I was in Valencia for the majority of December and learnt about some of its Christmas traditions. Valencia is really pretty over Christmas, especially in Plaza de la Reina and Plaza de Ayuntamiento, which hosts the annual nativity scene, a huge Christmas tree and light decorations! There is also an ice rink set up in this square, but it doesn't open until around the 21st.
El Gordo- literally meaning 'the fat one,' is a Spanish Christmas lottery which everyone wants to win! It is one of the most famous in the world, and almost everyone in Spain participates!
Turrón is traditional at Christmas and has been a popular sweet for centuries. There are two traditional types of turrón; one is soft and very smooth like fudge, and the other is hard like thick almond nougat.
Families come together for their main dinner on Christmas Eve. These days a lot of people in Spain do receive gifts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but traditionally the main presents are given on Kings Day, the 6th January. This day is as important as Christmas, especially for children. The evening before, the Kings lead a procession down the streets of the City Centre, where families gather to watch. The next day the children find their presents from the Kings (If they've been good...)
New Year in Spain sounds pretty crazy with numerous events. Crowds of people gather in the Plaza de Auyntamiento for the fireworks at midnight. Spain has a tradition where everyone eats 12 grapes, one on every chime of the clock! There are no religious connotations with this, but similar to La Tomatina festival in August with tomatoes, there was a large production of grapes one harvest!
Valencia is full of cafes, restaurants and tapas bars which offer world wide cuisine as well as traditional dishes from the region. Valencia is particularly famous for paella (which originates from Valencia) and other rice dishes. However, there is a huge choice and variety of cuisine. I have come across Italians, American style food, sushi and oriental restaurants to name a few. Living in Spain, I have noted the different eating customs: For example, restaurants won't usually be open for dinner before 8pm and the prime time to eat is between 9pm-10pm. We have been caught out a few times! Also the spaniards like to have their main meal at lunch times, (followed by a siesta!) with something lighter for dinner such as Tapas. Here are some of my favourite places to eat:
1) Paella on the beach... 'El Coso' is one of the many restaurants along the beach front, and my personal fave for paella and sangria:
2) Cafe Infanta (Plaza Tossal-Old Town) By far the best Tapas ever and the perfect place to take visitors- very fancy, but affordable!
3) Bakery Burger (Blasco Ibanez- right by Uni) This is a very pretty shabby chic decorated cafe. We loved going here after Uni for a typical Spanish 'Cafe con leche' and 'tostados con tomate' breakfast, or to take our laptops to do work as a change of scenery from the flat!
4) Black Turtle (Blasco Ibanez) An American style cuisine with amazing burgers and unusual toppings!
5) 100 M- 100 Mondaditos is everywhere in Valencia, (and the whole of Spain) Not the best quality food, but very cheap with quick service! A vast choice of mini bocadillos, salads, tapas etc. On Wednesdays and Sundays, most things are 1 euro- including a pint of beer or tinto de verano! Great for the student budget!
6) Llao llao- I have discovered frozen yoghurt and can't get enough! You choose your size of yoghurt and then whatever toppings you want! The smoothies are also delicious! The perfect mid shopping snack or pudding!
As we were on a museum hype trying to spend our last few days here being cultural, we visited the Fine Arts Museum. (Bellas Artes) I am not very knowledgeable about art, but as it is of the best fine arts museums in Spain, full of historic paintings and renowned for its collections of Valencian painters, I thought it was worth a trip! (plus its free entry!) I particularly enjoyed the rooms dedicated to Joaquín Sorolla, a famous Valencian painter who excels in portraits and landscapes. The little courtyard garden is very pretty, and the entrance hall to the building is outstanding. A very impressive building with well organised galleries, and although there is a lot of very religious paintings which I don't know anything about, it is very peaceful and nice to wonder around.
As we aren't in Valencia for Las Fallas in March, Katie and I decided to visit 'el museo faller,' situated within walking distance from the Arts and Science. It contains all the first prize models from every year. Las Fallas must be the most unique and crazy festival in Spain. It all started as a day of celebration for St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters and has transformed into a 5 day celebration involving fire, where Valencia's population expands to around three million. The focus of the fiesta is the creation and destruction (burning) of ninots, huge puppet like structures, along with many processions and fireworks. The ninots depict satirical and humorous characters and scenes from Spain. It's only 2 euros entry, (1 euro for students) and free on Sundays and festival days. Here are some pics of what you find in the museum. Youtube 'Las Fallas' to see what the festival is all about, it's complete madness! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JoMTcmkVF8
