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El Vergel Safari Park closes after 33 years

FALLING NUMBERS of visitors and competition from more modern attractions have forced the closure of El Vergel Safari Park after 33 years.
A trickle of cars arrived last Friday only to find gates were closed and be turned away from the once-popular attraction by security staff.
One told RTN: “We are closed – everything is closed.”

However, he confirmed keepers would be caring for some 460 animals over the next six months as they undergo health checks and found new homes under strict guideline covering their movement.

The closure is a blow for locals who worked with animals or in the restaurant and bar.
A once ground-breaking attraction on the Marina Alta, it allowed visitors to watch animals wandering ‘semi-wild’ in enclosures and boasted 1,400 animals of some 150 different species.
The park covered half a million square metres close to Pego Marshes and also had an important collection of over 150 types of fauna.

TUMBLE
However, the number of tourists passing through the gates has tumbled from a golden age of 250,000 a year to fewer than 15,000.
It is understood the safari park failed to keep pace with new attractions such as Terra Natura in Benidorm and Valencia’s L’Oceanografic and Bioparc.
El Vergel allowed visitors to drive through the enclosures housing a menagerie of Bengal tigers, lions, water buffalo, elephants, giraffes, rhinoceros, and 25 Vietnamese pigs. Other attractions included a sea lion show and a large aviary.
The park also made news by taking part in breeding programmes for wild animals.

However, El Vergel made international headlines for the wrong reasons in May 1999. Disregarding all warning notices, an elderly German couple got out of their car and were killed by three tigers.

From the roundtownnews.co.k

A perfunctory “ Hereby we inform (you) of the indefinite closure of our facilities .Without further ado, Greetings” was the poignant and solitary message posted on Vergel Safari Parks website last Wednesday September 9, informing the world that after thirty three years the Park was to close its doors for the very last time.

The recession and competition from other tourist attractions such as Terra Natura in Benidorm and Valencia’s Bioparc had all conspired to bring about the demise of one of the Costa Blanca favourite leisure destinations.

Vergel Safari Park had been a pioneer on the Costa Blanca of the then new concept of housing animals in an environment close to their natural habitat as possible, and away from the more confined zoo concept. However, times move on and the newer facilities of the competitors and ever changing mores of the leisure industry, left behind the park struggling to keep up its visitor numbers which had plummeted a massive 80% over the last three years.

The Park occupied some half a million square metres of land next to the Pego marsh, and was home to around one thousand four hundred animals covering one hundred and fifty species. Half of the Parks fifty employees have been made redundant with immediate effect, whilst the remaining staff are being kept on to continue caring for the animals over a six month period during which it is hoped they can all be successfully found new homes.

The economic knock on effect to the Marina Alta area will be felt through the direct unemployment of the workers, and indirectly a drop in trade for the ancillary businesses that benefitted from the tourist influx into the area to visit the Park.

In the long run perhaps the one thing the Park will be remembered for is the incident in 1999, when two German pensioners were killed by a tiger when they unwittingly left their vehicle, thinking they had left the secure area, when in fact they had merely passed from the lion’s enclosure through to that of the tigers.

It would be a pity if this was the only legacy of the Park, which brought so many happy days out over three decades for families throughout the region.

from Euro Weekly News








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Valencia Grand Prix 2011

FIA unveils 20-race 2011 F1 schedule

The FIA's World Motor Sport Council has released the provisional race calendar for the 2011 Formula 1 season, which sees Interlagos regain the season finale for the first time since 2008.

The enlarged 20-race calendar - the longest in F1 history - features an earlier start and later finish than the 2010 season, with the championship-closing Brazilian Grand Prix on 27 November. .

There are once again four back-to-back races - Malaysia and China, Spain and Monaco, Germany and Hungary, and Japan and Korea.

The new Indian Grand Prix at Delhi comes towards the end of the season as part of a series of flyaway races.

The European Geand Prix, held in Valencia, will be over the weekend of the 6th June 2011

2011 F1 calendar:

13/03 Bahrain
27/03 Australia
10/04 Malaysia
17/04 China
08/05 Turkey
22/05 Spain
29/05 Monaco
12/06 Canada
26/06 Europe (Valencia)
10/07 Great Britain
24/07 Germany
31/07 Hungary
28/08 Belgium
11/09 Italy
25/09 Singapore
09/10 Japan
16/10 Korea
30/10 India*
13/11 Abu Dhabi
27/11 Brazil

* Subject to the homologation of the circuit

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Fires in Communidad Valencia Spain

More than 600 people were Tuesday combating three wildfires which forced the evacuation of eight areas in eastern Spain, officials said.

Most of the evacuations were in Valencia province. They were taken as a precaution, the sources said, without giving the number of those who had to leave their homes.

Firefighters were concentrating their efforts in the community of Ontinyent, where about 1,200 people had been evacuated, the daily El Pais said on its website.

Smoke blocked several roads, and rail traffic suffered temporary disruptions. Officials did not exclude the possibility that the fires had been started by arsonists.

Wildfires have devoured more than 20,000 hectares of vegetation in Spain so far this year

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Star Trek Exhibition - Valencia City of Arts and Sciences

Star Trek Exhibition at the City of Arts and Sciences

The City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia on the Cosat Azahar is having a special summer event this year. They want to take us on a journey through time from the Jurassic Age to the 23rd Century and the “Star Ship Enterprise”.

There are to be two displays one about dinosaurs,”Among Dinosaurs” and the other “Star Trek:An Exhibition”.All of this will take place at the Science Museum from July 14.

Star Trek Exhibit In Spain – El Espacio: La Ultima Frontera

For the first time in Europe, the City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia presents the “Star Trek. Welcome aboard” exhibition, which brings together original pieces from the series and films ‘Star Trek’ presented with an elegant set design capable of teleporting visitors to the starship “Enterprise”. Science and science fiction come together from the 22nd July to the 22nd February 2011 on the third floor of the Science Museum at the City of Arts and Sciences.

The exhibition, which will be open until February 2011, includes an extraordinary selection of some of the most important elements used in the episodes of Star Trek and its films. During the tour visitors can enjoy more than 10 models of starships, including two large ones, more than 20 pieces of the original costumes, the replica of the bridge of the Enterprise, a collection of 15 head of characters and the space shuttle simulator, including graphics and audiovisual.

On July 22nd the ‘Príncipe Felipe’ Science Museum, part of the Ciudades de las Artes Y Las Ciencias in Valencia, Spain, became host to the "Star Trek: Welcome Aboard" exhibition. This marks the first time that Star Trek: The Exhibition has come to Europe

The exhibit includes a replica of The Enterprise D bridge and models of the USS Enterprise and USS Voyager. There are also more models, props and costumes, including costumes from the new Star Trek movie. There are also episode scripts, posters, murals, artwork and Star Trek merchandise.

The “Star Trek” exhibition which will give visitors the chance to see real props and costumes from this legendary series for the first time ever in Europe, in a meticulously assembled set that will beam them up to the star ship ‘Enterprise’

The replica of the bridge, a flight simulator, models and real objects can all be seen in the exhibition on this series that actually did see into the future as it portrayed inventions such as laser rays, CAT scans, the mobile phone and automatic sliding doors. Pedro García Ribot also announced that in the autumn an assembly of Star Trek fans will be held in Valencia.







