - Calle Jativa.

8 March

·                    2pm. Mascleta (Plaza del Ayuntamiento).

·                    6pm. Mascleta (Las Arenas Beach).

·                    10:30pm. Ninot Parade (Route: Calle Jativa - Marqués de Sotelo - Maria Cristina - Plaza del Ayuntamiento - Marques de Sotelo - Jativa).

·                    Firework display.

11 March

·                    2pm. Mascleta (Plaza del Ayuntamiento).

12 March

·                    2pm. Mascleta (Plaza del Ayuntamiento).

13 March

·                    2pm. Mascleta (Plaza del Ayuntamiento).

14 March

·                    2pm. Mascleta (Plaza del Ayuntamiento).

·                    6pm. Closing ceremony of the Ninot Infantil Exhibition.

15 March

·                    8am. Setting up (la Planta) of all the children’s fallas.

·                    2pm. Mascleta (Plaza del Ayuntamiento).

·                    6pm. Closing ceremony of the Ninot Exhibition.

·                    12pm. Setting up (la Planta) of all the Fallas.

·                    1:30am. Firework display (Paseo de la Alameda).

16 March

·                    2pm. Mascleta (Plaza del Ayuntamiento).

·                    4:30pm. Children’s Fallas Award Ceremony.

·                    10:30pm. Cabalgata Folklórica (procession with examples of regional festivals).

·                    1:30am. Firework display (Paseo de la Alameda).

17 March

·                    9:30am. Fallas Award Ceremony.

·                    2pm. Mascleta (Plaza del Ayuntamiento).

·                    16:00pm. Floral offering to Virgen de los Desamparados (Our Lady of the Forsaken).

·                    1:30am. Firework display (Paseo de la Alameda).

18 March

·                    11am. Mascleta (Plaza del Ayuntamiento). Tribute to the poet Maximiliano Thous (Calle Sagunto).

·                    12pm. Mascleta (Plaza del Ayuntamiento). Tribute to Maestro Serrano (Avenida Reino de Valencia).

·                    2pm. Mascleta (Plaza del Ayuntamiento).

·                    16pm. Floral offering to Virgen de los Desamparados (Our Lady of the Forsaken).

·                    2:00am. Firework display (Paseo de la Alameda).

19 March

·                    11am. Floral offering to St. Joseph (St. Joseph Bridge).

·                    12pm. Solemn Mass to honour St Joseph the Patriarch (The Cathedral).

·                    2pm. Mascleta (Plaza del Ayuntamiento).

·                    19pm. Procession of Fire (from Calle Ruzafa, Calle Colon, to end in Porta de la Mar).

·                    22pm. Crema (Burning) of the children’s Fallas.

·                    22:30pm. Crema (Burning) of the children’s Falla awarded first prize in the Special Section.

·                    23pm. Crema (Burning) of the Plaza del Ayuntamiento children’s Falla.

·                    00am. Crema (Burning) of all the Fallas of Valencia.

·                    00:30am. Crema (Burning) of the Falla awarded first prize in the Special Section.

·                    1am. Firework display (Plaza del Ayuntamiento).

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In this age of technology, more and more people carry out their businesses by means of their computer and the Internet. It is no wonder then that the modern traveller tends to book their vacations by this manner as well. In doing so, there is basically no need for a travel agent anymore. The outcome is more often than not a cheaper vacation for everyone. However, it is really necessary to be on your guard when booking online. Like your usual holiday shopping, it sure helps to look around first and to always examine the fine print.

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Arts and culture- these are two words that describe the formidable city of Barcelona. It is a valuable city not only because of its high-ranking economy but also because of its influence in the arts, architecture and its contribution to history.

It is a place of artistic treasures and historic legacy. Indeed, it is a major tourist destination that stood the test of time.

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and by regard, the most densely populated amongst the 17 Autonomous Communities of Spain. Also being the second largest city in Spain, it is the core of Barcelona’s Urban Region.

Geographically resting on the northeastern coast of Europe’s Iberian Peninsula along the Mediterranean shores, Barcelona is situated between two rivers, the Llobregat and Besòs. This also makes it a prime Mediterranean port. Barcelona’s climate makes it an all-year ideal tourist spot, having mild and humid winters and sunny, dry summers.
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Benidorm, Spain is located approximately twenty-eight miles northeast of Alicante and is one of the main tourist cities on the Costa Blanca. It is perfectly situated on the Mediterranean Sea and offers many choices of fabulous beach front accommodations. It is indeed a city built for tourism with plenty to do and see during the day and a busy nightlife to experience after the sun sets. The weather is the typical Mediterranean weather, but even in the winter season, the mountains surrounding the city protects it from the cold winds. Naturally, though, it is the most popular with tourists during the summer season when one can more enjoy the sun and beaches.

Whether you plan to explore surrounding cities or stay in Benidorm, you will not want to miss the great attractions the city offers. In fact, Benidorm is well known for its lively nightlife, but it also offers three beaches. The Playa de Levante is and the Playa de Poniente are the two larger beaches and are divided by a small beach called the Playa Mai Pas. The more secluded Levante beach is a topless beach and tends to attract a single, younger crowd. The Poniente is much busier and usually draws families and older adults. Cars are not permitted on the main street on the beach which makes it nice for families and strolls along the beach and in the area. With its wide variety of restaurants, bars and dance clubs, the beach front is busy during the day and night particularly in the summers.

The land renowned for paella, Ibiza, and Diego Velazquez is also known for its colourful heritage. This is why Spain is a Mecca of traditional activities, attracting millions of tourists each year. Who can blame them, when there’s a Spanish fiesta happening any time of year?

Semana Santa or Holy Week is celebrated around springtime, starting on Maundy Thursday and ending on Easter Sunday. This fiesta is significant to devout Catholics, who celebrate the Passion and death of Christ through vigils and processions. It’s a time for prayer, reflection, and on Easter Sunday, rejoicing.

Held in Pamplona in July, the Pamplona Bull Run is not for the faint-hearted. It involves the toro or bull being let loose and giving chase to participants who boldly attempt to escape unscathed. The less daring sit it out in the sidelines and go trigger-happy with their cameras.

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shopping with your credit card can quickly become a path to buyer’s remorse if you go at it without preparation. Your good cheer, your generosity, the store bargains, the ubiquitous advertisements, plus the convenience of using your credit card could all add up to the experience of having your good deeds punished.A credit card is a financial tool that, like any tool, should be used with care. Shopping on credit need not be a choice between being a Scrooge or being a spendthrift. Here’s the least you need to remember:

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Whatever mode of shopping you end up with, whether it’s going to the shops, browsing catalogs or going on-line, the first step you ought to take before going shopping would be to determine the amount of money you can afford to spend. Be realistic about this figure; it should be expressed as an integer and not as a range.

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pain’s second largest city and the capital of Catalonia is picturesque city rich in historic architectural wonders that leave any tourist amazed by its beauty. The city of Barcelona is a tourist haven where you can experience life in the city and relax at the beach after. There is so much to see and things to do whilst in this magnificent Mediterranean city.

Travelling to Barcelona

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To get to Barcelona is to pass through El Prat or the Barcelona International Airport which is ten kilometres away from the city. From the airport you can take a taxi or take the RENFE train which stops at different areas of the city. You can also take the Aerobus that depart every six to nine minutes or the Nit Bus if you’re travelling by night.

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