Be a Local Valencia

02/11/2022

🇬🇧 As today is All Soul's Day, I thought it would be the perfect day to show you the full image of my recently updated profile pic mainly because it has a skull in it. Sooner or later we'll all eventually become a skull...well , unless you get cremated.

Throughout Allhallowtide it's traditional to commemorate your passed away loved ones by taking flowers to their graves, cleaning their tombstones and burning candles at night although each family will have their own traditions. What traditions do you have during Allhallowtide?

🇪🇸 Ya que hoy es el Día de los Difuntos pensé que sería el mejor día para enseñaros la imagen entera de mi nueva foto de perfil que cambié hace poco, más que nada porque en ella hay una calavera.

Durante el Tiempo de Todos los Santos es tradicional conmemorar a tus seres queridos que ya no estan yendo al cementerio a llevarles flores, lavarles las lápidas y encender velas en casa, aunque claro en cada casa tienen sus propias tradiciones. ¿Qué tradiciones tienes tu?

19/10/2022

🇬🇧 Yeah, this gargoyle is doing exactly what you are thinking unless you're a bit on innocent side.

According to local belief, this gargoyle is kinda like a medieval GPS signalling the direction to one of the most popular brothels that existed in medieval Europe. It was known locally as La Pobla de les Fembres Pecadrius (The Village of Sinful Women) because obviously it was the women who were full of sin not the poor benevolent men that only wanted to give them a bit of charity.

🇪🇸 Sí, sí, esta gárgola está haciendo exactamente lo que piensas al no ser que seas bastante inocente, vamos.

Según creencia popular, está gárgola fue una especie de GPS medieval apuntando hacia el lugar donde se encontraba uno de los burdeles más famosos de toda Europa medieval. Se conocía como La Pobla de les Fembres Pecadrius (La Puebla de las Hembras Pecadoras) porque claro era la mujer que pecaba no el pobre hombre que sólo iba a darles la caridad.

09/10/2022

🇬🇧 Happy Nou d'Octubre, Day of the Valencian Community!

On the 9th October 1238 James I of Aragon and his troops entered the City of Valencia after Zayyan Ibn Mardanish, the last Valencian Muslim King, had already surrendered on 28th September

Do you know why there's a bat on the flag of the València? According to legend, it was a bat that alerted James I of Aragon of a surprise attack the Moors had planned to defeat the Christians while they were sleeping. If it wasn't for the bats warning they would have lost and Valencia would have remained under Moorish control for God knows how many more years.

🇪🇸 ¡Feliz Nou d'Octubre, Día de la Comunidad Valenciana!

El 9 de octubre 1238 Jaume I y sus tropas entraron en la ciudad de Valencia después de la capitulación de la ciudad por parte de Zayyan Ibn Mardanish, el último rey musulmán valenciano, del 28 septiembre.

¿Sabes porqué hay un murciélago en la bandera Valenciana? Según la leyenda, un murciélago avisó a Jaime I de que los musulmanes estaban planeando atacar por sorpresa mientras dormían. Si no hubiera sido por el murciélago hubieran fracasado en su conquista y Valencia estaría bajo dominio musulmán por Dios sabe cuánto tiempo más.

07/10/2022

🇬🇧 The 9th October is a very significant date in Valencia because two important celebrations take place: the Day of the Valencian Community & the Feast of St Denis.

Did you know that St Denis is the Valencian equivalent of St Valentine's Day? On this day it's traditional to gift your lover with marzipan figurines wrapped in handkerchief or scarf known locally as Mocadorà.

Have you ever given or received a Mocadorà before?

🇪🇸 El 9 de Octubre es una fecha muy señalada en Valencia ya que se celebran dos fiestas significativas: el Día de la Comunidad Valenciana y Sant Donís (San Dionisio).

Sabías que Sant Donís es el equivalente a San Valentín para los enamorados valencianos? Para celebrar su fiesta es tradicional regalarle a tu amor la Mocadorà, unas figuritas de mazapán envueltas en un pañuelo.