The Hemisferic will be showing its iMax films and the World of the Oceanografic will be open until midnight for the summer.The Umbracle will be the setting for the “Among Dinosaurs” and it will be available to view until next May.The exhibition recreates the habitats of these creatures.There are 26 robotic dinosaurs and they range in size from 2 metres to 27 metres in length.They make a wide range of movements and sounds.






Throughout the summer there will be special events and other exhibitions and film shows,often going on until very late,when it is cooler.Information can be viewed at www.cac.es



The Oceanografica will be opening two new exhibitions of corals and also the “Deep Ocean”.Four new King Penguins are being introduced and also a aHammerhead Shark.





Opening Hours:

Low season 01/01 to 30/06 and 13/09 to 31/12 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m

High season 1/07 to 12/09 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Ticket Prices:

Adult: 7.50 €

Reduced: 5.80 €

School Groups: 4.10 €

Adult Groups: 5.40 €

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La Tomatina - Bunol - Tomato Fight Valencia

La Tomatina is the world's biggest organised tomato fight.

Every year, thousands of people gather in the town of Buñol in Valencia to spend an hour pelting each other with rotten tomatoes. The tomato fight has become famous the world over, but is actually just one event in a week of festivities that attracts visitors from around the world. This year, La Tomatina will be held on 25 August at 11am.

Bunol, near Valencia.

Over 100,000 kilos of tomatos will flood the village square in the worlds biggest tomato fight!

Each year, on the last Wednesday of August, thousands of people plunge themselves into the tradition that has lasted for over 60 years. They come to Bunol from all over the world to feel and live throught one of the best, and more unusual fiestsa in Spain: La Tomatina.

It all started on the last Wednesday of August 1945, when some young people were getting fresh air in the town square. The evening did not promise much, so they decided to form part of a parade that was taking place with musicians and carnival figures of giants and enormous headed individuals. The impetus of their entry caused the fall of a participant who full of rage, began to hit everyone in his way. By a quirk of fate, there just happened to be a stand of vegetables beside them. The angry crowd started throwing tomatoes at each other until the public law put an end to the vegetable battle.

The following year, the young people repeated the tomato fight on a voluntary basis and brought tomatoes from home. Although the celebration was dissolved by the police during the following years, the boys, without knowing it, had made history. La Tomatina was banned in the early fifties, although this fact did not dissuade participants, eventhough some were arrested. But the will of the locals was heard and the celebration returned, more people took part in it and it became increasingly wild.

Again the event was canceled until 1955, when, in protest, the Burial of the Tomato was held: an event in which residents carried a coffin with a big tomato inside. The parade was accompanied by a music band playing funeral marches, and it obtained a complete success. Finally, in 1957 official permision was granted and La Tomatina festival was formaly established. After that it has been the City Councils of the municipality themselves that have organized and promoted this curious battle, that has made Buñol world famous.

The festival became popular in the rest of Spain thanks to Javier Basilio who, showed the event in a television program Informe Semanal “Week report” on Spanish TV. Since 1980, it has been the different City Councils that have supplied the tomatoes to the participants, which year after year, increase in number and enthusiasm. The success has led to have La Tomatina, of Buñol, be considered, as of August 2002, International Fiesta of Tourist Interest by the General Secretariat of Tourism of Spain.

At La Tomatina you can always have fun, but if you want it to be memorable, follow the tips we give you:

Choose running shoes you don’t have mush esteem for, and tie them to your ancles. Other types of shoes can be easily lost

Wear old clothes you don’t intend to use again, they will most likely end up broken.

Diving goggles are quite convenient. The acid contained in the tomatoes can sting your eyes a lot, but leaves your skin clean and soft.

If you want to take pictures, use a waterproof camera.

If you want to see better, never go up railings, windows, pillars, etc., you will become a perfect target for all the tomatoes

If you're an outsider and you want to spend the night in Buñol, make sure you look for accommodation in advance.

Do not miss the soap stick: a soap smeared pole with a ham hanging on the top. Whoever gets to the ham, keeps it.

And, of course, enjoy the most of it. It’s marvellous to do something as absurd as throwing tomatoes to everyone for an hour.

Buñol Weather

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THE NEW managers of Terra Mítica theme park, Aqualandia-Mundomar, announced this week that the park would be finishing its summer season at the end of September rather than in December and that at least 400 members of staff would be made redundant.

THE NEW managers of Terra Mítica theme park, Aqualandia-Mundomar, announced this week that the park would be finishing its summer season at the end of September rather than in December and that at least 400 members of staff would be made redundant.

It is believed that the park will close for at least 6 months, with around 400 staff losing their jobs.

A spokesman for the new management team said that it was necessary to close the facility for at least six months so that wide ranging reforms can be carried out.

Those facing the sack also include all of the top managers as well as the current director, Juan José Torres.

The Calendar & Schedules section on the Terra Mitica website does not yet reflect these reported changes to operations.

The official reason provided to workers to advance in late September the closure of the facility, which was originally scheduled for December, is the need to implement a comprehensive reform of Terra Mitica, forcing to close the entire park for at least six months. The closure, therefore, lead including a plan for temporary layoffs affect more than four employees, more than 600 are there in the company. Various sources that had access to this newspaper yesterday reported that although the meeting was provided little information or a list of workers affected by redundancy case, everything points to the same company contemplate the one hand to advance the end of the contract to more than 300 permanent-intermittent and, secondly, to include about 120 permanent workers, within which would also temporarily suspended all contract positions in the complex, including its own director general, Juan Jose Torres. The rest of the squad is completed by workers with temporary contract, which expires at the end of high season.

Sources indicated yesterday by this newspaper yesterday that the explanation provided by the park managers estimated that the renovation work could last for six months between October and April. However, they could not specify if the park will reopen its doors in April or later will, and in view of the summer. From the social side also expressed doubts over whether the complex now reduce their calendar theme for the months of major tourist, as for example in the other two parks of Benidorm which manages the same company, or keep for next winter a timetable similar to that planned for this year, with openings on weekends and holidays from March to December and every day of the high season.


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La Vuelta a Espana 2010

La Vuelta a España, the Tour of Spain cycling road race, is used to being regarded as the little brother of the three Grand Tours of Europe, lacking some of the history and tradition of the tours of France and Italy.

In 2010, the Vuelta a España will be celebrating its 75h Anniversary.

The Mayor for Orihuela, Monica Lorente, announced this week that the prestigious bike race will be going through the city and surrounding municipalities, including Rojales and Benijofar, when the Vega Baja stage of the event takes place on Friday 3rd September.

Ms Lorente told a press conference at the Orihuela Town Hall that she is honoured the city is to play host to one of Spain’s biggest annual sporting events and announced a series of projects in the city, such as road surface improvements, to prepare for the big event. She said: “This sporting event is one of the most important of the year and is a great way to promote the city of Orihuela.”

The city will be the main base for the seventh stage of the bicycle tour and will welcome cyclists from all over the World. It is the second time that Orihuela has been involved in the Tour of Spain but Ms Lorente says that this year it is even more symbolic as 2010 is also the centenary of the birth of Orihuela born poet Miguel Hernández.

FIESTA

The Town Hall has made an enormous effort to get the cycling tour organisers to include Orihuela as one of its stage cities. Ms Lorente said: “The organisation that goes into staging this event is enormous and many hours of dedicated work has taken place behind the scenes in order to have this prestigious event in our city.”

The Mayor also announced that the 3rd September will be officially classed as a fiesta day for the residents of Orihuela City as it is important that they can personally witness one of the most important sporting events, not only on a national level but internationally.

