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 Celebrating art |
C/Correos, nº 3 3º Puerta Valencia 6 Valencia, Valencia 46002 Spain +34 96 353 0899 http://www.bienaldevalencia.com |
This biennial festival is Valencia's tribute to the arts - it takes place between the months of September and November, and showcases the work of artists of national and international repute. Past works of art include the likes of On Kawara, Sylvie Fleury, Jesus Raphael de Soto and Duane Hanson. Dance, music, cinematography, folklore and concert events happen simultaneously. Visit the website for events, timings and venues. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Pedronchi  |
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Ancient Pagan Tradition |
Valencia, Valencia Spain |
Las Carnestoltes refers to the carnival season in Valencia, which begins in the month of February. It has its roots in paganism, and was celebrated in the old days by putting up straw figures all over in the villages. These were intended to spurn the devil, and were burned on Ash Wednesday with all participants dressed up in varying disguises. Today, the celebrations in Valencia involve costumes, parties, music and dancing, and a general feeling of good cheer reigns over the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Anna Boix |
 Celebration of Valencia's Patron Saint |
Plaza de la Virgen, s/n Valencia 46003 Spain |
The celebration of the Virgen de los Desamparados' Feast Day is held on the second Sunday in May. She is the Patron Saint of Valencia and, to honour the occasion, the city is transformed. The façade of the Basilica named after her is covered in a huge taptestry, while the night before all sorts of events pay her tribute: the Dançà and Nit d'Albaes (typical music and dances) take place and special masses are held (Descuberta and Infantes). In the morning, the Peregrina (Pilgrim) as she is also known is moved from the Basilica to the cathedral. Thousands of faithful slow down her progress as they recite all manner of poems and songs in her honour. The climax of the entire day is the solemn procession which takes place at nightfall as a shower of flower petals rain down on the Virgin from the balconies above. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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An outdoor film festival |
Plaça de l'Ajuntament 17 Valencia, Valencia Spain +34 96 353 9300 (Organizer) http://www.ivac-lafilmoteca.es... |
Each year, from the end of July to the first week of September, the Film Council of Valencia hosts an open-air film festival. Both classic and cult movies are screened at the Jardins del Palau de la Música - so you can sit amongst the trees and enjoy a great flick. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Modernist center of science and technology |
Avenida Instituto Obrero de Valencia, s/n Valencia 46013 Spain |
This is one of the largest museums of Europe (4800 square metres), and is located inside the enormous modernist complex of the City of the Arts and the Sciences. It is an important institution of the Valencian community, one of the most significant works by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. It was born out of the desire to provide answers to those interested in social learning, and is a must-visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gustavo Madico |
 Photo: senemcennet |
 Photo: m.prinke |
 Photo: Sven van de Riet |
 Photo: Jens Jansen |
 Photo: Nacho Palou |
 Photo: philipp_wagner |
 Photo: Sergio FF |
 Photo: filiperspoa |
 Photo: Daniel Chang |
 Photo: Begoña Benito |
 Photo: Enrique Viola |
 Photo: Jenny Neidert |
 Photo: Amenon |
 Photo: Sara Di Falco |
 Photo: vplaarmengot |
 Photo: Natalie Mitchell |
 Photo: Marte Skadsem |
 Photo: Feke Laszlo |
 Photo: IVOBO |
 Photo: Alex Griffioen |
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 Photo: Jonathan Lara |
 Photo: Javier G G |
 Photo: Andres Breijo |
 Photo: Julio Simental Ponce |
 Photo: alfonso sanchez garcia |
 Photo: www.moisesdaniel.com |
 Photo: 1976's |
 Photo: Castilha |
 Photo: Juan Alberto Cañero Tamayo |
 Photo: Luis Mayoral |
 Photo: Wembley Pairs |
 Photo: Nigel Swales |
 Photo: Gabriel Perales Portillo |
 Photo: luis |
 Traditional outdoor festival |
Antiguo cauce del rio Túria Valencia 46010 Spain |
This festival is celebrated the Monday after Easter Sunday, which is the most important day of Semana Santa (Holy Week) and a holiday throughout the Valencian Community. People head to the countryside (or the Old Túria Riverbed) to celebrate Easter with a picnic traditionally including longaniza sausage and the Easter mona (a bun with a hard-boiled egg inside). The tradition, which dates from the Muslim era, states that the egg should be broken on a companion's forehead. Dancing the tarara, jumping rope, and flying a cachirulo (kite) are also must-do activities on this day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marta S. Gufstasson |
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The world's oldest common justice system |
Plaza de la Virgen Valencia 46001 Spain +34 96 391 8127 |
You can watch this ancient system of justice take place at the cathedral's Puerta de los Apóstoles (Door of the Apostles) every Thursday. The Tribunal de las Aguas (Water Tribunal) was set up by Jaime I to regulate the distribution of the River Turia's water for irrigation. The irrigation system itself was designed and built by the Moors. The judges are eight ordinary workers who each represent a different irrigation network. It's their job to sort out the inevitable problems and conflicts between users. They are elected for two year terms of office, wear traditional smocks and hand down their sentences orally in the Valencian language. There is no right of appeal. The speed of this particular justice system and its longevity have made it world-famous. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: kiwigirl |
 Photo: MaryJo80 |
 Photo: Charlton-Perez |
 Photo: lwelti |
 Photo: david_3u |