¿Has regalado o te han regalado la Mocadorà alguna vez?

05/10/2022

🇬🇧 Did you know that you'll have an opportunity to visit the official flag of the Valencian Community known as the Reial Senyera this Saturday at the Salón de Cristal (Crystal Hall) of the Ajuntament de Valencia (Valencia City Hall)? It will be on display from 10am - 9pm (last entrance at 8.30pm). At 7pm there will also be a hymn sung known as Cant a la Senyera.

If you're not really bothered about seeing a flag you can still visit this beautiful hall as its open to the general public every day (except weekends) from 8am - 3pm. If you haven't already been, I definitely recommend it.

🇪🇸 ¿Sabías que este sábado podrás ver la Reial Senyera Valenciana (Real Señera Valenciana) en el Salón de Cristal en el Ayuntamiento de Valencia? Estará expuesta desde las 10.00 hasta las 21.00 (último pase a las 20.30) y a las 19.00 se interpretará el Cant a la Senyera.

Si te importa un bledo ver una bandera, puedes visitar este salón precioso ya que está abierto al público todos los días laborables desde las 8.00 hasta las 15.00. Si aún no lo has visitado, te lo recomiendo.

07/09/2022

🇬🇧 Somewhere in La Mancha, in a place whose name I DO care to remember as it's my maternal family's village. 😝

Anyone from La Mancha would probably recognise a similar image: scorched earth, thistles, endless landscapes and long forgotten rural architecture.

My mother, who was born here deep in La Mancha, told me that she has fond memories of this exact spot known as La Taina as she used to come here to celebrate Easter Monday with her friends. A "taina" was a type of covered shelter for livestock out in the countryside. This particular one even had an attached house and the building you can see in the 1st pic. Can you guess what it is or what it was used for?

🇪🇸 En algún lugar de La Mancha, de cuyo nombre SÍ que me acuerdo porqué es mi pueblo materno. 😝

Cualquier Manchego reconocería una estampa veraniega similar a esta: tierra quemada, cardos, paisajes infinitos y arquitectura rural olvidada.

Mi madre que nació aquí en La Mancha profunda me contó que guarda bonitos recuerdos de este lugar en particular conocido como La Taina ya que solía venir aquí a comerse la Mona de Pascua con sus amigos. Para quien no lo sepa, una taina era un construcción en mitad del campo que se usaba para dar cobijo al ganado. Esta taina en particular contaba además con una casa adosada y el edificio que se puede ver en la primera foto. ¿Adivinas qué es o para qué se usaba?

09/05/2022

If you know what tree this is, you're a true Mediterranean. And if you're not Mediterranean, you're just wise. And if it's not the tree I think it is, just shoot me now.

Name that tree!

09/05/2022

02/05/2022

Have you seen any crosses decorated in flowers on the streets and wondered what's going on?

It's to celebrate Las Cruces de Mayo (The May Crosses), an ancient spring festival that was given the Christian treatment, like so many of our fiestas. The Romans celebrated Floralia around this time in honour of Flora, the Goddess of flowers and spring. When Christianity took over it was transformed into a celebration to venerate the true cross decorated in fresh flowers.

What Spring Festivals do you celebrate and how?

03/01/2022

In most places Christmas is basically over but in Spain Christmas is still in the air.

This festive period will culminate in Epiphany on the 6th January which marks when the Three Kings presented baby Jesus with gifts. This is why Spanish children traditionally wait until this day to open their own gifts also bought by these magical men.

20/10/2021

No need to sound the alarm; the Turia River hasn't made its way back to its natural river bed. This is just a shallow pool of water that was built around the Pont de la Mar (Mar Bridge) to represent the river that used to flow here before the Great Flood of 1957.

The Great Flood of 1957 was the most tragic flood in living memory but it wasn't actually the first or the most devastating one in the city's recorded history. This particular bridge was actually destroyed during the 1589 flood and was rebuilt in 1596. It has stood the test of time and subsequent floods since then.

Do you know any of the bridges that didn't actually survive the Great Flood of 1957?

