La fiesta de la Rosa del Azáfran( The Saffron festival)

In addition to food coloring and seasoning, its distinctive qualities have been appreciated

as a textile and wool dye, incense, beauty product, and perfume. Saffron's pharmacological

properties have played a role as a therapeutic agent in cultures of healing due to

antidepressive, antitumoral, and anticarcinogenic effects of certain saffron components.

When it comes to the geography of saffron, Spain is an obvious starting point. Since the

14th century, Spain has been a prominent exporter of the highest quality saffron in the

world. In the past, Spanish saffron was cultivated over a remarkably large surface area. In

the 1970s, it was the world's largest producer of saffron with around 6,000 hectares under

cultivation. Total acreage under cultivation has since decreased to less than 100 hectares.

In spite of the rapid decline in saffron cultivation, a few hundred Spanish farmers

passionately sustain this labor-intensive cottage industry, in part because of the income

derived from their marketable product but also because of their commitment to carrying on

centuries old agricultural practices. Saffron enthusiasts continue to wander through

Castilla-La Mancha on saffron tours in search of the agricultural landscapes and edible

delights of saffron and to meet saffron growers themselves.







Fiesta de la Rosa del Azafran (Festival of the Saffron Rose),is a celebration dedicated to

the people and places with deep connections to saffron cultivation. The geographical and

cultural characteristics give rise to La Mancha saffron, which is famous for its distinct

aroma and ability to provide intense color to whatever it is added.

The star of the festival is the purple Saffron flower, which provides the vital

canary-yellow hue of Spain's famous paella.
Dating back to 1963, the event aims to promote the cultural identity of La Mancha through

craft, food and competitions. Saffron plays a prominent role in this as around 90% of

Spain's saffron production is from this region.

The Monda competitions are a particular highlight, where participants separate the saffron

spice from the flower, a delicate process that only the nimblest of fingers can achieve.

Held in the town's Plaza de España, there are Monda contests for children, locals and also

experts from other Spanish regions. The National Monda on the final day is worth seeing as

all competitors wear traditional dress from their respective regions.

Echar una Siesta!

When is the Siesta?

There are two periods of siesta in Spain - siesta for shops and businesses, during which time many people go to a bar or restaurant, and then siesta for the restaurants, who obviously can't rest when everyone wants to come and eat. The siesta for shops and businesses is from approximately 2pm until 5pm while bars and restaurants close from about 4pm until about 8 or 9pm.

Why do the Spanish Stop for Siesta? -

The Traditional Reason - Spain is a hot country, especially mid-afternoon, and the traditional reason for the siesta is for the workers in the fields to shelter from the heat. They would then feel refreshed after their sleep and would work until quite late in the evening, longer than they would have been able to without the siesta.

The Modern Interpretation- While people do still work in the fields in Spain, this reason doesn't account for why shops and businesses in big cities close down today. Indeed, offices can get hot too, but the invention of air conditioning has helped in this department. So why do they still do it?
One big reason is because the Spanish like to have a long lunch. At home, mother will cook a huge lunch for the whole family (and yes, that does include for her 35-year-old accountant son, he'll still come home for mommy's cooking). The meal could last up to two hours (longer if time allows). A rest before going back to work is essential after that.
Another reason why the Spanish stop for siesta is not so much out of need but out of want - the Spanish like stopping for a while at lunch time. It allows them to stay up later in the evening without fading (you'll rarely hear a Spaniard saying 'I think I'll have an early night tonight'). Subsequently, if it has been a really late night, an afternoon sleep can be very welcome.

The Spanish nightlife is an all-night affair - visitors to Spain are surprised to see the streets just starting to fill up at midnight and are even more surprised to see people in their 60s and 70s still out at 3am. They wouldn't be able to do this without a siesta.

However, today many people are unable to take a siesta and their lives haven't collapsed around them. The gradual disappearance of the siesta has not changed the late-night lifestyle, which means the Spanish sleep an average of one hour less per day than other European countries.

Today, the siesta hits Madrid and Barcelona much less than it hits Granada or Salamanca. Big supermarkets and department stores also stay open during the siesta. In winter, when the heat isn't stifling, this can be a good time to go shopping as many Spaniards will stay away during this time.