More than 14 municipalities in the Vega Baja will see cyclists from the tour go through, including Jacarilla, Benejúzar, Algorfa, Benijófar, Rojales, Formentera, Almoradí, Dolores, Catral, Redován, Albatera, Guardamar, Cox and Granja de Rocamora.

Rpeort details from roundtownnews


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Barx Fiesta Programme 2010

FIESTAS OF BARX 2010.-


PROGRAM





MONDAY, 16th. OF AUGUST

18,00 h. Handball game in calle Gandia.

22,00 h. Brotherhood supper and paella competition in calle Gandia. Organized by the 2011 Fiestas Commission.





TUESDAY, 17th. OF AUGUST. YOUNG PEOPLE'S DAY.

09,00 h. Popular breakfast in Bar Nuria.

10,00 h. Card games championship.

13,00 h. Fiesta at the youth club, for the youngest.

14,00 h. Young people lunch with mobile disco.

16,30 h. Finals of the card games championships.

23,00h. Grand Fancy dress parade, it will start at the park, in calle Gandia.

24,00 h. Mobile disco PIRAMIDE at the Town Hall square.





WEDNESDAY, 18th. OF AUGUST, SENIOR CITICENS DAY.

08,00 h. Big noisy wake up call.

11,30 h. Collection of the pensioners and representatives of the municipality and

Council, by the band of Barx

12,00 h. Holy Mass in honour of Saint Joaquim and Saint Anna.

14,00 h. Pensioners lunch, at their association.

20,00h. Collection of the pensioners and town and Council representatives by the band

of Barx.

20, 30 h. Solemn procession in honour of Saint Joaquim and Saint Anna.

23,00 h. Variety show in calle Major.

01,00 h. Mobile disco at the at the Town Hall square.





THURSDAY, 19th. OF AUGUST. FIESTA OF OUR LADY OF CARMEL

AND THE SACRED HEART.

11,30 h. Collection of representatives of the Council.

12,00 h. Holy Mass in honour of our Lady of Carmel and the Sacred Heart.

20,00 h. Collection of the authorities by the band of Barx.

20,30 h. Solemn procession.

24,00 h. Dance with the LA CRUZADA orchestra.





FRIDAY, 20th. OF AUGUST. FIESTA OF SAINT MIQUEL.

11,30 h. Collection of the authorities by the band of Barx from the Town Hall

12,00 h. Holy Mass in honour of Saint Miquel the Archangel.

20,00 h. Cercavila de cabuts realitzada pel grup de Xirimiters de Castelló de la Ribera.

20,30 h. Collection of the authorities from the Town Hall by the band of Barx.

21,00 h. Solemn procession in honour of Saint Miquel Archangel.

24,00 h. Macrodisco in calle Mayor.





SATURDAY, 21st. OF AUGUST. FIESTA OF THE DIVINE SHEPHERDESS.

08,00 h. Big noisy wake up call.

11,30 h. Collection of the authorities from the Town Hall by the band.

12,00 h. Solemn Mass in honour of the Divine Shepherdess.

13,30 h. Bangers in the street by the Pyrotechnics RICASA.

19,30 h. Collection of the authorities from the Town Hall by the band.

20,00 h. floral offering to the Divine Shepherdess.

21,00 h. Solemn procession in honour of the Divine Shepherdess.

22,30 h. Firework castle by the Pyrotechnic RICASA.

01,00 h. Dance to the music of the ABRAXAS orchestra.





SUNDAY, 22nd.OF AUGUST.

11,00 h. swimming championship at the municipal swimming pool.

17,00- 20:00 h. Aquatic children's park at the municipal pool.

20,30 h. Children's theatre, at the Open Air Theatre. Presented by the Maduixa Theatre

Company who'll offer the spectacle MEGÀNIMALS.





FIESTAS OF BARX 2010.-

PROGRAM





MONDAY, 16th. OF AUGUST

18,00 h. Handball game in calle Gandia.

22,00 h. Brotherhood supper and paella competition in calle Gandia. Organized by the 2011 Fiestas Commission.





TUESDAY, 17th. OF AUGUST. YOUNG PEOPLE'S DAY.

09,00 h. Popular breakfast in Bar Nuria.

10,00 h. Card games championship.

13,00 h. Fiesta at the youth club, for the youngest.

14,00 h. Young people lunch with mobile disco.

16,30 h. Finals of the card games championships.

23,00h. Grand Fancy dress parade, it will start at the park, in calle Gandia.

24,00 h. Mobile disco PIRAMIDE at the Town Hall square.





WEDNESDAY, 18th. OF AUGUST, SENIOR CITICENS DAY.

08,00 h. Big noisy wake up call.

11,30 h. Collection of the pensioners and representatives of the municipality and

Council, by the band of Barx

12,00 h. Holy Mass in honour of Saint Joaquim and Saint Anna.

14,00 h. Pensioners lunch, at their association.

20,00h. Collection of the pensioners and town and Council representatives by the band

of Barx.

20, 30 h. Solemn procession in honour of Saint Joaquim and Saint Anna.

23,00 h. Variety show in calle Major.

01,00 h. Mobile disco at the at the Town Hall square.





THURSDAY, 19th. OF AUGUST. FIESTA OF OUR LADY OF CARMEL

AND THE SACRED HEART.

11,30 h. Collection of representatives of the Council.

12,00 h. Holy Mass in honour of our Lady of Carmel and the Sacred Heart.

20,00 h. Collection of the authorities by the band of Barx.

20,30 h. Solemn procession.

24,00 h. Dance with the LA CRUZADA orchestra.





FRIDAY, 20th. OF AUGUST. FIESTA OF SAINT MIQUEL.

11,30 h. Collection of the authorities by the band of Barx from the Town Hall

12,00 h. Holy Mass in honour of Saint Miquel the Archangel.

20,00 h. Cercavila de cabuts realitzada pel grup de Xirimiters de Castelló de la Ribera.

20,30 h. Collection of the authorities from the Town Hall by the band of Barx.

21,00 h. Solemn procession in honour of Saint Miquel Archangel.

24,00 h. Macrodisco in calle Mayor.





SATURDAY, 21st. OF AUGUST. FIESTA OF THE DIVINE SHEPHERDESS.

08,00 h. Big noisy wake up call.

11,30 h. Collection of the authorities from the Town Hall by the band.

12,00 h. Solemn Mass in honour of the Divine Shepherdess.

13,30 h. Bangers in the street by the Pyrotechnics RICASA.

19,30 h. Collection of the authorities from the Town Hall by the band.

20,00 h. floral offering to the Divine Shepherdess.

21,00 h. Solemn procession in honour of the Divine Shepherdess.

22,30 h. Firework castle by the Pyrotechnic RICASA.

01,00 h. Dance to the music of the ABRAXAS orchestra.





SUNDAY, 22nd.OF AUGUST.

11,00 h. swimming championship at the municipal swimming pool.

17,00- 20:00 h. Aquatic children's park at the municipal pool.

20,30 h. Children's theatre, at the Open Air Theatre. Presented by the Maduixa Theatre

Company who'll offer the spectacle MEGÀNIMALS.



For more information please visit:


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The Gandia International Music Festival - August 2010

The town of Gandía, in Valencia, is laying on a wide range of cultural events to mark the anniversary of the first saint to come from one of the most important families in Valencia’s history, the patron saint of the city, and Chief Minister of Emperor Charles V of Spain.