18/10/2021

Did you know that the Turia River used to flow through the city of Valencia?

After the Great Flood of 1957 (La Gran Riada del 57), there was an ambitious project known as Plan Sur (The South Plan) to divert the river to the south of the city in a monumental artificial channel. In 1973, the course of the river changed forever and started to flow down its new waterway.

The dry river bed section in the city was going to be turned into motorway to connect Madrid with the Port of Valencia but thankfully, due to a social movement known as "El llit del Turia és nostre i el volem verd" (The Turia River bed is ours and we want it to be green), it never went ahead. The locals finally got what they wanted when the river bed was turned into a urban park and opened in 1986.

Can you guess what bridge this was taken from?

14/10/2021

On this day in 1957, Valencia was already battling with the torrential rain that had caused a flood in the city but around midday the heavens opened up to the max and unleashed all its might upon the city causing the river to burst at its seams for a second time and engulf the city in water and mud even further.

Curiously, the area around the cathedral and basilica were unaffected by the floods which led many locals believing it was a miracle. The truth however is far less mysterious. You see the Romans founded the city in this area and they knew exactly what they were doing. It turns out that this area is actually on higher ground although you can't really tell with the naked eye as all of Valencia is pretty much flat.

Also, all the medieval stone bridges survived the flood whereas the newly constructed bridges such as Pont de Fusta & Pasarela de la Exposiciò collapsed.

Swipe left to see how the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (then known as Plaza del Caudillo) looked like during the flood.

12/10/2021

If you arrive in Valencia via the North Train Station (Estació del Nord) don't forget to wave back at Ganymede straddled on this birdie atop a Neo-baroque building opposite. It's not good luck or anything, just basic manners. 😜

This sculpture was the symbol of an insurance company founded in 1879 after La Unión and El Fénix Español merged. Originally it was just meant to be a phoenix but following the merger it was redesigned and a man was added. Many moons later, it was discovered that it had been turned into the Greek myth of Ganymede. According to legend, Ganymede was the most beautiful of mortals who was abducted by Zeus' eagle to serve as his cup bearer in Olympus. According to tradition, Zeus later put Ganymede in the sky as the constellation of Aquarius adjacent to the constellation of Aquila (Eagle).

Coincidentally, there's sculpture of an eagle on top of the train station which is adjacent or opposite, depending how you look at it. This probably wasn't intentional as this particular eagle represents speed but it's certainly something to think about next time you're waiting for a train.

08/10/2021

One of the most impressive hidden gems within the Palau de la Generalitat is this sumptuous golden coffered ceiling in the Retret Daurat. It was built between 1517 - 1538 in the neo-mudejar and renaissance style with gold that was brought back to Spain from the Americas.

Don't forget that tomorrow is a public holiday in the Valencian Community to celebrate Nou d'Octubre! I know a lot of locals that are highly unimpressed that this year it has fallen on a Saturday but at least Tuesday 12th is a national public holiday.

06/10/2021

Did you know that the Palau de la Generalitat (pictured on the right) marks its 600th anniversary this year?! This gothic building is the headquarters of the government of the whole Valencian Community (Provinces of Valencia, Castellón & Alicante).

This week there's an open house so you can visit it freely from 10am - 6pm except for the 7th when it will close at 2pm. Although be advised that sometimes they close it for a while if there's official business going on or if they simply just can't be arsed to open at any given time.

Don't fret if you can't make it this week as you can always arrange a free guided tour at a later date. You only need to send an email to [email protected] stating the following: number of people, where you live, full name and DNI (or equivalent), mobile number & dates you'd like to go.

01/10/2021

If you've noticed something weird going on around the Serranos Towers (Torres de Serranos) it could because it has been one of the spots in the city chosen to be part of Citadel, a new upcoming spy thriller on Amazon Prime Video.

Not much is known about the series but it will star Mason Kane and Priyanka Chopra and has been described as an action-packed spy series with a compelling emotional center. It will be an expansive and groundbreaking global event comprising a mothership series and several local language satellite series. It will include spinoffs set in Italy, India, Spain and Mexico.

