April, 2018 | CuddlyNest Travel Blog

Activities & Adventure 3 MINS READ

Sant Jordi: Love and Culture around Barcelona

PUBLISHED 26 APRIL 2018

Sant Jordi: Love and Culture around Barcelona

Activities & Adventure ● 3 MINS READ

PUBLISHED 26 APRIL 2018

On April 23, the Sant Jordi Day is celebrated throughout Catalonia. It is a very special day for the Catalans since it is a day to reclaim their own culture. Tradition says that boys should give a rose to their beloved, while girls should give them a book.

The legend

A long time ago there was a terrifying dragon located in the village of Montblanc, south-west of Barcelona. The dragon was always hungry, so the people gave him one animal a day to keep it from attacking the village. However, one day the dragon ate the last of the animals, and then it started eating the people of the town too. In order to satisfy the hunger of the dragon, the village decided to randomly choose a person every day to be sacrificed to the beast.

One day the princess’ name came up, and although that made the King very sad, he sent her to the dragon. But just when the beast was about to eat the princess, a brave and handsome knight, known as Sant Jordi, rode into town and killed the dragon with his spear, saving her life.

From the blood of the dragon, there grew a rose bush, and Sant Jordi took a red rose and gave it to the princess as a sign of his love. Everybody in the village was very happy because the dragon was dead and they lived peacefully ever after.

The real history

Sant Jordi was a knight who served Emperor Diocletian, and who refused to follow his orders to persecute the Christians, so he was beheaded on April 23rd of 303. From that moment on he was started venerate and then fantastic stories about his person emerged.

In the fifteenth century, a fair of roses was held every year in commemoration of Sant Jordi attended by many engaged couples and young matrons. It is thought that this is the origin of the tradition of giving a rose to loved ones.

On the other hand, on November 15th, 1995, the General Conference of Unesco decreed April 23rd as the International Book and Copyright Day. So, during that day the readers take the opportunity to exchange reading impressions in the streets with their favorite writers. In recent years, this ritual has had a great media reception so that success has spread well beyond the Catalan territory.

Sant Jordi today

Since then the popularity of this day has been growing in such a way that it is almost impossible to walk through the streets of Barcelona on that date. In each corner of the city, you can find stops with roses and books. In addition, there are many acts in which free love is claimed, as well as musical performances with the Catalan culture as the main character.

April 23rd is not a day to stay at home. In the streets of Barcelona you can find writers signing their books at the stands, talks with authors, commemorative parties and also a blood donation campaign, because being altruistic is a great gesture of love.

In addition, the entire city is decorated. If you walk along Paseo de Gracia you have to go to Casa Batlló, the most commemorative building on this day. Gaudí was inspired by the Legend of Sant Jordi to create this architectural masterpiece (the roof imitates the scales of a dragon). So in the day, the house dresses its facade with roses giving it an even more impressive look.

Start planning your Spring love getaway for next year in one of the most fashionable cities in the world. Stroll along the Ramblas of Barcelona feeling the smell of roses, enjoy the Catalan culture at its peak and delight. We know April 2019 is not just around the corner but, it’s never too early.

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Activities & Adventure 3 MINS READ

Top 5 Summer parties

PUBLISHED 12 APRIL 2018

Top 5 Summer parties

Activities & Adventure ● 3 MINS READ

PUBLISHED 12 APRIL 2018

Summer is already here, that means beach, vacation and lots of fun. When it comes to the latter, there are some destinations and dates specifically designed for those hard-core partygoers who are always willing to move to get the best that good weather brings with it.

From Cuddlynest, we will give you 5 options that you should cross off your list of things to do.

1. Ibiza

The fate of the party and the chaos of excellence. This small island located in the Balearic archipelago (Spain), is widely known for its nightclubs and endless parties. During the day you can not miss Sa Trinxa and the Jockey Club, where you can enjoy the good vibes of the beach and music as a warm-up for the night session.

For the darkest hours, there are many options: Pacha, Amnesia, Space or Privilege. We all know that the hard part is getting up the next day. Therefore, the best option is to go to Ushuaia, in Playa d’en Bossa, the ideal place to spend those mornings somewhat complicated after a night of fun and some excesses.

2. Full Moon Party

Actually, this is a festival that is celebrated every month during the full moon on the island of Ko Pha Ngan in Thailand. It all started in 1985 when a group of backpackers began to gather there to celebrate the full moon. From that moment on, the party became known worldwide. Now, different scenarios are installed on the beach, you can participate in various activities (like jumping a rope of fire or jump down inflatable slides), and is the meeting place of millions of solo travelers willing to spend an unforgettable night.

3. La Tomatina

The war of tomatoes. This Spanish festival is celebrated in Valencia on the last Wednesday of August (this year is August 29). It is one of the most original, colorful, sticky, contagious and fun festivals in Spain: a clean tomatazo war.

The tradition began in 1945 when some young people started to fight in the town square of Buñol and had no hand to throw more than the vegetables from a nearby post gave rise to this vegetable battle. The following year, those same young people met again to repeat the feat, but the police intervened and the battle was forbidden. After a few years, the town of Buñol organized a march called “the tomato burial”, in which the whole village dressed in mourning and walked the streets carrying a coffin with a tomato inside while they cried and sang funeral songs in the streets.

This procession was so successful that the ban was lifted and since then it is a party that has given much to talk about internationally and has even been the scene of films and television series.

4. San Fermines

Following the crazy Spanish parties, who have not heard of this famous tradition in which bulls run through the streets of Pamplona? Seven days of celebration, madness, and calimocho (wine mixed with Coke, the most typical drink of Pamplona).