Visitors can enjoy a whole host of activities all year round on the occasion of this important event. Highlights of the musical programme include “Polisònic: Gandía International Music Festival”, a concert by the Orfeó Borja choir, the concert entitled Visitatio Sepulchri en Jazz by the Big Band Centenari and “La Mar de Músiques” (sea of music) festival. Street theatre, art and philatelic exhibitions, gastronomic events and a literary week are just a few of the options on offer in this programme.

THE POLISÒNIC (Gandia’s International Music Festival), is one of the most important cultural events in the city of Gandia and one of the most prestigious music festivals throughout the Valencian Community.

On Tuesday 3rd August, 14 international music groups will meet in the splendid garden of the Casa de Cultura de Gandia, to offer a compelling display of different musical styles: blues, jazz, flamenco, Cuban music, African and Irish.

Admission will be free.


Polisónic XX International Music Festival Gandia
3rd to 20th August: GARDEN OF the Casa De Cultura Marques De Gonzalez De Quiros

Free Admission: Concerts at 22.30

TUESDAY 3RD: Krokodillos
Fun to the rhythm of New Orleans. Originally from St. Petersburg, Krokodillos is formed by musicians from England, Japan, Australia and Russia. These five virtuosos interpret the energetic music of New Orleans in the 20s, with its own style full of swing and an enjoyable show. Krokodillos gigs are always a guarantee of entertainment and happiness, thanks to their rhythmic, positive and contagious music.

Mikha Violin (banjo, vocals), Julian Aymí (clarinet), Jay Wallis (trumpet), Chiaki Mawatari (tuba), Martí Elias (washboard)

www.myspace.com/loskrokodillos

WEDNESDAY 4TH: RED HOUSE and LOU MARINI
The most powerful rhythm and blues. American saxophonist Lou Marini is known as one of the founding members of The Blues Brothers Band. He has recorded albums with Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder and Frank Zappa among others, and has played with bands like The Rolling Stones and Aerosmith.

Red House is the result of long experience and friendship between Francisco Simon and Jeff Espinoza, giving as result an excellent rhythm & blues band and, for many years, musically accompanied the TV show ‘Caiga quien caiga’.

Jeff Espinoza (guitar, vocals); Francisco Simón (guitar); Manuel Bagüés (bass); Carlos Sánchez (drums); Lou Marini (sax; vocals).

www.redhouse.fm

www.myspace.com/loumarinijr


THURSDAY 5TH : Äl Jawala
Balkan music: The proposal prepared by the German group Äl Jawala is a fusion of traditional Balkan music and rhythms of urban culture. Oriental music combined with funky and traditional melodies with festive, effervescent and danceable rhythms. Winners in 2007 of the first prize in the German-Créole Awards dedicated to ethnic music, Äl Jawala now presents its new album entitled ‘Asphalt Pirate Radio’.

Daniel Pellegrini (drums, didgeridoo, piano); Markus Schumacher (percussion); Daniel Verdier (bass); Krischan Lukanow (sax); Steffi Schimmer (sax)

www.jawala.de


FRIDAY 6TH: The Art Tango Ensemble
The sensuality of tango. The Art Tango Ensemble is formed by international soloists seduced by the musical language of Gardel and Piazzolla. The show presented, entitled Pasión Carnal, arises from the concern of the prestigious violinist Joaquin Palomares and Argentine maestro Orlando di Bello, managing to merge the classic concept with tango arrabalero. A show that will, in addition, benefit from the participation of Matías and Magda, subchampion dance partner of the world.

Joaquín Palomares (violín, director); Katalin Petrik (violin); Herwig Coryn (cello); Serafín Rubens (bass); Orlando di Bello (bandoneon); Michel Wagemans (piano); Matías i Magda (dancers)

www.pal-music.com/sitio/tango


SATURDAY 7TH: Oncle Strongle
Garage Swing: Formed in 2003, the French Oncle Strongle are, by definition and by vocation, a live band. With a 1930-ish look, the Strongle are able to play a funny movie on stage, with a style of an undeniable musical personality, which combines mambo; Eastern europe music or Rock'n 'Roll; adapting classic and jazz standards; and always with the presence of the contagious rhythm of swing.

Nicolas Vezzoni (trumpet, vocals); Benjamin Vezzoni (sax, vocals); Gilles Stroch (clarinet, sax); Sebastien Tournie (banjo, guitar, vocals); Guillaume Gendre (double bass); Loris Pertoldi (drums).

www.myspace.com/onclestrongle


TUESDAY 10TH: Jerez-Texas
On the frontiers of flamenco: Jerez-Texas’s offer is not easy to classify. Flamenco, jazz and classical music are, in essence, the three pillars on which rests the style of Jerez-Texas and in these are always present Mediterranean musical aromas. ‘Sun’ is the title of his latest album and where better to demonstrate the creative universe and the acoustic textures of a group that has performed more than 400 concerts worldwide.

Matthieu Saglio (cello); Ricardo Esteve (flamenco guitar); David Pastor (trumpet); Jesús Gimeno (drums, percussion); Isabel Julve (vocals, dance).
www.jereztexas.com

For more information please visit:


Valencia Costa Blanca - Tourist information for the Costa Blanca

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The Sat and PC Guy FORUM - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca

Vuelta a España 2010

In 2010, the Vuelta a España will be celebrating its 75h Anniversary.

Over these past 75 years, the world and cycling have changed a great deal. That first edition held 75 years ago had 14 stages, almost all of which were over 250 kms long. What is to be the 75th “Platinum” edition will have 21 stages averaging 170 kms. A considerable difference aimed at being a spectacular event with shorter stages and fast-paced dashes to the finish line.

And the show will be getting off to a start in Seville, against the backdrop of the La Maestranza Bullring. On August 28th, a Vuelta as none ever before will be getting under way. A night-time team time trial through Seville’s most emblematic areas will be welcoming racers, sponsors, technical personnel and numerous spectators gathering to once again follow this excitingly vibrant events of three-week Spanish race.

Six summit finishes, two of which are newcomers to La Vuelta, will be crowding fans along the shoulders of the roads to greet the passing peloton. Xorret del Catí, where Alejandro Valverde earned himself the yellow jersey last year, Andorra’s Pal Pass, Peña Cabarga, which will be on the course for the second time, and Lagos de Covadonga will all be providing the enjoyment of great finishes just as in the past. The new finishing points in Cotobello in Asturias and the “Bola del Mundo” in Madrid, will be joining in with these icons to make the history of La Vuelta a España even greater yet.

Other heart-stopping finishes will be at the finish in Malaga with its Gibralfaro Castle, in Murcia with the Cresta del Gallo a few short kilometers from the finish line, Vilanova i la Geltrú in Catalunya with the new Rat Penat climb. All of these finishes, in conjunction with the 46-kilometer time trial in the homeland of the Ribera del Duero wineries will be shaping a Vuelta which – if last year’s edition amazed us – promises not to leave anyone indifferent.

The 75th Anniversary Edition of La Vuelta a España will be reminding us of our past, will be showing us a course heretofore unseen for the most part and will be giving rise to the wonderful days of racing that we still as yet have to enjoy decked out in red.