Other filming locations in Valencia include Plaza Doctor Collado where there will be a Falla, Palau de Malferit, Plaza Músico López Chavarri & the City of Arts and Sciences.

Do you know any other films or series that have been filmed or set in Valencia?

29/09/2021

The view of Valencia from the Torres de Quart is in my top 3.

What are your favourite Valencia viewpoints?

27/09/2021

The Quart Towers (Torres de Quart) are completely engulfed by the sprawl of the city that grew after the destruction of the city walls that once encircled the historic centre.

Today this area is known as the Extramurs District (outside the walls) and is made up of the neighbourhoods of El Botanic (pictured), La Roqueta, La Petxina & Arrancapins.

Did you know that throughout the history of Valencia there were three city walls around the city? The first wall encircled the Roman city, the second encircled the Islamic city and finally the last wall encircled the Christian era city.

24/09/2021

Jutting out to see is the Morro de Toix, the headland of the Bernia Mountain Range (Serra Bernia) that was once used by brave fishermen who scaled the rock and installed a system of ropes, ladders and suspended reed platforms to catch their fish. This fishing practice eventually died down as it was too dangerous but you can still see evidence such as the ladders and bits of string still attached to the rock.

The Morro de Toix is part of Calpe but this cove known as Cala Racó del Corb (AKA Cala El Collao) actually belongs to Pueblo Mascarat in Altea. The way down is is not impossible but there are a few sections that are a bit tricky especially if you're not used to hiking, or in my case, carrying a picnic cooler and a beach chair. At one point, I literally chucked the chair down the vertical hill because I needed my hands free so I wouldn't plummet to my death. Shorty after, I let a few ladies go past me as I was moving at the pace of a snail and they asked me if I was OK because they had heard a loud bang and thought I had fallen. I explained what had happened and they offered to carry my chair down for me which I thought was really nice of them but I turned the offer down because I had come that far that I was adamant to do it myself. Never underestimate the the kindness of strangers!

Have you ever been to a beach or cove that was difficult to access? Let me know your experiences.

22/09/2021

It's officially the end of summer but as long as the weather holds up and don't have to unlock my winter closet, I'm adamant I'll still go to the beach.

Nestled between the mountain ranges of Bernia and Gelada lies the Badia d'Altea, a beautiful bay with some of the best beaches and coves in the Valencian Community.

Did you know that this bay was once a hot spot for Barbary Pirates in the Middle Ages? Despite virtually dying down by the 19th Century it was still guarded by the authorities to monitor the smuggling of weapons, to***co, coffee and sugar; various custom guards were set up on this coast between 1829 - 1836.

Here you can see part of Punta Mascarat (Mascarat Point) and Serra Gelada with Benidorm in the distance. If you squint you can just about make out the famous Benidorm skyscrapers.

20/09/2021

Summer is coming to an end but that doesn't mean that the beach season is completely over. Weather permitting, this is actually one of the best times to go to the beach because the crowds dwindle and you can enjoy nature in peace.

This is Cala Barra Grande, a beautiful cove with crystal clear water in Pueblo Mascarat perfect to go snorkeling.

Do you prefer small rocky coves or long stretches of beach?

17/09/2021

Come rain or shine its always a good idea to go on a little day trip to one of the many picturesque villages in Valencia.

Do I prefer going on a day trip when there are blue skies and the sun is shinning bright? Yes. Do I completely change my plans just because it might rain? No. Actually, some of my best trips have been when the weather has been less than ideal because it makes you get creative and you also see places in a completely different light, quite literally.

This Vía Crucis in Bocairent makes its way up a hill to a hermitage at the top. I'll always remember it because on the way back down I tripped and rolled down to the station of the cross "Jesus falls for the second time" and snapped my glasses in half. Great!

Have you ever had a little accident during a day trip somewhere?

15/09/2021

The summer ain't over but once September hits many locals won't go swimming outdoors even if the weather is perfectly fine. This weekend the forecast doesn't look promising but you can't really trust the threat of rain here as it seldom delivers. I hope I haven't just jinxed it.

