This is yours truly with another episode of some news from Spain !!! thanks to you all. There is lots of things going on in my beloved Spain, and we are in Spring !! I am eagerly looking forward to be back to Spain too !! Let me tell you the latest tidbits of news chosen by yours truly, By the way CXLVI is old Roman for 146, Enjoy it as Spain is everything under the Sun!
The Prado Museum raises the number of works in its funds from seizures to 70. The provenance of 12 paintings with names and surnames or specific origin has been identified: Pedro Rico, the Yebes Church in Guadalajara, the Marquis of Villalonga or the Lázaro Collection Galdiano, You could add 7 medals entered in 1936 from the Retiro Exhibition Center and 89 drawings deposited in 1971 by the Ministry of Education and Science, without reference to an owner, which are in the process of investigation, It is important, to contextualize historically these deliveries, to clearly differentiate between the works sent for conservation to the warehouses of the Prado and Modern Art museums by the Republican Artistic Treasury Board during the war and those assigned on deposit to both museums by the Francoist Heritage Defense Service in the postwar, To be continue all these museums in Europe have a lot of lard in them …
The Film Academy changes pace. This past Thursday 30 March 2023, it has announced the venues for the next two editions of the Goya Awards, something unprecedented in its entire history. Thus, Valladolid will host the 2024 Goya gala, which will be held in February at the city’s fairgrounds. And by 2025, the awards will return to Andalusia, to Granada, after the 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022 editions in Malaga and Seville.
The Opera Gallery, founded in 1994 has announced its exclusive and international representation of the heritage of Juan Genovés. The gallery will open its headquarters in Madrid on May 12 2023 at no 56 Calle Serrano. It will do so with ‘Loving Picasso’, a collective exhibition around the artist from Malaga, his influence in the 20C, This adds to the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of his death. In addition to a dozen works by the artist from Malaga, names such as Miró, Chagall, Saura, Soulages, Barceló or Botero will be present, present with a portrait of Picasso made from a photograph by Brassaï. The new gallery occupies a space of around a thousand square meters with three floors, located in luxury districts and everything is taken care of in detail. In France, for example, it is located on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré , Juan Genovés shared the same nonconformity as Goya, denouncing and confronting the established power, Webpage: https://www.operagallery.com/news/opera-gallery-opens-in-madrid
The province of Burgos is presented as a green paradise with boiling fantasy waterfalls that are worth discovering. Orbaneja del Castillo one of the towns of the Valle de Sedano and forming part of the Hoces del Alto Ebro and Rudrón Natural Park, is this town whose ambient music is the sound of water that gushes from the Cueva del Agua, at the base of the rocky circus that protect the homestead. Through this cavity, which served as a refuge for many residents during the Spanish Civil War, the groundwater from a huge aquifer located in the subsoil of the Bricia páramo has its natural outlet. This can be visited with a guide during the summer months and on weekends. From here the waters rush about 25 meters and divide the urban area, which is built on narrow terraces of tuff stone -a material that is very present in its buildings-, in two parts: Puebla and Villa. Some of the most unique buildings in this corner are the Casa de los Canes, named after having reused Romanesque corbels in its decoration; the Casa de los Pobres , an old hospital from the 16C that has a wooden portico and an elegant tufa stone framework; a strong house that could have belonged to the Marquises of Aguilar and which is located on a rocky breakwater, at the top of the town, and the Romanesque-style Church of Santa María, with a tower that stands out among the vegetation. Nor should you miss the beautiful pools with crystal clear turquoise waters that form in the lower part and that complete the beautiful image of the town. Romanesque corbels in its decoration; and a tower that stands out among the vegetation. Webpage: https://www.turismocastillayleon.com/en/art-culture-heritage/historic-sites/orbaneja-del-castillo
