Feliz Primavera

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia is always high on the list for travellers looking for a citybreak. Not only is Spain's second city one of Europe's most cosmopolitan, it is also one of Europe's most unique destinations. In fact Barcelona is the top citybreak destination for Spain holiday deals, beating Madrid thanks to its relaxed atmosphere, good food and most famously its excellent city beaches. Throughout the course of the year Barcelona also has a number of popular festivals that attract holidaymakers of all ages. Primavera sound festival starts off the pick of the city's music events in May and is perfect for anyone looking for an early getaway.

The festival takes place just as Barcelona's weather really begins to heat up so the beaches will be well utilised along with the city's other sites. For holidaymakers wanting to take advantage of the weather it is best to attend the second half of primavera sound in the iconic coastal Parc del forum from the 26th to the 28th of May. Holidaymakers with a passion for everything cultural, and with a love of breathtaking sites should book the opening and closing days on the 25th and 29th of May in Montjuic. This year's event is closed by the Vaccines in one of Spain's highest and most beautiful city parks.

Before heading to join the other revellers in Poble Espanyol a visit to the Palau Nacional, the National Palace is in order. On display are some of Spain's most famous and important works of art including some 12th century frescoes. There is also an impressive collection of gothic art featuring Lluis Dalmau among others. The surroundings of Montjuic alone are enough to want to book late deals to Barcelona, and Poble Espanyol is a fitting place to hold the festival because the area epitomises the eclectic nature of one of the world's best cities.

The name Poble Espanyol translates as Spanish village. The area was built in 1929, at the same time as the Palau Nacional for the international exhibition and includes building styles from all over Spain. Poble Espanyol is a fine showcase of regional Spanish architecture and its main square is heaving during the opening and closing days of an event that has hosted the likes of the white stripes and Portishead in previous years. Castell de Montjuic is another one of the park's most popular sites. The 18th century fort on the summit of the 700ft hill has an interesting and at times bloody history, making it the perfect location for Barcelona's military museum.

The city's modernist architecture is easily among the best in the world with legendary Catalonian architect Gaudi heavily, and spectacularly represented throughout Barcelona. A trip to Eixample is the best place to go and see his more famous works, Casa Mila and La Sagrada Familia. Both buildings are must see sites for visitors taking advantage of cheap holidays to the Catalan capital and visiting from other parts of the affluent north east.

Fotos De La Primavera

Sardinia is an island to the west of mainland Italy in the Mediterranean Sea south of Rome and almost entirely south of Naples. Don't be surprised that spring starts early here. And it is beautiful, at least much of the time. Many people find the Sardinian spring weather more pleasant than that of the Sardinian summer. So you have yet another reason to vacation here during Primavera.

The small town of Sardara, population about 4500, is located some 30 miles (50 kilometers) northwest of Cagliari, the regional capital in the south of the island. On March 12 it commemorates the death of its Patron Saint San Gregorio Magno in the beautiful early Fourteenth Century church of the same name. This is the religious ceremony. The festive version occurs on September 3.

Cagliari's population is 160 thousand; its metropolitan area is home to some 400 thousand. On the fourth Sunday of April the city hosts the Cagliari Marathon that passes through some very spectacular coastline. You can actually apply to be part of this event, even if you aren't Sardinian.

The start of May in Cagliari is dedicated to Sant'Efisio, an officer in Roman Emperor Diocletian's army who was sent to curb Sardinia's Christian communities. He had a vision and converted to Christianity. After refusing to renounce his faith he was beheaded in 303 in nearby Nora. According to tradition in 1652 the Saint saved Cagliari from a plague that devastated the city, killing half of its inhabitants. The religious celebration lasts a full four days. Ceremonies start in Nora at noon on May 1 when his statue leaves the local church in a gold-plated Seventeenth Century coach drawn by oxen. Accompanied by traditional music the coach visits the local villages for three days. An estimated five thousand people participate in the procession which includes dozens of specially decorated ox-carts and traditionally dressed horsemen. On the fourth of the month the Saint's statue returns to Cagliari where it is greeted by thousands of torch carrying worshippers. The celebration ends with a huge banquet featuring Cagliari's excellent seafood. This is one traditional religious celebration, among the largest and most fervent in the world.

For a change of pace visit Porto Cervo, an upscale seaside resort in northern Sardinia's Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) a major home away from home for the jet set, or should I say the yacht set? In mid May there is a Yacht Race, said to be the most exclusive sailing event in Italy. Of course the exact date and time of the race depends on the weather conditions. Try to get into the local observatory high on a granite cliff for an excellent view of the race and bragging rights. I am told that you, or at least a select few, can follow the race by car.