Stages in Communidad Valencia


7 Murcia – Orihuela
Friday September 3rd
170,0 kms.

We leave Murcia, a locality with a great deal of experience in La Vuelta, for Orihuela, hosting the stage finish for the first time in La Vuelta. The Orihuela stage will comprise part of the many events which will be held in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Miguel Hernández. The first week of the race winds up with a day which would theoretically seem well-suited to sprinters, as it has only one cat 3 climb at km. 112, known as the “Alto de Hondón de los Frailes.

This stage starts in Murcia, and ends in Orihuela, via Jacarilla, Algorfa, Rojales, Catral, Albatera, Hondon de las Neives, Aspes, Crevillente.

see the map at http://www.lavuelta.com/10/ingles/recorrido/etapa7.html

8
Villena - Xorret del Catí
Saturday September 4th
188,8 kms.

We arrive at the mountain in Alicante where Alejandro Valverde took the lead to then finally win the race. Travelling from newcomer Villena to Xorret del Catí on La Vuelta’s fifth visit to this summit finish line. The last four were a magnificent spectacle on the part of the racers. Five mountain passes mark the course leading up to the final climb: A cat 3, the Onil Pass, which made a name for itself in 2009, and three cat 2 climbs, the famous Tudons, Carrasqueta and Torremanzanas Passes.

A leg-breaking stage with a grueling course assuring a spectacular day, and goes through Biar, Onil, Alcoy, Concentaina, Benilloba.

9
Calpe - Alcoy
Sunday September 5th
187,0 kms.

Second stage of this mountain duo in the Autonomous Community of Valencia, totaling 187 kilometers with six mountain passes: two cat 3 and four cat 2 climbs. All well-known in the peloton, guaranteeing a real event in the stage with the most mountain passes in the entire 2010 Vuelta.

Calpe, which had not hosted a stage start since 1973, will be doing so this time with all eyes on the stage ending in Alcoy that may be reconfirming the changes that Corret del Catí leaves us in the general classification.

This stage starts in Calpe, and ends in Alcoy, via Moraira, Benitachelle, Javea, Denia, Ondara, Pedreguer, Llosa de Camarcho, Alcalali.

See the route map
http://www.lavuelta.com/10/ingles/recorrido/etapa9.html

For more information please visit:


Valencia Costa Blanca - Tourist information for the Costa Blanca

or the forum

The Sat and PC Guy FORUM - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca

Ondara Cinema / Portal De La Marina - Costa Blanca

Ondara Cinema / Portal De La Marina - Costa Blanca Spain

Located just outside Ondara, is the Portal De La Marina Commercial Centre.

The centre has plenty of shops and also a cinema which also shows films in their original language - i.e. mainly English. This is done by the use of headphones, you have to make a 20 euro refundable deposit for the hire of the headphones, and some people has reported that you leave a document like your driving license or Residencia as security.

Portal De La Marina is in a prime location as far as communication is concerned. The centre enjoys direct accesses from all the roadways surrounding it, making for an uncomplicated and straight drive to arrive at the complex. Highway AP-7 Ondara-Denia-Jávea, exit 62 N332, Exit to Ondara. Avda. Costa Blanca, 1 03760 Ondara (Alicante)


Cinemas in the Costa Blanca - Ondara

There are many cinemas on the Costa Blanca, and many of them show English-language films with Spanish subtitles.

These films are listed as VO (versión original), VOS (versión original subtitulada) or lingua originale films.

So if you want to watch a film in English, look for "VO" or "VOS" beside the listing.

Some cinemas advertising VO films show the film in Spanish but transmit the original version language soundtrack via headphones. This is done by the use of headphones, you have to make a 20 euro refundable deposit for the hire of the headphones, and some people has reported that you leave a document like your driving license or Residencia as security.

ONDARA
IMF Ondara
Centro Comercial Portal de La Marina · Ondara
Telf: 96 647 74 64

Films currently showing at the IMF Cinema at La Portal Marina Ondara



More Cinemas in the Costa Blanca - many show films and movies in English

For more information please visit:


Valencia Costa Blanca - Tourist information for the Costa Blanca

or the forum

The Sat and PC Guy FORUM - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca

Port Aventura Theme Park Salou - Kids go Free Offer Discount Tickets

Exclusive Offer – KIDS GO FREE with our fantastic Family Passes. Click here to book our PortAventura Family Passes - Kids Go Free HURRY offer ends 31st July 2010!

Take an adventure of a lifetime at PortAventura theme park near Salou on the beautiful Costa Daurada in Spain.

Our tickets give you the ultimate deal, as you discover award winning rides, attractions, shows and much more.

Within Port Aventura you can travel over 70mph through 8 loops on Dragon Khan, be the first to finish the double tracked wooden rollercoaster on Stampida or board the Seafari 7 and explore what lives on the Polynesian seabed on Sea Odyssey.

Click the link below




Top Attractions
Rides

With an adventure a minute PortAventura offers award winning rides in the Mediterranean sun, allowing you to tackle thrilling challenges in 5 exotic lands. Every land provides a new journey and caters for everyone from adrenaline seekers to the tiniest of tots.

The Park

Enter the park and take in the charm of Mediterrania, this quaint little village is full of shops and restaurants all facing the picturesque lake, but all the peace can soon turn into mayhem when the Furious Baco is realised, go from 0 to 135km/h in 3 seconds on this chaotic ride.

The biggest land in the park is The Far West with a Wild West setting you can journey through the uphills, downhills and sharp bends on the Silver River Flume or go and see the NEW – Big Small Show, where puppets perform unbelievable magic.

The land of Mexico is a tribute to the country’s ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures. One of the most thrilling attractions is the Hurakan Condor as you are launched 100 metres up and rapidly dropped down. If that sounds too terrifying settle down at the Ritmos de America and enjoy the spectacular show of exotic dances.

In the tropical paradise of Polynesia enjoy the Aves del Paraiso show as birds from around the world fill the stage, this fantastic show is sure to charm and amaze. If that isn’t enough excitement in the land of China you can visit the old alchemist’s lab at Bubblebou, enter a surprising world of bubbles, as a wonderful artist creates colourful bubbles in endless forms and shapes.


For more information please visit:


Valencia Costa Blanca - Tourist information for the Costa Blanca

or the forum

The Sat and PC Guy FORUM - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca

Aqualandia and Terra Natura Discount Tickets

Here are a few links for some Discount tickets for two Benidorm attractions.



Aqualandia Benidorm Discount Tickets


Terra Natura Benidorm Discount Tickets


More on Valenica and the Costa Blanca area can be found at
Valencia Costa Blanca Tourist Information

Oliva Moors & Christians Fiesta July 2010

Oliva Moors & Christians Fiesta Schedule

Saturday July 10
From 10.00: Children's fair at station car park
23.00: Presentation of insignias at station car park, followed by fireworks

Sunday July 11
20.00: Concert of fiesta music at station car park

Thursday July 15
20.00: Official start of fiestas at town hall, followed by brass band procession to station car park and firecrackers

Friday July 16
07.30: Diana procession from castle
20.00: Christians entrance parade

Saturday July 17
05.45: Moors disembark on beach, gunfire, fireworks
19.00: Moors entrance parade

Sunday July 18
19.30: Children's procession leaving from Loygorri
20.30: Procession from Passeig del Rei Jaume I to castle
21.00: Christians take castle
24.30: Fireworks




More on Valenica and the Costa Blanca area can be found at
Valencia Costa Blanca Tourist Information
Oliva Costa Blanca Tourist Information