The Museo del Videojuego or Video Game Museum is identified with two zeros or two circles divided by an x: OXO. And it makes sense because it is the way to honor the first game conceived by a computer in history. It occurred to Alexander Douglas at the University of Cambridge (1952). And he wanted to remember the tic tac toe. That it was invented in Persia a millennium ago and that it is disputed in all cultures and civilizations. It opened at the beginning of the year in the center of Màlaga and commemorates the prodigious relationship between technology and homo ludens, although the prehistory of video games is as recent as 1972. The year coincides with the commercialization of Pong. A fairly elementary game that translated or simplified the expectation of a tennis match with no more resources than a ball, two sticks as a racket, a dividing line and two controllers connected to the black and white monitor. 2,000 devices went on the market. And they represented the origin of an audiovisual industry whose impact has transformed leisure and culture. There is a copy of Pong in the Video Game Museum. And it stands out in the patrimonial wing of the Malaga institution, next to the showcases of the first consoles, none as popular or sophisticated as the Atari. Not to mention when the machines that the Malaga museum has assembled Pac Man, flies, Tetris were part of the adolescent , and not so adolescent habits of lounges and billiards. webpage: https://oxomuseo.com/en/
Enjoy Jardines, the new creation of ImproMadrid at the Teatro Infanta Isabel, Calle del Barquillo, 24 Madrid, Five characters, through a battery of questions, interrogate the public about love, time, fear, their present and memories. After the questions, there are brief interviews carried out with five volunteers from the public attending the function. Based on their answers, the five protagonists imagine and recreate possible unique and original theatrical scenes, based on these interviews. Thursday April 13 2023 at 21h30. webpage : https://www.teatroinfantaisabel.es/obra/jardines-entrevistas-breves-en-jardines-inesperados/
Last week March 2023 ,the International Cider Summit Asturies took place in Gijón, a congress and festival around cider. One of those that could be tasted was Pomarina, a sparkling natural cider. For its preparation, a mixture of local apple varieties such as Durona de Tresali, Raxao, De la Riega, Verdialona and Regona from their own farms is used. Before pressing, a cold maceration is carried out for 12 hours, which allows obtaining a must with greater aromatic richness and structure. The second fermentation, responsible for the carbon dioxide present in the bottle, is carried out in pressurized tanks, using the sparkling method called Charmat. Bodega El Gaitero.webpage: https://www.sidraelgaitero.com/en/visit-our-wine-cellar/
The highest Roman dam of the Roman Empire is in Spain ,Go to Almonacid de la Cuba, Zaragoza province, for the highest Roman dam of the Roman Empire , More than 34 meters of irregular wall have cut the Aguasvivas river since the heyday of the Roman Empire. The La Cuba dam, colloquially called like that, has a length of 120 meters and a width of 27 meters. This, together with its height, allows it to house six cubic hectometers of water, the annual consumption of a population of about 90,000 people. To learn about the history of the dam through a walkway route that allows you to learn about the infrastructure and history of the dam. dam, the natural environment, as well as other heritage elements such as the restored 13C flour mill In addition to the Roman dam and its visits, the City Council encourages visitors to discover its heritage by strolling through its cozy corners and narrow streets of Muslim origin that lead in the direction of the river and the remains of the castle, leaving the church and its imposing square in the center. Muslim remains such as the Moorish tower or the Mudejar tower coexist with churches such as Santa María la Mayor or peri-urban hermitages such as San Jorge, the Virgen de las Nieves or Los Dolores. Awesome ! webpage: http://www.aytoalmonaciddelacuba.es/turismo/
The pleasures of Logroño, the discreet, fun and delicious capital of wine and tapas, The capital of La Rioja is a city without great fanfare, neither too big nor too small, without great architectural symbols or tourist icons of those that cross borders. But looking closely, the traveler can appreciate elegant modernist buildings, porticoed streets, green spaces embracing the city and even pilgrims crossing the medieval streets of the small historical town. The streets of the historic center form a labyrinth in the shadow of majestic monuments, such as the Co-Cathedral of Santa María or its oldest churches, although they remain overshadowed by the claim of bars and restaurants that display the typical regional cuisine. And here and there, there is always something to pay attention to: a museum, a monument, a shady square, an arcaded street… or a game of the giant goose in the Plaza de Santiago. It is at a strategic point between Zaragoza, the Basque Country, the north of Castilla y León and Navarra and is an essential stop on the Camino de Santiago. There are plenty of reasons to stop in the city of wine. The Church of Santiago el Real. It is considered to be the oldest temple in the city, although today it sports a grandiose Renaissance structure. Calle Ruavieja is one of the most beautiful in Logroño, the gateway to the Jacobean route, where the pilgrims’ hostel is also located today. Nine of them are currently preserved; the best known is the Calado de San Gregorio, from the 17C. Also medieval and very old