Something that few people know is that the party does not start on July 7 as the famous song says, the chupinazo (the beginning of the festivities), takes place on July 6 and it is one of the best days to be present, as it’s not so crowded and is when the city’s peñas come together in the town square to enjoy a hearty breakfast that replaces the coffee with the famous beverage mentioned above.

5. Boat Party in Gili Trawangan

There is no specific date for this event. In fact, you can enjoy it throughout the year. Known as the Party island of Bali, it is a must stop for those who are in Indonesia. Remember: save yourself one day to spend it on a boat party, you will not regret it.

You will have to find the party, we can provide you with the accommodation everywhere you wanna go cuddlynest.com

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Basque 4 MINS READ

Basque Country — Food Culture and Top Locations

PUBLISHED 3 APRIL 2018

Basque Country — Food Culture and Top Locations

Basque ● 4 MINS READ

PUBLISHED 3 APRIL 2018

Step into a world where culinary wonders merge with breathtaking landscapes. From the bustling streets of Bilbao to the picturesque shores of San Sebastian, we’ll embark on an adventure that tantalizes the senses and captures the heart. Here are all the essential stops you need to take in the Basque Country!

Basque Country: Essential Stops

Navarra: Pamplona

The Basque Country is known worldwide for its mouthwatering Basque cuisine and wines. If you travel to this part of Spain, it is essential that you stop by its charming local bars and restaurants.

It’s safe to say that culinary excellence runs through the Basque Country. There are nearly 40 Michelin-starred restaurants here — El Molino de Urdániz (2 Michelin Stars), Europa Restaurant, Rodero, and La Biblioteca are located in Pamplona. Don’t leave without trying delicious tapas!

Did you know that Navarra has a long history of winemaking, dating back to Roman times? It boasts a diverse range of terroirs and microclimates, which contribute to the production of a variety of high-quality wines.

To experience the vibrant wine scene firsthand, go wine tasting on the streets of Navarra or attend various wine-related festivals and events that are held throughout the year.

Also, when you visit Pamplona, take a walk around the historic San Nicolás neighborhood and Estafeta,a famous street and a route for the bulls during the San Fermines.

Find Places To Stay In Pamplona, Spain

Guipuzcoa: Zumaia and San Sebastián

Obligatory stop: Zumaia, a town that will leave you breathless. On the way to San Sebastian, stop for lunch at the Idoia Ardotegia Restaurant. Relish anything from fried squid rings to cod and tender sirloin.

After you’ve satisfied your hunger, visit the nearby Zumaia Beach, one of the filming locations of the popular series Game of Thrones. Read more about the must-see Game of Thrones locations in Spain here!

Furthermore, the beautiful San Sebastián is best known for its natural beauty and the Comb of the Wind, acollection of three steel sculptures created by the famous sculptor Chillida.

To visit the Comb of the Wind, take a stroll along the picturesque coastal path that leads from the city center to the sculpture site. The path offers incredible views of the Bay of Biscay and the dramatic coastline. The sculptures themselves are set on the rocks, and visitors can observe how they create a dynamic and ever-changing display.

Vizcaya: Bilbao, Mundaka, and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

Another essential stop of the Basque area — Bilbao. Stroll through The Seven Streets and enjoy the best tapas in Plaza Nueva. You can also try croquetas, chuletones, and the spectacular pintxos paired with a glass of Ramón Bilbao.

Without a doubt, the Guggenheim Museum is also a destination that you simply cannot overlook when in Bilbao. More about this in our blog called the 7 great things to do in Bilbao, Spain!

Find Places To Stay In Bilbao, Spain

On the other hand, Mundaka is renowned as one of the world’s premier surfing destinations, drawing enthusiasts from around the globe to experience its legendary waves. The best times to watch the waves in Mundaka would typically align with the surfing season, which is often during the fall and winter months. Some prime watching spots include Mundaka Beach, Portuondo Beach, the Mundaka Estuary, and the waterfront promenade.

An attraction that has garnered even more acclaim than San Sebastian is none other than San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. The reason behind its heightened fame is quite straightforward — it served as the backdrop for the memorable encounter between Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow during the Seventh Season of Game of Thrones. Who could forget that iconic conversation, unfolding as they descended the steps of Dragonstone?

FAQ

Where is the Basque culture located?

The Basque culture is centered in the Basque Country, which straddles the border between Spain and France.

What is the most popular Basque food?

Popular Basque dishes:

Pintxos;
Bacalao a la Vizcaína;
Txangurro;
Marmitako;
Chuletón;
Idiazabal Cheese;
Piperrada;
Talo con Chistorra;
Gâteau Basque.

What is the best cider house in the Basque Country where you can enjoy authentic Basque cider?

Some of the best cider houses in the Basque Country:

Sagardotegi Petritegi (Astigarraga);
Sidrería Bereziartua (Astigarraga);
Sagardotegi Etxeberria (Astigarraga);
Sidrería Zapiain (Astigarraga);
Sagardoa Alorrenea (Zizurkil);
Sidrería Astarbe (Zizurkil);
Sagardoa Gartziategi (Usurbil).

How have Basque chefs contributed to the evolution of New Basque Cuisine?

Basque chefs have played a pivotal role in the evolution of New Basque Cuisine, reshaping culinary landscapes with their innovative techniques and artistic presentations.

What do popular Basque recipes reflect?

Popular Basque Country’s recipes reflect the region’s deep culinary heritage, celebrated for its rich flavors, seasonal produce, and a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

What are Basque cities?

Some of the prominent Basque towns and cities include Bilbao, Mundaka, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Zumaia, San Sebastián, and Pamplona.

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