Denia Fiesta July 2010

Details / schedule for Denia Festival / Denia Fietas

Friday July 2,
19.00: Party and disco in marquee at port

Saturday July 3
11.00: Start of fiesta at marquee
12.00-14.00: Bouncy castles, marquee
19.00: Bulls from Marqués de Campo to bullring, followed by bull running to sea
23.00: Manu Carrasco
23.30: Disco
24.30: Party and disco, marquee
01.00: Dance show, marquee

Sunday July 4
09.00: Tatting demonstration, Marqués de Campo
10.00: Sardines and beer at fish market car park
12.00-14.00: Bouncy castles, marquee
12.00: Magic show for children, Plaza del Consell
13.00 & 19.00: Bull running to sea
19.00-24.00: Children's entertainment, marquee
19.30: Children's show, Plaza del Consell
20.00: Procession of dancers, Glorieta to Plaza del Convent
20.30: Dancing exhibition, Plaza del Convent
21.00: Latin dance exhibition, marquee
22.30: Dance exhibition by pupils at Patricia Sentí school at marquee
23.00: Theatre presentation, Calle de la Vía
23.00: Competitions at port
23.30: Disco, marquee
24.30: Dance show, marquee

Monday July 5
12.00-14.00: Bouncy castles, marquee
13.00: Bull running to sea
19.00: Bull running, Marqués de Campo to bullring, then to sea
19.00-24.00: Children's entertainment, marquee
19.30: Children's disco, Plaza del Consell
21.30: Fire show, marquee
22.00: Theatre presentation, Calle la Vía
23.30: Efecto Mariposa in concert, fish market car park
23.30: Disco, marquee
24.30: Foam party, marquee
01.30: Dance show, marquee

Tuesday July 6
07.00: Awakening
09.00: Informal procession leaving from town hall
12.00-14.00: Bouncy castles, marquee
12.00: Paella competition, Marqués de Campo
13.00 & 19.00: Bull running to sea
19.00: Sardines and refreshments
19.00-24.00: Children's entertainment, marquee
19.30: Children's show, Plaza del Consell
20.00: Gathering of authorities, festeros and band at town hall, procession to Calle la Vía for presentation
21.00: Karaoke, marquee
23.30: Disco, marquee
24.30: Fire show, Marqués de Campo
01.30: Party, marquee

Wednesday July 7
09.30: Cycle race leaving from Marqués de Campo
12.00-14.00: Bouncy castles, marquee
13.00 & 19.00: Bull running to sea
19.00-24.00: Children's entertainment, marquee
20.30: Religious procession leaving from Calle Diana
23.00: Equestrian exhibition
23.00: Concert, Calle la Vía
23.30: Disco, marquee
24.30: Party, marquee

Thursday July 8
12.00-14.00: Bouncy castles, marquee
12.00: Paella competition for pensioners, Marqués de Campo
13.00 & 19.00: Bull running to sea
18.00: Bulls show for children, port
18.00: Competitions, Marqués de Campo
19.00-24.00: Children's entertainment, marquee
20.30: Firecrackers, Marqués de Campo to Glorieta
21.00: Latin dancing, marquee
21.00: Pastries and refreshments, show and dancing for pensioners, Calle la Vía
23.30: Disco, marquee
24.30: Party, marquee

Friday July 9
12.00-14.00: Bouncy castles, marquee
13.00: Bull running to sea
14.00: Giant paella
19.00: Bull running, Marqués de Campo, bullring, then to sea
19.00-24.00: Children's entertainment, marquee
19.30: Children's show, Plaza del Consell, refreshments
23.00: Concert by Seguridad Social, car park at fish market
23.30: Disco, marquee
24.00: Show, marquee
01.00: Foam party, marquee

Saturday July 10
12.00-14.00: Bouncy castles, marquee
13.00: Bull running to sea
19.00: Parade with floats leaving from Marqués de Campo
23.30: Competitions, port
23.30: Disco, marquee

Sunday July 11
10.00: Chess championship, Marqués de Campo
10.00: Gathering of antique cars and motorbikes, Marqués de Campo
12.00-14.00: Bouncy castles, marquee
13.00 & 19.00: Bull running to sea
22.30: Concert by Rosana, car park at fish market, followed by fireworks at port, then disco in marquee





More on Valenica and the Costa Blanca area can be found at
Valencia Costa Blanca Tourist Information
Oliva Costa Blanca Tourist Information

Festival Internacional de Benicassim 2010

Festival Internacional de Benicassim 2010


Benicassim has something to offer across the whole musical spectrum, as indie and rock bands rub shoulders with DJs and more experimental music projects.

Established in 1994 and now in its 16th year, the International Benicàssim Festival, FIB Heineken, near Valencia, Spain is back for 2010 from Thursday 15th until Sunday 20th July. With camping thrown in with the ticket price, all night music over 4 days, and sited just walking distance from the beach and a huge water park.

Festival Internacional de Benicassim '10

Date: Thursday 15th - Sunday 18th July 10
Location: near Valencia, Spain
Cost: 4-days £160



FIB 10 LINE UP
It keeps on growing and changing, but so far

The Prodigy + Kasabian + Vampire Weekend Lily Allen + Ray Davies + Peter Hook performing Unknown Pleasures + Haçienda Night featuring Graeme Park, DJ Pierre and Justin Robertson + Leftfield + Dizzee Rascal
The Cribs + Echo and the Bunnymen + Foals
Four Tet (live) + Hot Chip + Ian Brown
Ilegales + Klaxons + Mumford and sons
PiL + The Specials + Sr Chinarro + Benga
Calvin Harris + The Courteeners + Cut Copy Dirty Projectors + Ellie Goulding + Jonston
Magnetic Man + Scratch Perverts + Skream
Southern Arts Society + The Temper Trap
Triángulo de Amor Bizarro
Two door Cinema Club
Yacht & the Straight Gaze + Yuksek
Charlotte Gainsbourg
Broken Bells + Timo Maas + Motor
The Japanese Popstars + Prins Thomas
Joris Voorn + Jack L + The Paris Riots
Love of Lesbian + Standstill + Bigott + El Hijo Cuchillo + Parade + Cola Jet Set
Gentle Music Men + Cohete
Chin Yi (Proyecto Demo 10 Winner)
Marcus Doo & The Secret Family (Proyecto Demo 10 Winner




Benicassim 2010 Line Up So Far

Thursday 15th June 2010
+ Benga , Brendan Benson , Broken Bells , Charlotte Gainsbourg , Chin Yi , Cohete , Dirty Projectors , El Hijo , Jack L , Joris Voorn , Kasabian , Love of Lesbian , Magnetic Man , The Paris Riots , Phil Kieran , Puggy , Ray Davies , Scratch Perverts , Skream , Southern Arts Society , The Temper Trap

Friday 16th June 2010
+ Alondra Bentley , Boys Noize , Calvin Harris , Cola Jet Set , Delorentos , Fionn Regan , Goldfrapp , The Haçienda Night featuring Graeme Park, DJ Pierre and Justin Robertson , Hot Chip , Ilegales , jj , Julian Casablancas , Mumford & Sons , Peter Hook performing Unknown Pleasures , Dj Shadow , Sr. Chinarro , Timo Maas , Triángulo de amor bizarro , Vampire Weekend , Yacht & The Straight Gaze

Saturday 17th June 2010
+ Alex Under , Ash , Bigott , The Clientele , The Cribs , Cuchillo , Cut Copy , Daedelus , Four Tet (live) , Gentle Music Men , Ian Brown , The Japanese Popstars , Jonston , Klaxons , Motor , PiL , The Prodigy , The Ruskins , The Specials , The Sunday Drivers +

Sunday 18th June 2010
+ The Courteeners , Dizzee Rascal , Echo & The Bunnymen , Efterklang , Ellie Goulding , Foals , Funkagenda , Gorillaz , I Blame Coco , Jack Beats , Leftfield , Lily Allen , Lindstrøm & Christabelle , Marcus Doo & The Secret Family , Midnight Juggernauts , Parade , The Pinker Tones , Prins Thomas , Standstill , Two Door Cinema Club , Yuksek

More on Valenica and the Costa Blanca area can be found at
Valencia Costa Blanca Tourist Information
Oliva Costa Blanca Tourist Information

TDT Industry receives complaints about the reception of TDT

TDT Industry receives complaints about the reception of TDT

Since the analogue TV 'off' on 30 March, the Ministry of Industry has received over 1,760 inquiries from people related issues reception of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT / TDT) until 20 April.