is the Romanesque Church of San Bartolomé, with a striking façade and an unusual Mudejar-style tower. Its construction dates back to the 12C, although its façade, a masterpiece of Gothic sculpture, was finished three centuries later. And very close to there is the third of the great churches , the Church of Santa María de Palacio, with a curious octagonal and pointed dome, known as La Aguja, which is one of the symbols of Logroño. The best is inside: the magnificent altarpiece of the main altar. he Plaza de la Oca, in the surroundings of the Church of Santiago, a small square well known to pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela. On its floor is a game of the giant goose whose 64 squares are illustrated with milestones of the Camino. The Co-Cathedral of Santa María la Redonda does not have a medieval appearance because, although construction began in the 9C, it was remodeled on many occasions. Its twin towers on the façade have risen above the city since the 18C, with their baroque style, framing the carved doorway. Inside, the people of Logroño boast of having a work attributed to Michelangelo: a small canvas guarded in the ambulatory, a Crucifixion known as the Calvary of La Rioja. And already heading west, on the way to Santiago, at the Puerta Revellín gate, the people of Logroño stop to tell you about its importance: for them it is one of their emblems. It is a gateway to the old city and one of the few remains of the old walls, specifically one of the towers. Its name will be in diminutive, but not its historical and monumental value. What is international is the fame of the tapas area of Logroño: the famous Calle Laurel and other nearby ones, such as those of San Juan or San Agustín, because so many bars and so many good pinchos do not fit in a single street. It is what is known as “the path of the elephants”, because everyone comes out of the trunk. There are almost 70 bars, each one with its specialty, so you have no choice but to choose. And as for museums, perhaps you should look at the Museo de La Rioja in the Espartero palace, a baroque building where this general of Queen Elizabeth II retired to live out his retirement. There are three floors of archaeological and artistic collections. It is also worth taking a trip to an exceptional art museum showcasing the impressive Würth collection of contemporary art, in an industrial estate on the outskirts of Logroño, in Agoncillo. Webpage: https://lariojaturismo.com/ver-y-hacer?default;rdf:type=attraction&attraction;harmonise:city@@@harmonise:name=logro%C3%B1o
In Spain, many of the most curious traditions in the world are celebrated around the days of Holy Week, either in the religious sphere or in popular folklore. Throwing dishes out of the window, dressing as a skeleton or practicing rituals that are more than 500 years old. The Holy Week of Bercianos de Aliste, in Zamora province, brings together hundreds of people each year to relive the Passion and Death of Christ with a ritual that has 500 years of history. In it, the brothers accompany the representation of the Crucified Christ and the Sorrowful Virgin, dressed in the white linen tunics with which they will be shrouded in their burial, while the Miserere is heard in the background. An experience that transports you to another era. Seafaring Holy Week is a deeply rooted tradition in the Grau, Canyamelar and Cabañal neighborhoods of Valencia. During the Easter Vigil and coinciding with the beginning of the Gloria procession, the Trencà de perols takes place. At midnight, the neighbors throw cups, plates, old pieces of crockery and water from their balconies, while the bells of all the churches ring. In this way, they celebrate the resurrection of Christ, getting rid of the old to make way for the new, in other words, leaving behind the bad to receive the good. All wonderful ! General Holy Week Spain webpage: https://semanasantaenespana.com/
In the culinary news, the role of a dessert, the most consumed and elaborated during these days, of Easter is unquestionable: the Torrijas or French toast (pain perdu). Some of my favorites over the years have been these:
Made with a double fermentation brioche bread to which a high percentage of chocolate has been added, the gold toast with raspberry crunch has been named the Best Torrija in Madrid 2023. This has occurred in the VI Contest organized by the Association de Pasteleros de Madrid (ASEMPAS), Viena Capellanes also has the classic milk toast with cinnamon and lemon aroma, as well as sliced and prepared bread for those who want to make them to their liking in their kitchens. Calle Bordadores , 9 webpage: https://www.vienacapellanes.com/
The utmost care and the best results are guaranteed at Pastelería Mallorca, thanks to more than six decades of making this traditional sweet. the traditional version, a second option. It is a version of French toast with croissant bread and finished to taste with Madagascar vanilla cream. Accompanied by a fine vanilla cream, the croissant bread is made from a laminated dough with butter, which is individually and manually cut removing the rinds 3cm thick, and soaked in milk infused with vanilla pods. fresh. Calle Serrano, 6 Webpage: http://www.pasteleria-mallorca.com