But do the Spanish Actually Sleep During the Siesta?

Today's hectic lifestyle will often not allow people the time to sleep, but many still do their best to fit a little nap in when they can. But no, the Spanish office is not equipped with a bed out back for the director to catch forty winks - though I'm sure he'd like one!

A six-year Greek study found that those who took a 30-minute siesta at least three times a week had a 37% lower risk of heart-related death.
Experts said napping might help people to relax, reducing their stress levels. It is known that countries where siestas are common tend to have lower levels of heart disease, but studies have shown mixed results.
The researchers found those who took naps of any frequency and duration had a 34% lower risk of dying from heart disease than those who did not take midday naps.
Those who took naps of more than 30 minutes three or more times a week had a 37% lower risk.

Among working men who took midday naps, there was a 64% reduced risk of death compared with a 36% reduced risk among non-working men.
Taking a siesta may reduce stress.

1. The real siesta takes place in bed and in pyjamas, but a comfortable sofa is also fine if no bed is not available.

2. Timing is very important. A siesta should last between 15-30 minutes, no more.

3. Don't let anything disturb you. The siesta is a very serious business. Some people can't enjoy a siesta unless the TV or radio is on. If these kind of things help you to fall asleep, use them.

4. The best way to wake up from a siesta is to hear a delicate human voice. If you don't have anybody near, remember to use an alarm clock.

Tips:

Right after the siesta, a glass of water and a piece of chocolate will make your life easier. Disconnect all telephones!

The Flag Of Spain

The flag of Spain, as it is defined in the Spanish Constitution of 1978, consists of three horizontal stripes: red, yellow and red, the yellow stripe being twice the size of each red stripe.
Traditionally, the middle stripe was defined by the more archaic term of gualda (weld) but this word was removed from the draft of the Constitution by an amendment of Camilo José Cela, a writer appointed by the king as Senator to the Constituent Cortes, nevertheless the term appears again on the Royal Decree by which the technical specifications of the colours of the flag are regulated.

The state and war flags and ensigns (Bandera de España con escudo de España) must be charged with the Spanish coat of arms. The coat of arms must be placed at 1/3 the flag's length towards the hoist, and the height of the coat of arms should measure two fifths of the flag's width (i.e. hoist).

This version is stated to be used on state, autonomic, local andinstitutional buildings and ships, but it is used everywhere byeverybody in every circumstance, having acquired "de facto" the status of national flag.

Beaches of Spain

Spain has over 5,000 miles of coastline, much of which is graced with beautiful beaches. Though the tourists flock to the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol, there are beautiful beaches all over Spain.

The Playa de la Concha in San Sebastian is the best city beach in Spain, perhaps the whole of Europe. The sand is fine, the sea is clean.There are actually three beaches in San Sebastian: this one (which is the most popular and famous), the Playa de Ondarreta (which is popular with families) and Playa de Gros, popular with young people.





The Playa del Silencio Beach, Asturias, Spain is a very beautifulbeachside in the country of Spain. The beach is very clean and sandy.Walking through the sandy pristine sandy beach is really a great experience. The weather of the area is also very nice. The Playa del Silencio Beach, Asturias, Spain is also popularly known as the “Beach of Silence”. It is located nearby the fishing village called, Cudillero in the west of Gijón. In that area there are many resorts and you can stay at those luxurious resorts if you wish. Stay close to the Playa del Silencio Beach, Asturias in Spain and enjoy the silence of the beachside.

La Barrosa beach is 6 kilometres from the town of Chiclana. It's huge; with 8 kilometres of fine white sand and clear blue water.

It´s the perfect sandy beach and the Spaniards love it. It spans all the way from the watchtower of El Puerco to Cano de Sancti Petri.

There are two parts to the beach; the urbanised promenade and the untouched virgin stretch. It´s protected by sand dunes and beach shrubbery. The promenade has numerous bars and restaurants along with tourist facilities such as showers and toilets. There is also a Red Cross and police station at the end of the promenade.