Primavera Botticelli

World-renowned 'Early Renaissance' painter Sandro Botticelli (1445-1510), was an Italian Florentine artist, whose artistic prowess remained in oblivion posthumously for almost four hundred years. Historian Alexis-François Rio unveiled Botticelli before the world. 'Renaissance' was one of the most influential movements, encompassing the entire gamut of artistic faculties and culture as a whole. Sandro's works were mostly centered on religious and mythological themes. In line with the then prevailing customs of art, they also focused on the thematic representation of mythologies through detailed human forms and elaborate backgrounds. Botticelli is best known for his paintings, "Primavera" and "The Birth of Venus."

Primavera is large 80" X 124" piece, presently displayed at Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence, Italy. This magnificent painting was created in 1482, on a wood panel as the support and tempera surface (made of thin layer of plaster blended with egg yolk and minerals) as the base. This, highly ornate piece of work, representing the onset of the spring season, is painted in rich color scheme and classic 'Symbolism.' "Primavera" finely delineates nine divine figures, clothed in attires that reveal their anatomical structures with near perfection. Each divine icon holds its unique religious significance and philosophical essence.

Primavera is based upon the unfinished poem by Ovid, Fasti. The whole scene of the artwork is set in the Garden of Venus. Though positioned behind all other Gods, Venus is visible as the most prominent, central figure in the painting. At the extreme right is Zephyr (God of Wind), reaching out for Nymph Chloris. According to the myth, Zephyr forcefully abducted Chloris, as his wife. When self-realization and guilt struck Zephyr however, he transformed Chloris into Flora, the Goddess of Spring. Flora is also distinctively featured in "Primavera," as a goddess in floral clothing, spreading fresh flowers as she moves.

Towards the left side of Venus, are the Three Graces (Charites), Aglaea (Splendor), Euphrosyne (Mirth), and Thalia (Good Cheer), depicted in a dancing posture. Cupid is shown hovering over the head of Venus, aiming his bow at the Three Graces, and is just about to release the arrow. At the extreme left side of the painting is standing the guard of the garden, Mercury. Loosely wearing a bright pink colored, flowing drape, he is stretching his right arm to symbolically touch the clouds above. He is depicted wearing divine armor on head and carrying his weapon, a sword. Botticelli's "Primavera" is the true archetype of grace and beauty, which embody the spirit of painting, and is therefore considered among the masterworks of all times.

Dia De La Primavera

A Spanish holiday at a luxury resort or villa has much to offer a traveler. Combine beautiful beaches, great food and good old-fashioned rest and relaxation with culture and you have the makings of a great vacation. Murcia offers all that to those who choose to visit the resorts of La Manga.

Festivals in Murcia are year-round. Pick a month and there is sure to be some type of festival to suit your needs. A well-known musical event is the Las Minas Flamenco Song Festival. This festival takes place in the mining town of La Union in July. The harbor town of Cartagena holds the La Mar de Musicas Festival every summer.

The International Festival de Mediterranean Folklore takes place over three days every September. This event brings many groups from all over the world to the region to celebrate its culture. They play music, spotlight traditions and perform dances to entertain and educate visitors to the festival.

Another wonderful festival is the International Festival of Theater, Music and Dance in Almansa. This festival features top performers from Spain and around the world. What's unique about this festival is the way it displays classical works alongside modern works across the various disciplines represented.

January brings La Fiesta de las Cuadrillas in Murcia. This festival celebrates the present-day culture of the Murcia region and highlights the music common to the area. Every February sees the town of Aguilas celebrate with carnivals that have a 200-year tradition. These carnivals combine costumes and disguises with lots of music. The month of March has Las Incursiones Berberiscas, which takes place in Los Alcazares in Mar Menor. This three-day festival has music, dancing, games and a medieval market.

The town of Lorca celebrates Holy Week every April with many colorful processions that give tourists a closer look at the area's religious traditions. Following the Holy Week processions are the Fiestas de Primavera. The month of May sees the town of Cieza in Murcia filled with crosses made from flowers for the Dia de la Cruz.

The period from June through December has the town of San Javier hosting many festivals. These include jazz, theater, music and dance. For even more variety, there are the celebrations of the Dia de los Santos in Calasparra. These have everything from open-air dances and floats to rice tasting and even a bull run.

In the town of Torre Pacheco, the Fiesta del Melon each July celebrates the cultivation of melons. In August, the small, quiet town of Aledo hosts festivals to commemorate its history. September sees Murcia giving its citizens and visitors the Feria de Murcia, a festival filled with concerts, bull runs and a very popular procession.

Spanish holiday villas in La Manga offers a traveler access to all that goes on in the Murcia region. Of course, there's the sun, surf and sand. Even with that, though, there's always time for a museum, art gallery or festival. When you want to venture out from your apartments, villas or luxury resort accommodation, try the festivals Murcia has waiting for you.