Made with bonbon bread due to its abundant crumb and easier milk absorption infused with cinnamon sticks and lemon peel, the Horno de San Onofre is one of the most classic and traditional pastry shops in the capital. Calle de San Onofre, 3. Webpage: https://el-horno-de-san-onofre.negocio.site/
In the heart of Puerta del Sol is La Mallorquina, one of the most famous and iconic pastry shops in Madrid. Its French toast, like the rest of its products, are the result of tradition and the most classic of recipes. After cutting the slices by hand, they are bathed in milk flavored with cinnamon and natural lemon zest; soft-boiled; and finally covered with sugar and cinnamon. Puerta del Sol, 8. Webpage: http://www.pastelerialamallorquina.es
In 1914, La Duquesita opened its doors on Calle Fernando VI street. Four generations later, the space reached one hundred years of history, faithful to its sweet and artisan desserts. Its French toast maintains its original recipe, with artisan bread infused with milk, vanilla pods, orange and lemon peels, and cinnamon sticks. In addition to this, this year the confectionery has included a novelty: a dessert made from the traditional recipe that incorporates ginger and a thin layer of white chocolate Calle de Fernando VI, 2. webpage: https://laduquesita.es/
It is hidden in a tiny and not very crowded Madrid street parallel to Goya, between Príncipe de Vergara and General Pardiñas,streets, It has not been lavished much on social networks, they have never invited influencers to promote it and its two owners have avoided campaigns from the beginning of communication to put their business in the limelight. It’s not like they needed it either. La Bistroteca has been one of the essential places in Madrid for lovers of good hamburgers since it opened seven years ago. was chosen as the Best Burger in Spain in 2021. To get a table on weekends in any of the two very small places that the brand has you have to reserve almost two months in advance ! The locations are calle General Pardiñas, 10, and Calle Espartinas 7, Madrid Webpage : https://www.labistroteca.com/reservas/
The award-winning Basque chef Martin Berasategui enters Madrid in style with his new project at the emblematic Club Allard. In the coming weeks, a ‘txoco‘ with skewers and portions will also open in Madrid, The historic restaurant in the stately Casa Gallardo building , Calle Ferraz, 2 reopens its kitchen with the multi-laureate chef (12 Michelin stars spread over his 13 projects) at the helm , The expectation is maximum and, before its opening on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 there had already been more than 150 reservations for lunch or dinner at the Club Allard , The second business that the chef refers to, also from the Club Allard , is the opening in the coming weeks of Madrí Madre, a tribute to my origins. It will be a txoko-type tavern, more informal and where you can taste skewers and portions. Not definite but hear will be close to the Club Allard. Also, the chef is awaiting the finish on the Santiago Bernabeu stadium as I … webpage: https://www.elcluballard.com/en/
Essentia’s schedule is smoking these days. With Easter on the horizon, this restaurant located in a polygon in Tarancón ,Cuenca province has become a must-stop for those coming or going to Levante ( Valencia area) Located at exit 79 of the A-3, highway (my lately road in Spain) it opened its doors in 2016 from the beginning of the roadmap for the Loriente family, who are behind this project that since then has only grown, both in terms of space (it already has 15,000 square meters, including a boutique hotel) and recognition (they already have a Repsol Sun) fame came to them for their extraordinary meats. Specifically, for the Finnish cow, which was chosen in 2019 as the Best Beef in the World. It is an extremely tender and tasty meat that comes from the Ayrshire breed; then Essentia was one of the two restaurants in Spain that offered it on the menu. The Hotel Ansares (four stars) and its 70 rooms allow you to rest and prolong the experience. Life revolves around a typical Castilian patio and, in addition to careful decoration – works of art and antiques brought from Asia abound , and luxury materials (such as recycled natural wood, limestone from the Roda area ,etc ), have technological innovations common in five-star establishments. Do not forget to try your spa to have the best experience .Essentia, Avda. de Adolfo Suárez, 30. Tarancón, Cuenca / Autovía A-3, km 79.Webpage : https://www.essentiarestaurante.com/
There you go folks, another dandy tour of my beloved Spain ! We are in Spring !!; just enjoying our veranda again, even with a bit of rain. Time to enjoy my some news from Spain once again, and we are gear up for it! Hope you enjoy the post as I.
And remember ,happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
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