The first thing you will notice is how clean it is. La Barrosa has been awarded the European Blue Flag award for clean beaches. It is also widely regarded as one of the best beaches on the Andalucian coastline.

This is a delightful beach and absolutely perfect for a family holiday.
It´s very popular with Spanish and German tourists. Peak periods are July and August, where it gets really packed. A lot of Spaniards spend their holiday weekends here. Many come down to surf during the winter months.

Día de la Hispanidad

The National Holiday of Spain or Hispanic Day (Fiesta Nacional de España or Día de la Hispanidad, in Spanish is the national day of Spain. It is held annually on October 12 and is a national holiday which commemorates the exact date of 1492 when Christopher Columbus first set a foot in America.

To commemorate it, there is a parade led by the military (usually held in Madrid) presided by the Spanish King, who is the Head of State, since Spain is politically organized as a constitutional monarchy. The Presidente del Gobierno has also a special role in the ceremony, only second to the King. Then a wide array of authorities, from foreign diplomats deployed in Spain to members of the Autonomous governments, are invited to attend the parade and aerobatics performed by the Spanish Armed Forces.

In the Autonomous Community of Aragon, this date also commemorates Our Lady of the Pillar (their patroness). It is also observed by the Civil Guard.

Similar holidays commemorate the same event: Día de la Raza (Day of the Race) in many countries in Latin America, Día de las Culturas (Day of the Cultures) in Costa Rica, Discovery Day in The Bahamas and Columbia, Discoverer's Day in Hawaii, and the newly renamed alternate (as of 2002) Día de la Resistencia Indígena (Day of Indigenous Resistance) in Venezuela.

La batalla del vino ( The wine battle )

The Wine Battle, an annual wine event that takes place in Haro, in La Rioja is held on the 29^th of June. Its origin is based on a historic land dispute and over time has evolved into a folkloric wine party. The event begins with a procession led by the mayor on horseback who leads attendees to a mass. The dress code is white shirt (all the better to get soaked with red wine after) and red scarves, and various containers with wine. After the mass the battle begins and people spray each other with wine, from their wineskins (botas), jugs and containers. Within a short time, the streets of Haro fill with red wine stained revelers. Following the wine battle, the crowd hits the bullring and do a small scale running of the bulls. A big Spanish lunch wraps up the day with local specialties like baby lamb chops roasted over grape vines, red Piquillo peppers and of course rich red wines from La Rioja.

Spanish Proverbs

Here is a list of interesting Spanish proverbs with their English translations. You can try using some of these some day..... Good Luck !!

Más vale pájaro en mano que cien volando.
A bird in the hand is worth more than 100 flying. [A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.]

Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente.
Eyes that do not see, heart that does not feel.

El amor es ciego.
Love is blind.

Perro que no camina, no encuentra hueso.
The dog that doesn't walk doesn't find a bone. [You can't succeed if you don't try.]

Haz el bien, y no mires a quién.
Do the good, and don't look at whom. [Do what is right, not what will gain approval.]

No todo lo que brilla es oro.
Not all that shines is gold. [Not everything that glitters is gold.]

No hay mal que por bien no venga.
There is not bad from which good doesn't come.

Saliste de Guatemala y te metiste en Guatapeor.
You left Guate-bad and went to Guate-worse.

Del dicho al hecho, hay mucho trecho.
From the saying to the act, there is much distance. [Saying something and doing it are two different things.]

La ignorancia es atrevida.
Ignorance is courageous.