At times like these I like planning on going somewhere where it's pleasant enough to walk around and discover but also where I can still go swimming if it doesn't rain. This mountain village, known as Chulilla, is a perfect example; there's lots to see and plenty of swimming spots nearby.

Do you still go swimming at the beach or river in September or have you already packed away your swimming costumes? I just don't want it to end!

06/09/2021

Fallas this year was rather weird. The monuments that had been made throughout the year for Fallas 2020 had to be kept in storage as the festival was cancelled just as it had started. This year they finally got round to burning those monuments but the festival lacked most of the events that would normally take place and it was much quieter!⁣
⁣
This Falla was an ode to the popular Spanish Netflix show La Casa de Papel (Money Heist). The latest season is already out! Are you a fan or have you not even seen it? ⁣
⁣
Please, no spoilers!

03/09/2021

This depiction of the Christ Pantokrator can be found on the exterior of the first purpose built Russian Orthodox Church in Spain. The Pantokrator is widespread in the Orthodox church and is thought to be one of the earliest images of Christ developed in the Early Christian Church. ⁣
⁣
Either side of the Christ are the letters IC & XC which is a christogram representing the first and last letters of the Greek form of Jesus Christ (Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς). If you look closely at his hands it may seem they are rather mangled but they are actually spelling out these letters. Can you see them? ⁣ ⁣

30/08/2021

Much to my dismay I haven't gone abroad on holiday and taking in the sights somewhere more "exotic". ⁣
⁣
This wooden church can be found somewhere in the Valencian Community but it's not your average Catholic Church. It belongs to a different Christian denomination. ⁣
⁣
Any guesses which denomination or what countries you'd expect to find a church like this? ⁣
⁣

27/08/2021

Cala Barra Grande is perhaps the best rocky cove in the Comunitat Valenciana not only because of its obvious beauty and crystal clear water but because it's hardly ever packed unlike most other beaches in the area. ⁣
⁣
It's hardly a secret cove as it can be easily seen from the road but access is a bit complicated because there are no signs and you need to circle an urbanisation that seems to block the access point. Under Spanish law, all urbanisations need to leave at least 200m for the public to be able to access the sea. Furthermore, there's a bit of a vertical hill you need to descend to actually get on the beach but you needn't worry too much as there is a chain that you can use to propel down should you need it. ⁣
⁣
Watch out for locals, especially those who have nearby properties because they like to claim it as a private beach. This is false as under Spanish law all beaches/coves along the Spanish coast are public so such claims are bogus, mainly intended to deter people and claim exclusivity. You can now tell them where to stick it should you come across such an entitled idiot. ⁣
⁣
Bare in mind that this is a rocky cove (not lovely smooth pebbles) so you definitely need some kind of waterproof shoes to walk around and enter the sea. Also, technically it's a nudist beach but when I went there were no nudists; if there however they have all the right in the world to strip down if they wish so don't complain; if you don't like it, go elsewhere. ⁣
⁣
Do you like rocky coves or do you prefer sandy beaches? ⁣
⁣

25/08/2021

Mascarat is a village in Altea boasting numerous crystal clear beaches and coves some of which are easier to get to than others. Even the easily accessible Playa Mascarat and Cala Mascarat (where there is ample parking) are amazing but if you are up for a little adventure and don't mind hiking a bit you'll be rewarded with two of the most idyllic rocky coves in the area: Cala Racó del Corb and Cala Barra Grande.⁣
⁣
From here you can even see the British tourist hot-spot Benidorm, or as I like to call it Chavidorm because of the amount of British chavs that like to holiday there to get sunburnt, drink litres of booze, eat plenty fish and chips (none of that foreign muck) and perhaps enjoy a show by Sticky Vicky. If you don't know Sticky Vicky, Google it or maybe not, you might want to die. If you know, you know.⁣
⁣
Do you prefer easily accesible beaches or do you prefer a bit of adventure?⁣