In total, during this period of time, Industry received 86 985 calls, of which 47 739 were treated by agents. Of that number, 88.1% were questions about the process and technology, 8.2% of calls were associated with receiving TDT signals and 3.7% of signal problems.

Most calls (42 052) had to do with questions about general issues, while the rest were from people who are unable to see TDT correctly on TV because they lacked a proper decoder or, if they had, do not know how to use it or the antenna of their building was not ready for DTT (3914) or that had trouble receiving the signal (1760).

According to the latest figures provided by industry in March, at 98.24% of the population to reach the coverage of DTT. However, in the month that has elapsed, incidents have been detected in some relays that still prevent some people living in areas able to watch TV coverage.



For more information please visit:

The Sat and PC Guy - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca

or the forum

The Sat and PC Guy FORUM - Digital Satellite and Terrestrial Installations and Maintenance for the Costa Blanca

More on Valenica and the Costa Blanca area can be found at
Valencia Costa Blanca Tourist Information
Oliva Costa Blanca Tourist Information

Oliva Xativa and Ontintente websites open

To compliment the main Valencia Costa Blanca website, two further websites are available.

Oliva Costa Blanca is a website offering tourist information, guides, restaurants, places to stay, campsites and much more for the costal town of Oliva, which is located 10kms away from Gandia in the Communidid Valencia.

Xativa Costa Blanca is a website offering tourist information, guides, restaurants, places to stay, campsites and much more for the inland towns of Xativa and Ontinyente.

Both websites offer information on places to stay, whether you are looking for hotels, appartments or villas.


More on Valenica and the Costa Blanca area can be found at
Valencia Costa Blanca Tourist Information
Oliva Costa Blanca Tourist Information

Fallas 2010 - Gandia

Went to Gandia to look at the Fallas yesterday and to watch the parade. As usual chaos, lots of people, paths blocked, roads closed....


The winning Fallas in Gandia.....

The Procession down the paseo.

And on of the Fallas had a "Cut away" section so you could see the inside and the wood and polystyrene blocks the use to build it up...and this one also had photos documenting the design and construction of the Fallas....

Didnt stay for the crema....but certainly heard it!

More on Valenica and the Costa Blanca area can be found at
Valencia Costa Blanca Tourist Information
Oliva Costa Blanca Tourist Information

Fallas 2010 - Valencia - Mascletà

Mascletà en Fallas 2010 en Valencia de Canal Nou - TVV - 19 Marc 2010

Mascletà from the Fallas 2010 in Valencia by Canal Nou - TVV - 19 March 2010



More on Valenica and the Costa Blanca area can be found at
Valencia Costa Blanca Tourist Information
Oliva Costa Blanca Tourist Information

Valencia Fallas 2010

Well, justs spent a (LONG!) day in Valencia - at Fallas......

Train from Gandia to Valencia was very crowded, lucky we opted to go from Gandia and not do the usual of pick the train up at Xeraco! By the timethe train was at Valencia Nord, "Sardines" sprang to mind....

Anyway, here some what we saw:

Ayuntamiento Fallas - unusually it did not win 1st!!! One just beside the train station did!

The aftermath of todays Mascletà - we were in a different location that we normally are, and the "bangs" did not sound as loud as they normally do...will have to change that for next year!

The the parade starts, nice to watch, but bloody annyong as you cannot cross the roads / procession, and if you can only at certain points, and of course the procession has priority....you do get "comfy" with new friends in the crush!

And toward the end of the procession, the flowers built up into the display

And the costumes are stunning, and everyone tales part (Cue - ahh cute!)

Also had a very nice lunch at a small place we found - its very close the the townhall square...called the Ginger loft - [url]www.thegingerloft.com[/url] - first time i have had hummus, but only seats 45 people, it is cosy, and good atmosphere, and their cheesecake is to die for (and the chokkie cake look damn good also!)

More on Valenica and the Costa Blanca area can be found at
Valencia Costa Blanca Tourist Information
Oliva Costa Blanca Tourist Information

Fallas 2010

One of my most favourite time in Spain is Fallas time.

Just the whole fiesta always has me amazed, and how relaxed everyone can be when they close down main roads in town for a week or more to build a Fallas, have a party, throw fireworks and banger at each other, the Fallas Queens in their dresses, then burn the lot down in a big fiesta on the 19th March in a big "up yours" to Elf n Safety.

One from 2007 in a small street in Valencia:

Its always an experience going down to Valencia and seeing the 2pm Mascletà. Thousands of people flock to the city centre out side the town hall for the 2pm spectacular. You feel the ground shacking as the "bomb" go off, and you cannot help wondering about how the glass in the buildings around you stays in!

The Mascletà is covered on TV, and they even have a decibel meter level on the screen to show you how loud it can be.

The Fallas can be huge, and have been in preparation for many months, and usually have a humourous side to them, usually at the expense of polititians or world events.....

Then they wait until the firemen arrive. Not to put out the burning fallas, but to spray the nearby buildings with water to stop them from burning whilst the fallas burn away. Sad to see all that time money and effort go to waste, but good when the huge cheers from the crowd happens as the fallas topples over onto itself.

Something you would not see in the UK at all, and was one of the times that I liked to visit Spain before I moved over here.

Roll on the 19th March.....

More on Valenica and the Costa Blanca area can be found at
Valencia Costa Blanca Tourist Information
Oliva Costa Blanca Tourist Information

Fallas 2010 in Gandia

16 Mar 2010 - 19 Mar 2010

Gandia is the capital of the county of La Safor, between the mountains and the beaches of The Mediterranean. Like its much larger neighbour Valencia, Gandia greets the arrival of springtime with a spectacular pyrotechnic festival known as Las Fallas. Various events and entertainments take place over the period of a few days, culminating in the Feast of Saint Joseph on 19 March. All the hard work put into the creation of giant figures of wood and paper go up in smoke in the great bonfires that take place in the evening as part of the Gandia Fallas celebrations.

More on Valenica and the Costa Blanca area can be found at
Valencia Costa Blanca Tourist Information
Oliva Costa Blanca Tourist Information

Valencia Costa Blanca 3d fly over

Just found a great little video from Google Earth.

View the entire Valencia city modeled in 3D by Google Earth








More on Valenica and the Costa Blanca area can be found at
Valencia Costa Blanca Tourist Information
Oliva Costa Blanca Tourist Information

Fallas 2010 in Valencia

The schedule of events for the Fallas 2010 fiesta is now available.