Get married in Spain

Planning to get married . Why not in Spain ? Your are more likely to ask why in Spain of all the places in the world?
Well! Here's why ! Spain is a great destination to visit, above all for your wedding! With its excellent climate, fine food and drink, exciting blend of the historic and modern, and a warm and friendly atmosphere, it combines all the essential elements for making your special day that bit extra special. Besides, you can get your wedding planned and organised by people who are paid to do so.... like in India!!! Lets see what all you will need to do!
There are many beautiful locations available for ceremonies from small country chapels, cathedral-type churches, gardens and beaches. Only catholic and civil weddings are accepted as valid under Spanish Law, and are recognized as such in the rest of Europe and USA. The Anglican Church has no power to marry couples in Spain, but it can perform blessings after a civil marriage. It is possible to celebrate weddings for couples of other faiths (although they are not considered legal). No. Spanish law does not permit 2 foreigners to marry at a registry office in Spain if they are non-residents. You can celebrate a legal marriage in your country, and then come to Spain so that a wedding “officiant” can officiate at the ceremony. Yes , you can get married legally by the Roman Catholic Church in Spain to change the marital status of the couple. This option can be carried out throughout Spain. You must be a Catholic, have been baptised in the Catholic Church and be single, or legally divorced, and never previously married by the Catholic Church. For the truly romantic, an exchange of vows ceremony can take place in any location with the words that the couple chose, whether they are of a religious or humanist nature. A civil wedding can take place in the couple's country of origin prior to the ceremony if the couple wishes the union to be recognized under their country's laws, or it can be combined with a Spanish civil ceremony. For those couples wishing to renew their vows, either a religious or symbolic ceremony can be arranged. Generally, any wedding that is recognized under Spanish Law will be recognized by your home country. Spain is a large country and the climate varies with the region. The region of Andalucia in the south has the most temperate climate with little rain, but it can be extremely hot in the months of July and August. So whats stopping you .... rush now !

Argentine tango

Argentine Tango is a social dance and a musical genre that originated in Argentina and moved to Uruguay and to the rest of the world later on. In the US, it is commonly confused with Ballroom Tango, though this is a later derivation. See History of Tango and Tango music for the origins and development of each

Argentine Tango is danced in an embrace that can vary from very open, in which leader and follower connect at arms length, to very closed, in which the connection is chest-to-chest, or anywhere in between. Close embrace is often associated with the more traditional styles, while open embrace leaves room for many of the embellishments and figures that are associated with Tango Nuevo.
Tango is essentially walking with a partner and the music. Musicality (i.e. dancing appropriately to the emotion and speed of a tango) is an extremely important element of tangoing. A good dancer is one who makes you see the music. Also, dancers generally keep their feet close to the floor as they walk, the ankles and knees brushing as one leg passes the other.
Argentine Tango relies heavily on improvisation; although certain patterns of movement have been codified by instructors over the years as a device to instruct dancers, there is no "basic step." One of the only constants across all Argentine Tango styles, is that the follower will usually be led to alternate feet. Another is that the follower rarely has her weight on both feet at the same time. Argentine tango is a new orientation of couple dancing. As most dances have a rational-pattern which can be predicted by the follower, the ballast of previous perceptions about strict rules has to be thrown overboard and replaced by a real communication contact, creating a direct non-verbal dialogue. A tango is a living act in the moment as it happens.
Argentine Tango is danced counterclockwise around the outside of the dance floor (the "line of dance") and dance "traffic" often segregates into a number of "lanes"; cutting across the middle of the floor is frowned upon. In general, the middle of the floor is where you find either beginners who lack floor navigation skills or people who are performing "showy" figures or patterns that take up more dance floor space. It is acceptable to stop briefly in the line of dance to perform stationary figures, as long as the other dancers are not unduly impeded. The school of thought about this is, if there is open space in front of you, there are likely people waiting behind you. Dancers are expected to respect the other couples on the floor; colliding or even crowding another couple, or stepping on others' feet is to be avoided strenuously. It is considered rude; in addition to possible physical harm rendered, it can be disruptive to a couple's musicality.

Aqueduct of Segovia

The Aqueduct of Segovia (or more precisely, the aqueduct bridge) is one of the most significant and best-preserved monuments left by the Romans on the Iberian Peninsula. It is among the most important symbols of Segovia, as is evidenced by its presence on the city's coat of arms.