FEBRUARY 28th (Sunday)
At 07.00 a.m. Despertà (awakening sound fireworks) along Paz street toards the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square).
At 12.00 p.m. Music Band Parade from the Plaza de la Virgen towards the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square) several music bands march playing typical pasodobles. The parade finish approximately at a quarter to 2 p.m. and at that time all the bands will play together the Pasodoble “El Fallero” (the Fallas anthem)
At 02.00 p.m. Mascletà (sound fireworks) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square).
At 8.00 p.m. Cridà. La Crida marks the official opening of the Fallas Festival. Crowds of onlookers and all the Fallas Committees gather beneath the Serranos Towers, one of historical Valencia's best-known monuments. After a spectacular inaugural display of light, sound, music and fireworks, the “Fallera Mayor” of Valencia (elected festival queen), surrounded by her Court of Honour and the city authorities, invites everyone to enjoy the imminent fiesta, proclaiming its excellence and virtues.


MARCH 1st (Monday)
At 02.00 p.m. Mascletà (sound fireworks) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square).

MARCH 2nd (Tuesday)
At 02.00 p.m. Mascletà (sound fireworks) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square).

MARCH 3rd (Wednesday)
At 02.00 p.m. Mascletà (sound fireworks) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square).

MARCH 4th (Thursday)
At 02.00 p.m. Mascletà (sound fireworks) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square).

MARCH 5th (Friday)
At 02.00 a .m. Mascletà (sound fireworks) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square).

MARCH 6th (Saturday)
At 02.00 p.m. Mascletà (sound fireworks) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square).
At 06.00 p.m. Great Mascletà Neapolitan style (sound fireworks) in the Las Arenas beach between Las Arenas Hotel and the Red Cross First Aid Post.
At 10.30 p.m. Ninot Parade. Itinerary: Departing from Marques de Sotelo street towards the Plaza del Ayuntamiento and around the square passing by the City Hall main entrance and back to Marqués de Sotelo street. After the parade opposite the City Hall. Night Mascletà.

MARCH 7th (Sunday)
At 02.00 p.m. Mascletà (sound fireworks) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square).
At 5.30 p.m. Children’s Ninot Parade. Itinerary: Departing from La Glorieta, by Paz and San Vicente streets towards the Plaza del Ayuntamiento by the City Hall, ending in Marqués de Sotelo street. After the parade opposite the City Hall. Night Mascletà.

MARCH 8th (Monday)
At 02.00 p.m. Mascletà (sound fireworks) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square).

MARCH 9th (Tuesday)
At 02.00 p.m. Mascletà (sound fireworks) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square).

MARCH 10th (Wednesday)
At 02.00 p.m. Mascletà (sound fireworks) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square).

MARCH 11th (Thursday)
At 02.00 p.m. Mascletà (sound fireworks) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square).

MARCH 12th (Friday)
At 02.00 p.m. Mascletà (sound fireworks) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square).

MARCH 13th (Saturday)
At 02.00 p.m. Mascletà (sound fireworks) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square).
At 10.30 p.m .“International Folk Parade” around the “Plaza del Ayuntamiento” (City Hall Square). After the parade opposite the City Hall. Night Mascletà.

MARCH 14th (Sunday)
At 02.00 p.m. Mascletà (sound fireworks) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square).
At 06.00 p.m. Closure ceremony of the “CHILDREN'S NINOT EXHIBITION” (children's figurines).

MARCH 15th (Monday)
At 08.00 a .m. Plantà (setting up) of all “FALLAS INFANTILES” (children's fallas)
At 02.00 p.m. Mascletà (sound fireworks) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square).
At 06.00 p.m. Closure ceremony of the “NINOT EXHIBITION” (adult's figurines).
At 00.00 a .m Plantà (setting up) of all “FALLAS” (adult's fallas)
At 01.30 a .m. Fireworks on the Paseo de La Alameda (between Exposición Bridge and Las Flores Bridge).

MARCH 16th (Tuesday)
At 02.00 p.m. Mascletà (sound fireworks) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square).
At 04.30 p.m. From the stage outside the City Hall building, Awards Ceremony for Children's "Fallas".
At 01.30 a .m. Fireworks on the Paseo de La Alameda (between Exposición Bridge and Las Flores Bridge).

MARCH 17th (Wednesday)
At 09.30 a .m. From the stage outside the City Hall building, Awards Ceremony for "Fallas" in all participating sections. At 02.00 p.m. Mascletà (sound fireworks) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square). At 04.00 p.m. First day of the Flower offering to our Lady of the Forsaken (“Virgen de los Desamparados”) along Paz street and San Vicente street thousands of falleros march towards the Plaza de la Virgen. The flower offering finishes around 1 a .m. in the morning.
At 01.00 a .m. Fireworks on the Paseo de La Alameda (between Exposición Bridge and Las Flores Bridge). MARCH 18th (Thursday)At 11.00 a .m. Homage to the poet Maximilano Thous , at the monument in his honour located at crossroads of Sagunto street and Maximilano Thous street. After finishing, a “Mascletà” will be staged. At 12.00 p.m. Homage to the “Maestro Serrano” , taking place at the monument dedicated to his memory in Reino de Valencia Ave. After finishing, a “Mascletà” will be staged. At 02.00 p.m. Mascletà (sound fireworks) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square) At 04.00 p.m. Second day of the Flower offering to our Lady of the Forsaken (“Virgen de los Desamparados”) along Paz street and San Vicente street thousands of falleros march towards the Plaza de la Virgen. The flower offering finishes around 1 a .m. in the morning. At 01.30 a .m. Nit de Foc, the most important fireworks display in The Fallas Festival on the “Paseo de la Alameda” (between Exposición Bridge and Las Flores Bridge) MARCH 19th (Friday) At 11.00 a .m. On the “Puente de San José” (Saint Joseph Bridge), flower offering made by the “Fallas” Queens and their Courts of Honour in front of the statue of the Patriarch. A “Mascletà” will follow.
At 12.00 p.m. Mass in honour of the Patriarch St. Joseph, in the Cathedral Church, staged by the Central Fallas Council and the Carpenters Guild with the attendance of the “Fallas” Queens of Valencia and their Courts of Honour. Mass sung by the "Cathedral Choir" and the orchestra from the Conservatoire José Iturbi from Valencia.
At 02.00 p.m. Mascletà (sound fireworks) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square).
At 07.00 p.m. Cabalgata del Fuego (Fire Parade) along Colon Street with a spectacular firework show in Porta de la Mar Square.
At 10.00 p.m. Cremà or burning of the Children's Fallas.
At 10.30 p.m. Cremà or burning of the Children's Fallas having obtained First Prize among the Fallas of the Special Section.
At 11.00 p.m. Cremà or burning of the Children's Falla in the “Plaza del Ayuntamiento” (City Hall Square).


MARCH 20th (Saturday)
At 00.00 a .m. Cremà or burning all the remaining adults Fallas in Valencia.
At 00.30 a .m. Cremà or burning of the adult “Falla” having obtained First Prize among the fallas of the Special Section.
At 01.00 a .m. Bouquet of aerial fireworks in the “Plaza del Ayuntamiento” (City Hall Square) and Cremà or burning of the “Falla” in this square.



More on Valenica and the Costa Blanca area can be found at
Valencia Costa Blanca Tourist Information
Oliva Costa Blanca Tourist Information