The aqueduct transports waters from Spring Fuenfría, situated in the nearby mountains some 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) from the city in a region known as La Acebeda. It runs another 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) before arriving in the city. The water is first gathered in a tank known as El Caserón (or Big House), and is then led through a channel to a second tower known as the Casa de Aguas (or Waterhouse). There it is naturally decanted and sand settles out before the water continues its route. Next the water travels 728 meters (.45 miles) on a one-percent grade until it is high upon the Postigo, a rocky outcropping on which the old city center, the Segovia Alcázar, was built. Then, at Plaza de Díaz Sanz (Díaz Sanz Square), the structure makes an abrupt turn and heads toward Plaza Azoguejo (Azoguejo Square). It is there the monument begins to display its full splendor. At its tallest, the aqueduct reaches a height of 28.5 meters (93.5 feet), including nearly 6 meters (19.7 feet) of foundation. There are both single and double arches supported by pillars. From the point the aqueduct enters the city until it reaches Plaza de Díaz Sanz, it boasts 75 single arches and 44 double arches (or 88 arches when counted individually), followed by four single arches, totalling 167 arches in all.


The aqueduct is built of unmortared, brick-like granite blocks


The aqueduct is the city's most important architectural landmark. It had been kept functioning throughout the centuries and preserved in excellent condition. It provided water to Segovia, mainly to the Segovia Alcázar, until recently. During the 20th Century, the aqueduct suffered wear and tear due to pollution from heaters and automobiles. The latter used to pass below the arches. Natural erosion from the granite itself has also affected the structure through the years. Contrary to popular belief, vibrations caused by traffic do not affect the aqueduct due to its great mass. Restoration projects, supervised by architect Francisco Jurado, have been ongoing since 1997 in order to guarantee the aqueduct's survival. During the restoration, traffic has been re-routed, and Plaza Azoguejo has been converted into a pedestrian zone.


The Legend
According to a popular legend, sloth, rather than Romans, was responsible for the construction of the aqueduct. A woman who worked as a water carrier, fed up with hauling her pitcher through the steep streets of the city, made a pact with the devil: the devil could take her soul if water would arrive at her doorstep before the rooster crowed. When night fell, a great storm fell upon the city. None of its citizens except the woman knew that this was no normal storm, but instead was the devil working to keep his part of the bargain. However, she repented and prayed all night to avoid fulfilling the pact. According to the legend, the rooster crowed just before the devil could lay the final stone, and thus the woman's soul was saved.
The woman confessed her sin to the citizens who, after spraying the arches with holy water, were happy to accept the new addition to the city. Convinced that a miracle had saved the woman's soul, a statue of the Virgin and Saint Stephen were placed atop the aqueduct in commemoration.

Flamenco

Flamenco is a Spanish musical genre with strong, rhythmic undertones and is often accompanied with a similarly impassioned style of dance characterized by its powerful yet graceful execution, as well as its intricate hand and footwork. Flamenco embodies a complex musical and cultural tradition. Although considered part of the culture of Spain in general, flamenco actually originates from one region: Andalusia. However, other areas, mainly Extremadura and Murcia, have contributed to the development of several flamenco musical forms, and a great number of renowned flamenco artists have been born in other territories of the state. The roots of flamenco are not precisely known, but it is generally acknowledged that flamenco grew out of the un1ique interplay of native Andalusian, Islamic, Sephardic, and Gypsy cultures that existed in Andalusia prior to and after the Reconquest. Latin American and especially Cuban influences have also been important in shaping several flamenco musical forms

Amores perros is a Mexican film directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu in 2000. It is an anthology film containing three distinct stories which are connected by a car accident in Mexico City. Each of the three tales is also a reflection on the cruelty of humans toward animals and each other, showing how they may live dark or even hideous lives. Amores Perros was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2001 and won the Ariel Award for Best Picture from the Mexican Academy of Film.
The film was released under its Spanish title in the English-speaking world although it was sometimes translated as Love's a Bitch in marketing. In a 2001 interview on National Public Radio Iñárritu pointed out that an American English idiom, Love's a Bitch is not a satisfactory translation of the title

Gazpacho soup

El Gazpacho.

Gazpacho soup, usually simply referred to as gazpacho, is a cold Spanish soup originating in the Southern region of Andalusia. It is widely consumed throughout Spain, neighboring Portugal and certain Latin American countries. It descends from an ancient Andalusian concoction based on a combination of stale bread, garlic, olive oil, salt, and vinegar — a cold breadsoup. With the Columbian Exchange beginning in 1492, the tomato and the bell pepper were brought to Europe।

The soup is also classically accompanied by hard boiled egg।